Vehicle Safety

Safer Vehicles

Post-Crash/Injury Mitigation Technologies

One method of assisting emergency responders to reach the scene of a vehicle crash quickly is through in-vehicle emergency call systems, also called post-crash notification. These systems enable a driver to summon assistance in an urgent situation either automatically (if, for example, an air bag deploys) or at the touch of a button.

In the U.S., Ford SYNC® is a new, award-winning, in-car connectivity system that was introduced on certain 2007 model year vehicles. Beginning with the 2009 model year, SYNC-equipped vehicles come with an all-new occupant communications capability called 911 Assist. In the event of a crash, the ability to directly contact the local 911 emergency operator could be critical, for both the vehicle occupants and first responders. While any cell phone alone could be used in an emergency situation, SYNC can assist in placing a call to a local 911 emergency operator – when a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC and where the system and cell phone remain powered and undamaged – should a crash with an air bag deployment or fuel shutoff switch activation occur. The key advantage of SYNC 911 Assist is speed, as calls are placed directly to local 911 operators and do not have to be routed through a call center (as in competitors' versions), which can delay the time it takes to get help on the way. SYNC 911 gives the occupants a choice as to whether or not to make the emergency call, and places the call if the occupant does not respond after a short time.

This voice-activated feature will be available to customers with 2008 model year SYNC-equipped vehicles through a dealer-installed software update. SYNC's 911 Assist will be launched progressively in Ford's European product range beginning in 2010.

In late 2004, Ford, via its membership in the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the development of a pan-European, in-vehicle emergency call system dubbed "eCall." The purpose of the MOU is to promote the development and implementation of eCall systems throughout Europe, in order to improve the number of vehicles reached by emergency responders within a short period of time.

The On Call system – a GSM- and GPS-based emergency and assistance system1 – is currently available on Volvo vehicles. It is sold and operational in 13 European countries, including Russia, and is working across borders in an additional two European countries. With the On Call system Ford has made and will continue to make significant progress toward increasing the availability of eCall technology on vehicles in Europe.

The SOS-Post Crash Alert System, newly released as standard equipment on Ford's 2009 Taurus, is another important advance in post-crash safety technology. The SOS-Post Crash Alert System automatically activates the horn and emergency flashers (and the second-generation system automatically unlocks vehicle doors) in the event of an air bag deployment or safety belt pretensioner activation. The system is designed to alert passersby and emergency services to the vehicle's location.