New Apple Crash Detection Feature Calls 911 When Users Ride Roller Coasters

An Apple glitch is annoying 911 operators everywhere by dialing the emergency number during roller coaster rides.

The phone manufacturer may have to go back to the drawing board to modify a safety element that is doing its job a little too well. All iPhone 14’s come with the new Crash Detection function that sets off an alarm when they sense a car crash has occurred. The phone then sends an alert to authorities. However, friction, speed, turns, and sudden stops on amusement rides are sending false alarms to emergency operators if the feature is not dismissed within 20 seconds.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, first responders have arrived at theme parks multiple times expecting to see a life-or-death situation only to be met with carefree thrills and smiles.

This highly sensitive feature is relatively recent, debuting just last month. Aside from the iPhone 14, Apple has also equipped its Watch Series 8, SE, and Ultra with Crash Detection. Made of a gyroscopic sensor and high-g accelerometer, these devices are designed to pinpoint impact felt in wrecks. An Apple spokesman called Crash Detection “extremely accurate” but said the company was looking to improve its functionality over time.

Authorities are not asking users to disable the function entirely, though that is an option. However, placing your phone in airplane mode while enjoying amusement rides is a great way to help out your local 911 operators focus their attention on actual crises.