(KNSI) – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is reminding people about the unintended consequences of bringing cell phones onto rides at area fairs.
Apple introduced its fall detection software in 2022, and for the most part, it works as intended. There are several examples where it falsely believes a health emergency is occurring, though. One of the primary culprits triggering the mistake is rollercoasters.
Officials warn that the effects go beyond temporary embarrassment for cell phone owners. Employees at dispatch have to treat an incoming call to 911 as an immediate emergency. False alarms tie up the lines, keeping callers with a pressing need for help from getting through. Resources sent out on wild goose chases, in turn, are not able to race to the scene of an actual problem.
Sheriff Troy Heck is asking people to double-check to ensure fall detection is off before going on the midway rides this year. The Benton County Fair begins in one week. Stearns County will have its fair from August 6th to the 10th.
___
Copyright 2025 Leighton Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!