Crash Detection on Apple Watch can alert authorities if you've been in an accident, but one Arizona man didn't stick around for help to arrive.
Apple Watch Crash Detection
Apple Watch Crash Detection has been a somewhat controversial feature due to accidental activations from sports or roller coasters. However, it has proven to be a useful feature when actually activated by a crash.
An Arizona man was in a car accident, according to a report from Fort Worth Star-Telegram, but he was nowhere to be found when police arrived at the scene. The driver's Apple Watch sent a message to authorities after the vehicle rolled over, but the man had departed the scene.
Twenty rescuers and a helicopter began searching for the missing driver. Several hours later, a 30-year-old man was found walking about 5 miles away.
The man had minor injuries and claimed to be searching for help. He was reunited with his family.
When Crash Detection is activated, it alerts the wearer that emergency services will be contacted if Emergency SOS isn't dismissed. The device sends a message and the device's current location, which is how the vehicle was found.
Had the man remained with his vehicle, he'd have been helped much sooner. It isn't revealed why the man couldn't use his iPhone or Apple Watch to get help instead of walking miles up the road.