Ford Upgrades Sync 911 Feature With GPS

Selected 2011 model Ford vehicles will have an upgraded version of the SYNC telematics system that will transmit the vehicle’s location during an auto-dialed 911 call. SYNC offers several music, cellular phone and driving direction features using the driver’s handset linked by Bluetooth. Like the original 911 calling feature, the new SYNC 911 Assist feature will activate when an airbag is deployed or the fuel pump shuts off. The system auto-dials 911 through an occupant’s linked cellular handset and indicates an emergency with a synthesized voice call. With the new location feature, the vehicle’s on-board GPS system determines the exact location of the vehicle. When the system is activated, the synthesized voice gives the PSAP dispatcher the latitude and longitude of the incident. There is also an option for the dispatcher to be connected directly to the cellular phone in the vehicle. Read more about SYNCH here, and watch a video about 911 Assist after the break.

For more information, check the 911 Assist Web page.

Notice the “fine print” in the opening graphic of the video, explaining the limitations of the SYNC and 911 Assist systems.