DIGITAL LIFE

Amusement park in the USA warns users to put their cell phones and other devices in airplane mode when using a roller coaster or other type of attraction like this

Apple has included in the latest versions of the iPhone and Apple Watch an accident detection feature. But the novelty, which should only be activated during life-threatening situations, has also come into action at an unusual time: on roller coaster rides.

Dentist Sara White, an iPhone 14 Pro user, told The Wall Street Journal that her device automatically called 911 when she entered Mystic Timbers, a 33-meter-tall attraction at Kings Island; Ohio, in the United States.

“The owner of this iPhone has been in a serious car accident and is not answering the phone,” says an automated voice on the emergency service call, before also providing longitude and latitude coordinates.

According to the WSJ, the call was answered, however, the professionals who went to the scene did not see any such incident. The publication also received six more recordings of unnecessary accident detection calls from Kings Island from the Warren County Communications Center.

To avoid such confusion, the amusement park Dollywood, in Tennessee, as reported by the website Coaster101.com, installed warning signs on two of its rides.

“Cell phones and other devices must not be brought on board any attraction. Due to the dynamic movement you will experience on this tour, Apple Watches and similar devices may activate your emergency call function. To prevent your device from making unwanted 911 calls, turn it off or turn on airplane mode.”

Despite the reports, an Apple spokesperson told the WSJ that the feature is "extremely accurate in detecting serious flaws" and will continue to improve over time.

mundophone