BMW has announced it will add an SOS button to motorcycle handlebars that will function as an emergency call system to alert first responders. The new system uses GPS to track the location of the motorcycle and a cellular connection to contact a BMW call center for launching a "rescue chain." It is equipped with a built-in loudspeaker and microphone in the handlebar to contact the rider after a high-speed crash is detected.   

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The new feature is like the Intelligent Emergency Call button the German automaker has offered for its European cars for over 15 years, according to Motor Authority. Europe just passed a new law that requires such an emergency call service to be installed in all cars in 2018.

If BMW motorcycle owners press the SOS button it will automatically inform a call center of the motorbike rider's location. The call center decides which type of response is the best one. It will then contact first responders such as police or fire departments.  

In addition, the intelligent call system also directly contacts BMW's call center in the case the motorcycle rider is in a fall or collision. The SOS system's built-in sensor detects if it is a major fall or collision. In that case it will request for immediate help.

Meanwhile, if the situation is less serious the BMW system contacts the call center after 25 seconds. The rider and operate can then conclude if help is needed.  

Motorcycle owners can also press the SOS button to help other vehicles on the road that need help.

BMW notes that a recent EU report revealed that such SOS systems can help emergency systems to get to a crash scene up to 50 percent faster.

BMW will first offer the smart button on motorcycles in Germany next year, according to The Verge. It will then expand the service to other countries.

In related news, Volvo engineer Trent Victor has recently referred to Tesla's Autopilot feature as an unsafe "wannabe," according to Modern Readers It is similar to BMW's claim that the semi-autonomous feature will not help Elon Musk's company pass BMW's autonomous driving tech.