PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - Crash detection features on smartphones have helped people notify first responders during emergencies. Still, Pitt County first responders say that this year, they’ve seen more false alarms than actual emergencies from the feature.

You’re driving on the road and the unfortunate happens—you get into a car crash and need to call for help. Crash detection features on smartphones are designed to help save lives during emergencies.

“It comes in to us as an automated message, usually from Apple or the iPhone itself,” Pitt County 911 Director Jimmy Hodges said. “As soon as we know a decent location, we dispatch responders, fire, and EMS.”

Although the feature has been helpful during emergencies, first responders say they’re seeing a surge of false alarms. Hodges says

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