Apple Watch fall detection helps rescue cyclist after crash during downpour

Apple's fall detection feature on the Apple Watch has once again proven its worth, this time coming to the aid of Eric Zollinger, a 49-year-old cyclist from New York.

Zollinger recounted how his Apple Watch dialed 911 after a horrific bike accident left him injured and disoriented.

The incident occurred during Zollinger's routine ride between work and home, but the heavy rain had turned it differently. As he approached an 8-inch-deep pothole hidden under the water's surface, disaster struck. His bike hit the pothole, causing him to crash onto the pavement.

Despite feeling well enough to walk his bike home and shower, Zollinger quickly realized the severity of his injuries as he began experiencing heavy bleeding from his nose. In the shower, he grew dizzy and ultimately passed out, hitting his body on the tub's edge.

It was then that his Apple Watch sprang into action. While unconscious, the watch detected the fall and automatically dialed 911, alerting emergency services to Zollinger's location. He awoke to the sound of a 911 operator speaking through his watch, ready to assist him.

Though Zollinger ultimately decided he could make it to the hospital on his own, he credits his Apple Watch for potentially saving his life. Without its swift action in alerting emergency services and his contacts, the outcome could have been much different.