March 22, 2005
911 cell phone calls can be a burden to Highway Patrol
The explosive popularity of cell phones has aided in contacting law enforcement agencies and medical personnel during emergencies. Stories of how cell phones have literally been lifesavers are plentiful.
But the abundance of cell phones ready at the fingertips has created a logjam for the California Highway Patrol, according to the Merced Sun Star, and probably in other States as well.
"CHP Commissioner Mike Brown said it's not uncommon to have 25 calls flooding the CHP dispatch all reporting the same accident on the freeway."
Something that could help, to remember that 911 is for real emergencies only. "Seeking information on road conditions is not an emergency 911 call. Checking whether a new cell phone is hooked up is not a 911 call either".
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