Your mobile phone can detect that you have been involved in a traffic accident and save your life

In traffic accidents with victims, especially those of high severity, the speed of care is one of the determining factors for the survival of the injured. Therefore, to reinforce the so-called passive digital security, several smartphone manufacturers are integrating a system capable of detecting violent impacts and requesting help autonomously into the devices.

The functionality, available on recent iPhone and Android models, has gained prominence again after guidance from the Federal Highway Police (PRF) on the importance of technology in vehicle rescue.

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How does smartphone accident detection work?

The tool operates by continuously monitoring the sensors of the device itself. The system crosses data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS and microphone to identify typical patterns of severe collisions, such as frontal, side, rear impacts and rollovers.

The activation process occurs in stages:

1. Impact identification: the cell phone recognizes sudden deceleration, impact or atypical movement.
2. User alert: the device emits sounds, vibrations and displays a warning on the screen to check if the occupant is conscious.
3. Automatic call: If there is no response in the allotted time, the system dials the local emergency service and shares the exact location of the claim (this feature may vary depending on the operating system, country, and service availability)

By using different parameters simultaneously, the technology seeks to reduce false alarms, although this does not mean that all accidents will be detected.

Step by Step: how to activate the function on iPhone and Android

The feature needs to be enabled in the system settings to work. The procedure is simple and varies according to the platform:

On iPhone (iOS)

1. Go to the Settings app;
2. Select the Emergency SOS option;
3. Turn on Call after serious accident.

On Android

1. Open Device Settings;
2. Tap Security Emergency;
3. Turn on Accident Detection (on some models, the setting is within the Personal Safety app).

Medical information recorded on the cell phone facilitates the rescue

In addition to the automatic call, it is recommended to fill out the Medical ID and Emergency Contacts on your cell phone. Information such as blood type, allergies, pre-existing diseases and medications of continuous use can be viewed by the rescue teams even with the device blocked.

Despite the efficiency of the sensors in reducing the time until the arrival of rescue, the tool has limitations and does not guarantee the detection of 100% of the impacts. Likewise, it does not replace the need for witnesses to call traditional emergency channels.