Today’s digital communication devices make it easy to get help in the event of an emergency, but what happens if you’re involved in an accident and cannot call for help? Automotive systems such as OnStar feature automatic crash response, and now there’s a wearable that can provide similar support. The ICEdot Crash Sensor attaches to your bicycle helmet and stands ready to summon help if you have an accident.
The device uses a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection to communicate with your iOS or Android smartphone. It contains an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a rechargeable battery that is designed to provide about 20 hours of use. When it detects an impact, the sensor signals an app running on the phone that triggers an alert. If you don’t respond to the alert within a set time, the app sends out a text message to your emergency contacts. It will include GPS coordinates if those are available from your phone.
The system requires a subscription, with the first year included in the $120 price. After that, it costs $10 a year. This service also includes a personal profile stored in the cloud, including medical information and other emergency details that can be accessed by first responders. The ICEdot Crash Sensor can provide peace of mind for cyclists and their families, and it’s easy to see how the technology could be adopted for other similar applications to provide access to emergency help for a variety of activities.
