As new vehicles join Australian fleets in 2025, many are arriving with built-in SOS buttons – a connected safety feature designed to improve driver safety and response times in emergency situations. For fleet managers, understanding how these systems work and ensuring drivers are trained to use them appropriately is now a critical part of induction, policy development and safety compliance.
What Is an SOS Button?
An SOS button is a factory-installed emergency call system typically located near the overhead console in the cabin. When pressed, it uses the vehicle’s embedded SIM to connect directly to a trained emergency response centre via the mobile network – usually through Telstra’s coverage in Australia.
This system is independent of the driver’s mobile phone, meaning help can be reached even if the phone is flat, missing, or out of service range. In some models, particularly from brands like Toyota, Hyundai, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, the system may also include Automatic Collision Notification (ACN), which triggers a call automatically if the vehicle detects a severe crash.
When Should Drivers Use the SOS Button?
Fleet drivers should be instructed to only use the SOS button in serious emergencies that require immediate police, fire or ambulance attendance. Appropriate use cases include:
- Major traffic accidents
- Medical emergencies involving the driver or passenger
- Dangerous or threatening situations (e.g. road rage, personal safety threats)
- A vehicle breakdown in a high-risk or remote location where standard roadside assistance is not safe or fast enough
It is not appropriate to use the SOS button for minor issues, roadside assistance for flat tyres, or mechanical breakdowns where there is no safety risk.
Benefits for Fleet Operations
From a fleet management perspective, the SOS system brings three main benefits:
- Improved Driver Safety – Ensures your staff can get help quickly in critical situations.
- Faster Emergency Response – Automatic location data is sent with the call, reducing delays.
- Stronger Safety Compliance – Supports WHS responsibilities for remote and mobile workers.
In vehicles fitted with connected services, the emergency call event can also trigger alerts to fleet managers, providing visibility into high-risk incidents as they happen.
Updating Fleet Policies and Procedures
To integrate this safety feature into your operations, fleet managers should update the following documents:
- Fleet Policy – Add a section explaining what the SOS button is, when it should be used, and what drivers are expected to do following activation.
- Driver Safety Procedure – Include a response plan that covers actions post-incident, such as informing a supervisor, completing incident reports, and arranging a vehicle inspection.
- Telematics and Privacy Policy – If location data from the SOS activation is shared with fleet management systems, this should be noted for transparency.
These updates demonstrate your commitment to safety and ensure that any misuse (e.g. accidental activation or non-emergency use) is clearly addressed.
Including SOS Training in Driver Inductions
When inducting new staff or onboarding new vehicles into your fleet, include a brief training module on the SOS button. This should cover:
- Locating the SOS button in the specific make and model
- Understanding when it is appropriate to use
- The process that follows pressing the button (e.g. connection to an operator, providing basic information, awaiting emergency services)
- What to do if it is pressed accidentally (stay on the line and explain it was a false alarm)
Use visuals or short videos provided by manufacturers to support your induction materials, and ensure drivers have the opportunity to ask questions before taking a new vehicle out on the road.
As vehicles become increasingly connected, features like SOS buttons represent a significant step forward in driver safety – but only if fleet managers take proactive steps to implement them correctly. With proper training, policy integration and driver awareness, SOS buttons can be a valuable part of your fleet’s safety toolkit in 2025 and beyond.
