There are many ways to prevent car accidents, but even if you’re the safest driver in the world, you’re still exposed to accident risks while driving. Thankfully, there are many strategies (including fully utilizing your Apple Watch) that can help you stay safe and survive a car accident, should one occur.
Crash Detection With Your Apple Watch
Assuming you have crash detection enabled, your Apple Watch can detect when a crash has occurred and take a few important actions on your behalf. This device uses a variety of internal components, including a gyroscope, accelerometer, GPS, and microphone on your linked phone or watch to determine whether a crash has taken place.
After a crash has been detected, your Apple Watch will vibrate to notify you and give you an opportunity to dismiss the alert within 20 seconds. If you don’t dismiss this alert, the Apple Watch will:
· Signal emergency services. First, your Apple Watch will send a call to emergency services. Even if you aren’t able to communicate, first responders will likely be dispatched to the scene of your accident.
· Signal family members. If you have emergency contacts saved to your device, the Apple Watch can also signal your family members. They’ll be alerted that you’ve been in an accident.
· Display important medical information. You can also include important medical information to display on your Apple Watch when first responders arrive. For example, if you’re allergic to specific medications, you can automatically alert them if you’re not able to communicate.
Crash detection is a feature that now comes standard with most Apple Watch products, including Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE (second generation), and Apple Watch Ultra. Apple iPhones 14 and up with the latest updates support crash detection as well, and can be paired with your Watch to get you help.
Why the Apple Watch Is So Helpful
Why is the Apple Watch so helpful in this regard?
· It’s convenient. Crash detection is enabled by default on the Apple Watch, and it’s very easy to adjust the settings. Overall, it’s an extremely convenient safety feature.
· It’s consistent. Roughly 45 percent of Americans already wear a smart watch on a regular basis. If you wear your Apple Watch every day, it will naturally protect you in every car ride.
· It’s automatic. People also appreciate the Apple Watch crash detection feature because it’s totally automatic. You don’t have to dial 911, nor do you have to contact each of your emergency contacts individually; it’s all done for you.
· It guards against specific risks. The Apple Watch crash detection feature also guards against specific risks. If you’re unconscious or unable to reach your phone, you can still call for help automatically.
What to Do After an Accident
If you do have consciousness and the ability to move and/or speak, there are some other steps you should take after a car accident.
· Get to safety. Your first priority will always be getting to safety. If you can drive your car, get it to the side of the road. Otherwise, get yourself to the safest possible area and stay there.
· Get medical help. Even if you feel like you haven’t been significantly injured, it’s a good idea to get medical attention. Adrenaline after a car accident can mask pain and other signs of serious injury, so make sure that a doctor gives you a physical examination.
· Help others. If you have the ability, try to help anyone else who was involved in the accident. You can contact emergency services on their behalf, move them to safety, or apply first aid if you know what you’re doing. Just be careful providing any kind of medical attention if this is unfamiliar territory to you.
· Gather evidence. There are many pieces of evidence that you’ll need to gather after a car accident. It’s a good idea to take photos and videos of the scene of the accident. You should consider talking to witnesses and taking down their information. And you should definitely get the personal contact information and insurance information of any other drivers involved.
· Work with a lawyer. After you get medical attention and follow all of your medical advice, consider working with a lawyer. They can help you determine whether you have a personal injury case and how to move forward with the best legal options available to you.
We all hope to never be involved in a serious car accident. But the truth is, driving can be dangerous. If you own an Apple Watch, consider enabling crash detection and filling in details about your emergency contacts and medical information so that it can keep you safe in the event of a collision.
