PortaPocket Notebook

Not sure if you heard about this, but the latest apple iWatch and iPhone 14 have a new feature. It's a feature that seems useful, but it's actually creating a new problem unintentionally. While 'smart' electronics often enhance our lives, it seems that in this case it's having an opposite effect.

The issue stems from the new 'crash detection' feature. So when you're on a high speed ride, the sharp movements and drops are seemingly like those one might experience in a car accident. So your apple tech is now summoning the ambulances on your behalf. Oh my! 

This is a fail on multiple fronts as any misguided efforts to assist people who don't need emergency services results in a waste of resources. Dispatching people and equipment to unnecessary missions disallows them to be available for more urgent situations where people actually need help.

Some parks that are now aware of this situation have started installing signage to tell patrons to please turn off their cell phones &/or watches, or leave them off the ride altogether.  The first step in fixing the problem is always awareness.

It's a start. 

It seems to go without saying we shouldn't jump a fence to go into a restricted area by a roller coaster while it's in operation, but at times even smart people can lose their good judgment in a moment of panic. So tragic a story that a good-hearted special education teacher is no longer with us due to one poor decision. Our thoughts go out to his family.

It can't be overstated... losing your cell phone (and / or your wallet) is not worth risking one's life. Please stop and think. Don't let the heat of the moment cloud your eyes to reality. ;(

May he rest in peace.