WASHINGTON — Consumer Reports is launching a marketing campaign to stress automakers to incorporate free know-how in automobiles that calls emergency responders in case of a crash.
Most automakers present this know-how in new automobiles, the security advocate says, however cost $100 per yr or extra to allow it.
The effort is geared toward General Motors Co., Stellantis NV, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan Motor Corp., Subaru Corp., Toyota Motor Corp. and Tesla Inc. — all of which cost for or don’t supply automated crash notification in new automobiles offered within the United States.
“People injured in a crash shouldn’t have critical medical care delayed because they choose not to pay for features like remote start or a mobile hot spot,” stated William Wallace, Consumer Reports’ affiliate director of security coverage. “It’s one thing for automakers to charge extra for conveniences, but this is about safety, and safety isn’t optional.”
Automatic crash notification makes use of a cell connection (both one constructed into the car or the driving force’s paired cellphone) to alert first responders and supply a location if airbags deploy, serving to them attain crashes quicker even when the driving force is unable to name for assist.
The know-how has been obtainable and used within the United States since 1996, when OnStar debuted. The European Union has mandated that every one new vehicles offered there embody the know-how since 2018. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated it might save greater than 700 lives a yr, in keeping with Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports discovered that Acura, Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar/LandRover, Mazda, Porsche and Volvo all supply free crash notifications in at the least a few of their fashions.
Only Tesla and Fiat, a Stellantis model, don’t supply the know-how within the United States.
The Consumer Reports advocacy marketing campaign features a petition, which has been signed by practically 28,000 folks as of Tuesday, and messaging on social media. The group additionally plans to flow into its findings with federal and state policymakers and with emergency medical organizations.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”