Re: In trouble on a rural road--will 911 be able to find you?
- From: richard <member@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:13:48 -0700
On Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:40:29 -0700 (PDT), hancock4@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
The following is a disturbing story. The Newark NJ Star Ledger
reported that the victim of an attack dialed 911 for help, but
apparently the 911 center was unable to determine the location of the
call. It was not clear whether the 911 center had the technology to
do so or there was a flaw it. Perhaps others more familiar with
modern 911 operation can elaborate.
For full article please see:
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-15/1256781309273050.xml&coll=1
I wonder how many 911 centers in the US are properly equipped to
identify where the calling phone is.
I wonder how many places out there impose a 911 tax on phones but
divert the money to other uses.
It seems to me that anyone in trouble should use a landline phone if
at all available. Unfortunately there are few pay phones out there
these days and one might have to go to a house. I think most people
in a store, home, or office would call the police if a stranger banged
on the door and asked them to do so (I would do so merely because
someone was banging on my door). However, there are some businesses
in high crime areas where the clerks do not speak English very well
and stay locked in a booth.
For a motorist in trouble on a rural highway the situation is harder.
Most of us do not pay attention to intermediate landmarks when we
travel a road--we are looking for the distant place where we get off.
That is, if we're exiting at exit #104 and we've passed #24, we're not
gonna remember that we just passed #24. So, if we get into trouble
and call for help, we'll have little idea of where we are.
[Comments requested. Public replies, please. Thanks.]
Is it the fault of the cell phone maker or the cell phone service provider?
Until cell phones came into heavy use, 911 relied on the fact that a
landline would instantly give the location. As it stands now, the only
thing your cell phone cares about is whether or not there is a signal to
use.
Then, how is your position going to be reported? The operator needs to know
your actual location so personnel can find you. Perhaps what could be
offered is a method of the cell phone having a gps system in it. When 911
is dialed, the phone immediately sends the location. At the operator's
terminal is a monitor showing the incoming call. Software then tranlsates
the location to a useable address. Or at least locate the caller on a map.
This is what I believe Onstar does. When you touch that button, they know
where you are.
I know in my travelling throughout the country, I've been in places where I
had no clues where I was. Including inside major cities. How many times
have you been going down a street looking for an address and can't find a
one? How do ya think the cops and fire departments find a location by the
address? If I can't, how can they?
.
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