A 16-year-old driver survived a severe overnight crash after her iPhone automatically called 911, according to local broadcaster WFMJ. The teen, identified as Lindsay Leskovac, fell asleep at the wheel, suffered multiple fractures and a neck injury, and was found only after emergency services arrived following the phone-initiated call.
How the Crash Detection alert reached first responders
Fire and rescue personnel told the family that the 911 center reported the emergency call originated from the teenager’s phone. The mother, who had not known the feature existed, traced the chain back to Apple’s Crash Detection system and credited it with summoning help when the driver was unconscious.
What Crash Detection actually does
Crash Detection, introduced on iPhone 14 models and certain Apple Watch models, combines high-g accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer and microphone inputs with on-device algorithms to identify severe collisions. When a qualifying crash is detected, the device can play an alarm, display an emergency screen and—if the user is unresponsive—place an emergency services call and share location data.
Why this matters for teen drivers
Teen drivers remain a high-risk group: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that drivers aged 16–19 have crash rates higher than older drivers. Fatigue and inexperience contribute to late-night single-vehicle crashes like the one WFMJ described, and automated alerts can make the difference between a delayed rescue and minutes that save lives.
Make sure Crash Detection and Emergency SOS are enabled
Users can confirm the feature is active by opening Settings, tapping Emergency SOS, and ensuring Call After Severe Car Crash is toggled on. Apple also recommends setting emergency contacts in the Health app so first responders and loved ones receive critical information when an incident occurs.
Limitations and real-world context
Crash Detection is not perfect: false positives occur, and not every collision will trigger an alert. Emergency dispatch centers have procedures for handling automated calls, and communities with limited cell coverage may still face delays. Still, lifesaving anecdotes, including this case reported by WFMJ, underscore the practical value of automated safety systems.
What safety experts recommend beyond tech
Technology supplements but does not replace safe driving habits. Organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the CDC continue to emphasize graduated licensing, limits on nighttime driving for new drivers, and addressing drowsy driving as core prevention strategies.
A reminder to families and drivers
Families can turn a single settings check into a tangible safety upgrade. For parents of new drivers, confirming Crash Detection and Emergency SOS settings are active, teaching teens how the features work, and reinforcing responsible night-driving rules are practical steps that may prevent a tragedy—or bring help when alarms fail to wake a sleeping driver.
