On Friday, January 17th, a two-vehicle collision near Carman prompted a swift response from the Carman-Dufferin Fire Department. The emergency call wasn’t made by a person but by an iPhone’s crash detection feature, marking the second successful use of the technology for the department in just three weeks.
Fire Chief Chris Lemky explained that the accident occurred when a vehicle hit a snow drift and lost control, leading to a second vehicle colliding with it. Both vehicles ended up in the ditch. While 911 could not reach anyone on the open phone line, the crash alert system automatically summoned help.
“When 911 couldn’t get a response, emergency services were paged out,” said Chief Lemky. “This feature has proven to be very effective in real emergencies. While there are occasional false alerts, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.”
Both drivers involved in the crash were transported to the hospital by ambulance with minor injuries.
A call for safety
In addition to praising the crash detection technology, Chief Lemky issued a reminder to drivers about safety at accident scenes. He expressed concern over the dangers posed by distracted drivers recording videos while passing by emergency responders at work.
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“When we’re on the road with equipment and personnel, there’s very little margin for error,” he said. “Video recording while driving is a distraction that could cause another accident.”
Chief Lemky also urged drivers to be prepared for winter conditions. “Have an emergency kit in your vehicle and stay alert. In this cold weather, anything can happen, and being prepared could save your life.”
Technology saves lives
This latest incident underscores the potential of technology like Apple’s crash detection system to enhance public safety. Chief Lemky encouraged residents to keep the feature enabled on their devices.
“We don’t want people turning it off,” he said. “If your phone alerts 911, it could make all the difference in an emergency. Just be aware that an unknown number calling back might be a dispatcher trying to confirm the situation.”
As temperatures remain low and roads icy, the Carman-Dufferin Fire Department reminds everyone to drive cautiously and focus on the road, ensuring they—and those responding to emergencies—can make it home safely.
~ With files from Robyn Wiebe ~