So today I got an alert from my phone while at work. I had my phone set for some emergency alerts to bypass my Do Not Disturb. It was a crash detection alert from my older brothers phone, this concerned me, but I considered it might be a false alarm because there was no other notifications or anything and I didn’t do anything since I was in the middle of work. Moments later, I get the same alert from my younger brothers phone, and I knew something was up since I knew they were probably driving together. Turns out, they had rolled their truck 3 times from the left lane of the freeway, off the right side of the road. They are okay, but I am grateful for this iPhone feature as it got the emergency services there incredibly fast and my parents were also alerted and on the scene in no time.

Thought I’d share this story because if you’re looking at that feature and setting on your phone wondering “does this even work?” Or “do I really want to notify everyone if I crash” Turn it on. Also make it so you can get that notification when you need to.

My family has used out iPhones and Find My to stay connected and keep each other safe. Once when I was studying abroad I had to take a cab from the airport to the school, and the taxi driver was sketchy. I’m in another country and don’t know anyone, so what do I do? Have my dad watch my location in real time from the other side of the world. He’s also helped me with finding my way around with the same method.

Is there a function you use more often than you thought you would need to on your iPhone? Or maybe a time that it’s helped in an emergency?

  • MagnumBlood@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I’m someone that works in emergency response, Apple doesn’t allow third party cell phone pings through towers. Always have your emergency stuff active so dispatchers can get your info in the event you’re not able to call.

  • m2mclubrocks@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    So glad they’re ok!! Yeah, Android users regularly try to clown / shame me for paying $1,000+ for my phone, when, according to them, Android can do just as much as an iPhone can. Uh, no it can’t, and this crash detection feature is something that Android doesn’t have yet, as far as I know.

    • MC-CREC@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      LOL, I can name over 1000 things an android can do that an iPhone can’t, and why do I need to pay more for a feature, that just uses the phones regular sensors? BTW android has had it since 2020.

      I can name 5 that the iphone can do, or better said iOS.

      Keep the phone if you like I don’t care but, it’s like comparing a Lamborghini to a working truck loaded with tools when it comes to usefulness and practicality.

  • _withoutacause@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Got rear ended by a garbage truck this past summer, totaled my car and phone went flying on impact. Passengers were knocked out cold. My watch automatically called 911 and i was able to get help.

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    Its a feature you hope you never have to use but sure as hell glad its there when you need it.