App automatically calls a 24/7 support centre if your smartphone's sensors detect a sudden change in momentum.
If you’re worried about what would happen if you were to crash when out riding, the just-launched Grdian mobile phone app might provide some reassurance.
The app uses your smartphone’s sensors to detect a possible emergency where there’s a sudden change in your momentum, such as would occur in a crash. This triggers the phone to automatically dial a dedicated 24/7 operator-manned support centre and switch to speakerphone.
“The algorithm within the app has been developed to monitor energy not speed. I get asked this question all the time and no, we don’t record your speed, it is sudden peaks in energy that can hurt you and this is what the crash detection is monitoring continuously,” says Simon Drinkall, Founder of Grdian.
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The support centre operator will talk to the rider to ascertain if they need emergency assistance and if so initiate an emergency services call out. They will then stay on the line until help has arrived. The smartphone’s GPS will be used to determine the location of the incident, which will be communicated to the emergency services.