Rollercoaster ride triggers Apple crash detection

October 11, 2022

Crash detection, a feature of the new iPhone 14 and Apple Watch Series 8, Ultra and SE running the latest operating system that detects intense motion and accidents and notifies emergency services via cellular or Wi-Fi, can also detect plummeting rollercoaster rides.

According to Apple, the system is designed to detect serious car accidents, collisions and rollovers with a variety of sensors, including noise, air pressure changes caused by airbag deployment, motion sensors and GPS. The system can also detect intense motion on a roller coaster and rapid deceleration.

Notifying relatives and emergency services of a crash, even though it was a rollercoaster ride, can put relatives and emergency services alike at risk.

Dollywood Amusement Park also warned of the possibility of false alarms, according to Coaster101.

Signs at the entrances to the park’s busiest roller coasters also warn drivers not to wear Apple watches or similar devices on the ride as they can activate crash detection and trigger an unintentional emergency call.

Many amusement parks also ask visitors to leave their phone before mounting the rollercoaster in the wake of fake warnings during rides, while Apple said the technology is intended to provide peace of mind and will improve over time.

The sources for this piece include an article in BBC.

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Jim Love

Jim is an author and podcast host with over 40 years in technology.

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