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Built-in car phone can be a lifesaver
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A telephone in a car is arguably a distraction for some drivers. In some cases, it’s a prescription for an accident, or worse.
A car with a telephone, now that’s another story.
It can be a lifesaver or a lifeline. In case of a mechanical breakdown, it can summon help. In case the driver is lost or confused, it can give directions.
A built-in telephone, called Tele Aid by Mercedes-Benz, and On Star by Cadillac and other cars in the General Motors line, will put the driver in touch with an operator in the case of an accident – automatically and hands-free.
The Tele Aid system, for example, will activate automatically if an air bag is deployed in an accident, or even if a seat belt tensioner retracts when avoiding an accident.
Within 15 seconds, a Tele Aid operator will ask the driver – by name – if he or a passenger in the car – identified by model and color – is in need of medical assistance. And if so, an ambulance will be dispatched to the precise location, known through its GPS (global-positioning satellite) link, and police will be summoned.
“In case of an accident, the driver can push the SOS button (on the overhead console, above the car’s rear-view mirror) and report the accident,” said John Sisson, president of Sisson Mercedes-Benz and Nissan on Route 19, north of Washington.
“But in the case of a bad accident, and if the driver is unconscious and unable to push that button or respond to the operator’s questions, the Tele Aid operator will make the calls and help will be on its way.
“It’s a great safety feature,” he added.
By manually pushing the SOS button, the driver also could report an accident involving other vehicles. The driver also may report a robbery in progress or any police emergency, without resorting to a cell phone.
There are two other buttons in the Mercedes-Benz system – the i-button for information and a button with a wrench icon. A push of the i-button will connect the driver to a Tele Aid system operator in New Jersey who can give detailed route information.
“That’s for guys who won’t stop to ask for directions,” Sisson said.
The wrench button will bring a Mercedes-Benz service representa-tive to render roadside assistance in case of a flat tire or a dead battery. The serviceman also will bring a can of gasoline if that’s the problem.
There is another nifty feature – concierge services – to the Tele Aid system, which is standard equipment on all Mercedes-Benz cars, with the exception of the new C-Class coupe, the entry-level car in the Mercedes-Benz line. For some guys, that can be a lifesaver.
“Let’s say you’re on the way to the airport and you’ve forgotten to send flowers to your wife for her birthday or anniversary. Call the concierge service, and they’ll take care of it.
“If you need concert tickets or tickets to a sports event, the concierge operator will do whatever can be done to get them,” he said.
Tele Aid service is free for the first year, but only with a signed agreement for a second year and beyond at $20 a month.