Should the SOS button be on or off?

Using Your Vehicle's SOS Button Safely

When you are driving, safety always comes first. Most modern vehicles come equipped with an SOS button, a built-in feature designed to connect you directly with emergency services when things go wrong.

You might wonder whether this feature should be left switched on or off, but it is not a standard toggle switch that you manually turn on and off for everyday driving. Instead, the system operates quietly in the background, ready for action.

The SOS button should only be used in genuine emergencies. This includes situations where you or a passenger are experiencing a serious medical crisis, or if you need immediate assistance from first responders like the police, fire department, or EMTs following an accident or roadside hazard.

Never press the button as a joke, to test it out without a real emergency, or for minor car troubles like a flat tire where emergency services are not required. Misusing the system can tie up vital emergency lines and delay help for people who truly need it.