eCall as Digital Public Infrastructure for Emergency Communication and Rural Vulnerability

Public authorities are increasingly managing safety and risk through digital transformation, but its implications for rural and occupational vulnerability have not received equal exploration. Emergency communication systems are critical safety infrastructures, particularly in high-risk sectors such as agriculture, where incidents frequently occur in dispersed, off-road environments and professional intervention may be delayed. This study examines how agricultural workers perceive emergency risks. The research is based on a cross-sectional, exploratory survey of 185 agricultural workers in Romania, using descriptive quantitative analysis. The results indicate high awareness of occupational risk and widespread recognition of limitations in rural emergency response capacity. Most respondents expressed openness toward the use of eCall-type systems for agricultural machinery and perceived potential benefits in reducing emergency response time. At the same time, adoption was constrained by structural barriers, including cost, limited institutional support, and infrastructural gaps. The findings indicate that emergency communication systems should be seen as essential digital resources for emergency communication and addressing rural challenges, helping to promote social sustainability instead of just being specialized technical tools. To tackle rural vulnerability, we need governance systems that promote designs suited to local needs, coordinate policies, and ensure fair access to important digital infrastructures for safety.