Device on cars to call for help

A DEVICE that automatically calls the emergency services when a car is in an accident could be compulsory in every car by 2015.

Costing about €100, it could save one life every six hours in Europe and reduce the severity of injuries. Every second after an accident is critical in deciding if the victims will survive or how bad their injuries will be.

The Government has been urging the European Commission to make the eCall devices obligatory. Yesterday the commission agreed, saying it hopes every vehicle in the EU will be fitted with it within four years.