Crash detection has had a few hiccups lately – accidentally triggering on roller coasters. But stories of lives saved by the feature are also growing, showing its relevance and usefulness to users.
On Reddit, a user, Carnivoroustaco, recounts how the watch immediately called for help when his car had just crashed into a pole, after a tire explosion. The Accident Detection feature was fortunately active by default on his watch (this is also the case on the second generation Apple Watch SE).
Apple Watch crash detection can really make a difference
Carnivoroustaco says: “A tire exploded and I hit a telephone pole at about 70 km/h. Suddenly I have my head against the steering wheel, the car honks continuously, and smoke comes out of the car. It was then that I felt a small haptic feedback that told me that the watch was calling for help”he recalls.
He pursues : “I was really in the middle of nowhere, so really if the watch hadn’t done the right thing, I could have been stuck there for a while. But the next thing I remember is being rushed to the hospital. I had an orbital fracture and three broken ribs. My face showed more blood than skin, and my hands were flecked with blood and glass. BUT, I am alive”.
The Internet user then thanks Apple: “Thank you Apple. I’m sure I would have been found eventually, but there’s no doubt that the S8 sped things up. And for the rest, check your tires carefully. Ride safe my friends. Your wishes for recovery mean a lot to me. And if you have the latest watches, keep accident detection active!”.
We learn that later, the client shared his story by email with Tim Cook. The manager replied only a few hours later. Tim Cook wished him a good recovery, while stressing that it was these kinds of accidents that prompted Apple to implement the feature.
As we said, if you have an Apple Watch Series 8 or an Apple Watch SE 2nd generation, you don’t actually have to do anything since accident detection is active by default. Apple has also opted to bring the feature to its latest iPhone 14s, which should allow many more users to be covered by crash detection.
