While the new technology can be incredibly helpful, accidental calls can strain emertency communications dispatchers.
Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center Director Cassandra Olney told WRC: "So, the smart devices that are out there nowadays where if you fall, it does benefit that it's able to call 911. However, it could also pick up, let's say if you're riding a bike and you hit a pothole and nothing, you know, you're still continuing on your way, it could trigger 911."
In addition to the smart devices, she said they're getting getting crash notifications directly from a vehicle’s onboard computer system, through popular internet radio provider Sirius XM.
When one of those calls comes in, dispatchers try to figure if it's a true incident or an accident.
The conversation goes like this: "It's an Apple crash notification with no response, no vehicle description as well..."
Olney urges people realizing their watch, phone or vehicle contacted 9-1-1, not to hang up or disconnect.
“Definitely, if it triggers 911, please stay on the phone. Do not hang up because we are obligated to call back. So please do not hang up."
