In modern cars, safety is almost always at the highest level. For these purposes, manufacturers implement various developments that will help protect people in a certain way in case of accidents and other troubles on the road. One of them is the SOS button. Its activation in an emergency allows doctors and firefighters to get to the vehicle faster, increasing the chances of saving a person in trouble. If you have not yet studied the features of this button on the car in your garage, then start reading our article. In it, you will find answers to many questions and learn how to properly use one of the main safety functions in any vehicle.
Where can you look for the SOS button in the car?
In most countries, all car manufacturers are forced to install an SOS button. It almost always looks the same and is located in the same place. This feature allows you to quickly find it even when driving in someone else’s car (for example, in a taxi). The appearance of the SOS button makes it noticeable against the background of the interior trim. It is often painted in a contrasting color, and the corresponding inscription (“SOS”) is applied to its surface. Usually, it is supplemented with a telephone handset symbol, which shows everyone in the car that this button is intended for contacting various emergency services.
The SOS button is always on the ceiling, next to the rearview mirror. This makes it accessible not only to the driver but also to the passenger sitting next to it. It is often covered with a unique protective cover, which reduces the likelihood of accidental pressing. According to surveys of vehicle owners, most of them know about the existence of the help button and remember its location in the car. However, in a stressful situation, when the button is needed for rescue, many forget about it and use it in 50%-60% of cases. Given such unpleasant statistics, many car manufacturers try to highlight the SOS button visually or remind vehicle owners of its existence.
When can and cannot you use the SOS button?
The SOS button is designed for emergencies, so it should be used only in some instances. All of them are described in the official documentation attached to the car and are standard for each country. First of all, it should be noted that people are allowed to request help in case of a sharp deterioration in health. In this situation, the SOS button can become a real savior and help to call doctors as quickly as possible. The same should be done when one of the passengers or other drivers next to you needs emergency medical care.
Next, the SOS button can be used when it is impossible to leave the vehicle safely. This can happen when the car hangs over an abyss, stops near torn electrical wires, etc. The following justified reason for pressing the rescue button is when you or someone else’s vehicle is in an unsafe place (for example, on a traffic lane where passing cars can crash). And, of course, pressing the SOS is allowed in accidents of varying severity. In this case, it can work independently, but this will happen only after the airbags are deployed, or various safety sensors installed on the car are triggered.
In some situations, pressing the SOS button will be a mistake and lead to undesirable consequences. This can happen if you call emergency services without extreme necessity. In addition, it is not recommended to use the rescue button in cases where you can contact the phone yourself and call this or that service. The presence of minor damage to the car and the absence of injuries to people in the cabin will also be a good reason to refuse to use the SOS button.
Principle of operation
The SOS button on the newest vehicles and models purchased at a wrecked Nissan car auction has a straightforward operating principle. It can be triggered automatically or by people in the car.
When triggered automatically, the SOS button does not require action from the car’s passengers. They need to wait a few seconds and hear the operator’s voice. Then, they can transmit information about their condition and location to him. Automatic activation occurs after the airbags deploy, and it usually happens in serious accidents when people need help as quickly as possible.
In cases where SOS is activated by a person, a different operating principle is used. Immediately after pressing, the call option is triggered. After a few seconds, you are connected to the emergency response center, and the operator starts talking to you. In parallel with this, the car coordinates are sent to various services and other data necessary for faster assistance. During the conversation, the operator learns about the condition of all people in the car and determines whether they need emergency assistance. In cases where the injuries are minor, you will hear recommendations on how to provide first aid and will be able to ask any questions on this topic. If no one answers the operator, he immediately sends doctors, firefighters and rescuers to the scene.
What to do if the SOS is accidentally pressed
The SOS button is intended for use in exceptional cases, so pressing it unnecessarily can be equated with a false call to emergency services. In most countries, this is considered a serious violation and is punishable by a hefty fine. To prevent this, you should know what to do correctly if you accidentally press SOS, confusing it with the button to turn on the interior lighting.
After pressing the rescue button, a message will appear on the display stating that you are being connected to the emergency assistance center. A corresponding sound alert may also accompany the message. At this point, you will have a few seconds to cancel the alarm. To do this, press the button with the image of a telephone receiver on the steering wheel. In some cars, you need to press SOS again and hold it for 2-3 seconds to cancel. In both cases, if this operation is successful, a corresponding text or sound message will appear.
If you fail to do this in time, you will be connected to an operator who will immediately ask you why you are pressing SOS. In this situation, you should not interrupt the conversation, as this will be regarded as an inability to answer questions (for example, due to loss of consciousness), and firefighters, doctors, and rescuers will be immediately sent to you. The only correct decision will be to apologize for the inconvenience caused and confirm that pressing the SOS button was an accident.
The small and initially unnoticeable SOS button in the cabin is one of the car’s most important. In emergencies, it allows you to call for help and quickly save many people’s lives. Knowing about this button and its use principle will make you feel more secure during each trip.
