Chrysler Group LLC recently announced that, as part of its new suite of connected services called Uconnect Access, select vehicles now come equipped with a built-in data connection as well as a 9-1-1 button on the rear-view mirror.  Occupants in vehicles with Uconnect Access can push the 9-1-1 button to connect to the appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) who can dispatch responders to an accident scene, if necessary.

This service does not rely on a paired Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone.  Rather, Chrysler Group vehicles which have this feature utilize an embedded wireless connection which does not require the use of a third-party call center. This service makes a 9-1-1 call through the cellular network and E9-1-1 to the appropriate PSAP on 9-1-1 trunks. It is not a 10 digit emergency call.

Chrysler Group has introduced the new service in select vehicles, including:

• 2013 -2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 Trucks
• 2013-2014 SRT Viper
• 2014 SRT Grand Cherokee
• 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2014 Cherokee
• 2014 Dodge Durango

The basic flow/function of a Uconnect initiated call is as follows:

1. Once a driver pushes the 9-1-1 button to initiate a call, the vehicle is connected to the appropriate PSAP through the local 9-1-1 system. (Keep in mind, Uconnect Access requires a functioning electrical system in the vehicle during the call.)
2. The PSAP operator that answers the call from the vehicle will receive an incoming text-to-speech message that announces: “This is an emergency call from a <Ram/SRT/Jeep/Dodge> vehicle.”
3. The operator will then be prompted to either push:

0 – To talk with vehicle occupants
or,
1 – To secure the location coordinates – latitude and longitude – of the vehicle.

The PSAP operator will also receive the vehicle phone number in the event a call-back is needed.

If the operator cannot utilize the keypad or does not push either number, the announcement will repeat once and then will automatically connect for voice with the vehicle occupants.

If a vehicle occupant accidentally pushes the 9-1-1 button, the occupant can voluntarily cancel the 9-1-1 call within 10 seconds by touching a “Cancel Button” on the system’s 8.4-inch touchscreen. 

It is important for PSAPs to understand the service and features behind this new offering.  The product was recently taken “live” and some PSAPs have reported receiving these calls and thinking they were “robo-calls.”  Please be sure to inform and train your telecommunicators as to the unique aspects of a Uconnect call.  As with other telematic offerings, this service can provide benefits to both the PSAPs and the public once understood and properly used.

For more information or questions, contact Jay English at englishj@apcointl.org