KSL reports that Skiers are triggering Crash Detection calls to 911 unknowingly in Summit County in Park City, Utah.
The latest iPhone 14 series and 2022 Apple Watch models feature Crash Detection powered by new hardware sensors and software algorithms. Enabled by default, the new safety feature is designed to detect severe cat crashes and automatically contact emergency services.
Previously, roller coaster rides incorrectly triggered the crash detection feature on the new iPhone 14 and Apple Watch models.
In spite of accidental calls, Summit County dispatchers urge Skiers to keep Crash Detection turned on
According to the report, Summit County dispatchers have seen a spike in emergency calls from skiers triggered by the Crash Detection feature on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models and Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra, and Apple Watch SE (2nd generation). But most of the calls were made accidentally.
Summit County Dispatch Center supervisor Suzie Butterfield said that up to five emergency calls are received from the latest Apple devices every day and none of them were made purposely.
“We will get a call in that says the owner of this Apple Watch or iPhone has either had a severe crash or they’ve been involved in a car accident.
“They won’t respond to you when you first start talking because I don’t even think they knew that they did it, but on callback … they’re usually like, ‘Oh I’m sorry, I was skiing. Everything’s fine”.
Unfused by the false alerts, supervisor Butterfield views Crash Detection as a useful tool and not an inconvenience. She said that it can avoid emergencies and that dispatchers in Summit County to keep it on.
“We do not want you to turn the feature off. We would rather have you be safe. We don’t mind taking that call because if something really did happen, we want to be able to get to you,” said Butterfield.
Recently, Apple released iOS 16.1.2 update which features crash detection optimizations and improvements for compatibility with wireless carriers but did not mention which carriers were impacted by the change.
Read More:
- Apple’s Crash Detection may not work if it doesn’t have enough signals
- iPhone 14 Crash Detection feature really works! a car accident experiment reveals
- Apple CEO Tim Cook talks about new emergency features, privacy, Twitter and what’s next for him
- Slopes: Ski & Snowboard app adds support for Apple Watch Ultra Action button
- Apple Fitness+ gets new pilates and skiing workouts with watchOS 8, iOS 15 and tvOS 15
