Apple Watch Button To Blame For Increase In Mistaken 911 Calls

SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. (CBS) -- New technology that is supposed to make accessing 911 easier is actually proving to be a burden, according to some dispatchers.

Authorities in Sedgwick County, Kansas, are blaming a button on the side of the Apple Watch for an increase in mistaken 911 calls.

Passengers Get Into Fistfight Aboard Southwest Flight

The watches join the county's already growing problem with accidental dials on cellphones.

The two combined accounted for over 130,000 mistaken calls last year.

"Calling 911 in a true emergency, you don't want to be blocked by an Apple Watch that's calling in just because somebody hit the button," said Sedgwick County Emergency Communications Director Elora Forshee.

You can turn off the "Hold To Auto Call" function in your Apple Watch app on your phone.

Nearly 17-Foot-Long, 130-Pound Python Captured In Everglades

If you do find yourself making an unintended call, operators say stay on the line.

If you hang up, they legally have to call you back to make sure you're safe.

Read more
f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.