If you’re familiar with Ford’s Sync system, then you know that it’s a very handy application to have if you’re a 2011 Ford or Lincoln owner. The Sync features navigation, access to traffic information, voice command capability, Internet radio and a 911 Assist mode for emergencies on the road. The 911 Assist mode actually gives dispatchers an approximate location for your vehicle through signal triangulation or your phone’s GPS if it’s connected to the system. Now Ford has updated the 911 Assist mode in its Sync system with a new GPS module.
This GPS module was added to the 911 Assist mode to make it more accurate. Thus, enabling emergency dispatch to be more effective in sending assistance for quicker response to an accident. Furthermore, the Sync system itself will continue to be a subscription-free service, even with this update. Sync is free for Ford and Lincoln owners in the United States and Canada. You only need a Bluetooth cell phone in order to use it. The GPS module allows the Sync system to give exact coordinates for finding accident victims since the module functions as a GPS receiver to provide the right location. The 911 Assist mode is also designed to send a customer’s cell phone call directly to a priority emergency line instead of a call center and gives the location information to emergency service providers through the GPS module. The 911 Assist mode is designed to alert an emergency service operator in the event of an airbag being triggered or emergency fuel pump shutoff as well.
This weekend, Ford will make an appearance at the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) 2010 conference in Indianapolis to announce this GPS module update for the Sync system. This update for the 911 Assist mode is available for Sync-equipped 2011 vehicles, which include the Ford Taurus, Focus, Flex, Fusion, Escape and F-150 as well as the Lincoln MKS, MKZ and MKT. In addition to the GPS module, Ford is also offering customers a variety of emergency service options such as a priority emergency screen. This feature will provide location information and quick-touch access to In Case of Emergency (ICE) contacts after a 911 Assist call is made. Ford is currently working with nonprofit organizations such as NENA and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International as it seeks to continue making improvements on the 911 Assist feature.
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