Filenews 29 August 2022 - by Despina Psyllou
In 943 cases, drivers of Cyprus sent a distress signal through the eCall system, from the beginning of the year until August 24th. As evidenced by evidence obtained by "F", most of the calls for help through this system occurred during March (144), February (138) and July (131). At the same time, it was clarified that in the event of a serious accident, notifications to 112 are made automatically through a mechanism that new cars are obliged to carry based on a decision of the Commission. However, it is underlined that part of the notifications of the eCall system in Cyprus are made by mistake by the owners, who press the relevant button.
As clarified in "F", eCall is an emergency communication system, which is installed in vehicles built after 2018. This system automatically and free of charge calls the emergency number 112 in the event of a serious road accident. There is also the possibility of being activated manually at the touch of a button. When activating the system, the coordinates of the vehicle are sent and if possible, a call with the Authorities begins, otherwise only an sms is sent.
In Cyprus, since the beginning of 2022, there have been 943 calls for immediate assistance, of which 591 in the form of a call and 352 in the form of sms. In January, 89 calls for help were recorded (59 calls and 30 sms). In February 138 (50 calls and 88 sms). In March 144 (90 calls and 54 sms). In April 115 (71 calls and 44 sms). In May 130 (84 calls and 46 sms). In June 119 (73 calls and 46 sms). In July 131 (89 calls and 42 sms). Until August 24, 77 (75 calls and 2 sms).
As he told "F" an officer of the Technological Development Department of the Police Headquarters, after the adoption of the regulation by the EU, the system was also developed in Cyprus to be able to call 112, which is handled by the Police. The eCall operates through a mechanism installed in the vehicle, which gives a mark to 112 in the event of an accident. In other words, the authorities receive the exact location of the accident, while they have the opportunity to talk as if in a telephone call with the driver and be informed about the number of people in the vehicle, about any injuries and more. Immediately after notifying 112, the authorities inform the Fire Brigade, ambulance or even the British Bases Authorities, depending on the data they will receive and without wasting time.
However, it was clarified, calls for immediate assistance through the system can also be made manually after pressing a button. "An accident witness can assist and press the button to send help. The operator of the system in the Police receives an indication and knows whether it was an automatic or manual appeal for help."
Plenty of automations for safe driving
The importance of the automation introduced by the EU for safer driving, underlined to "F" the president of the Ecologists' Movement, Charalambos Theopemptou. As he said, eCall can save someone's life or even help to find a vehicle in case of theft.
"Since 2018, following an EU regulation, there is the mandatory direct call system for assistance, the well-known eCall in all new cars. Practically, in case of a serious accident (automatically) GPS coordinates are sent to the police, while you can also talk to the authorities. In addition, there is a button in the cabin of the car, which if pressed in case of emergency sends a signal", said Mr. Theopemptou.
He said, however, that this button can also be pressed accidentally or out of ignorance or with incorrect use. "As had happened in the case of a driver who was temporarily immobilized at a point in Troodos and because he was afraid he pressed the button. However, when he managed to move away, he did not notify the authorities, so the Police were looking for him in Troodos."
However, he said, there is the possibility of installing a tracking system on older vehicles as well. However, in these cases direct communication with 112 is not offered. "You can buy it and install it," he said, adding: "They offer software so you know where your car is at all times. For example in case of theft or if you forgot where you parked. For those who want to know where their car is there are systems on the market under €100 that can be installed. Abroad there are companies that do this job centrally and can know if you need immediate help, while they also notify the authorities."
Another system introduced by the EU, Mr Theopemptou said, is that of maintaining a lane. The system constantly monitors the course of the car and in case it recognizes that it is escaping, then it intervenes (corrects the course, causes vibration in the steering wheel, etc.).
Recently, Mr Theopemptou also mentioned, a system was passed to prevent speeding. "He reads the speed limit on the road sign and notifies/reacts to him/her if the driver violates it. For example, it will give an indication of the limit and it is being studied that there will be a reaction to the speed pedal, which will be restored to the correct position."
Intervention
Security at the expense of privacy
The EU has shifted to high-tech systems for safety on the road. Among the other innovations, there is the mandatory installation of an alcoholometer. A system that is expected to measure alcohol consumption, preventing driving if necessary. Car manufacturers have been obliged since 6 July to integrate a range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) into new vehicle models destined for the European market. In addition, the mandatory installation of cameras inside the vehicle is considered to detect driver fatigue or even distraction. It is true that such systems can prevent accidents, but privacy concerns are already being expressed. How long would the data be stored? Who will have access?
