Today's cell phones feature advanced technology that can make a difference in emergency situations. One of the most useful systems is the automatic accident and emergency alert, a feature that allows Android and iPhone devices to automatically alert emergency services after a serious impact. Both Android and iPhone users iPhone and Android can benefit from this tool, although its activation and configuration varies depending on the platform.
This feature has been key in several recent accidents, allowing authorities to act quickly even when the victims They can't call for help themselves. Knowing how to activate and configure this feature on your device can be vital in the event of an accident.
How the automatic accident and emergency alert works
Accident detection is based on the use of advanced sensors Integrated into mobile phones, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and microphones. These devices analyze movement patterns, sudden changes in speed, and characteristic collision sounds, such as the crunch of metal or breaking glass.
When the system identifies a potential accident, the phone displays an alert on the screen and emits a loud sound to capture the user's attention. If the alert is not canceled within a certain period of time, the device automatically calls emergency services and, in some cases, sends a message with the exact location of the accident to the configured emergency contacts. It's also important to learn how to Enable fall detection alerts on Galaxy Watch to have more security tools.
Turn on crash detection on iPhone
Apple has integrated this functionality into the latest iPhone and Apple Watch models. If you have a iPhone 14 or later or Apple Watch Series 8, SE (2nd generation), or Ultra, crash detection will be enabled by default. To check or configure it manually, follow these steps:
- Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
- Go to the "SOS Emergency" section.
- Make sure the “Call after a serious accident” option is activated.
If the device detects a strong impact and the user does not respond in 20 seconds, an automatic call to 112 will be initiated and the location will be sent to the emergency contacts previously configured in the "Health" app. This feature is essential, as are the civil protection alerts, which can be of great help in dangerous situations.
How to activate emergency alerts on Android
Android devices with Android 12 or later versions They also have a similar feature implemented in the "Emergencies" app. To activate it, follow these steps:
- Make sure your device has the Emergency app installed (available on the Play Store if it isn't pre-installed).
- Access the app and look for the “Accident Detection” option.
- Activate this option and configure emergency contacts.
- Allows your device to share your location with emergency services in the event of an accident.
Why is it important to activate this feature?
Automatic accident detection can be crucial in an emergency, especially when the victims become unconscious or are unable to call for help manually. Recent studies have shown that this system has allowed reduce response time of emergency services, increasing the chances of survival.
Although this feature has proven useful, false alarms have also been reported, such as those experienced with theme park rides that simulate sudden movements. Despite these drawbacks, software updates have improved the system's accuracy to prevent false activations.
Before starting a trip, especially for little-traveled routesIt's a good idea to verify that the emergency settings are activated and working properly. While we hope to never need this system, having it can make all the difference in a critical situation.