Motion Sense may be the Pixel 4's flashiest feature, but it is little more than a gimmick with little use in real-world applications. One of the lesser-known (and WAY more useful) features of the Google Pixel 4 is its ability to detect car crashes. Currently, it is available only in the US and there's no word about international availability just yet.
The option can be toggled via the Personal Safety app that is pre-installed on the device. You can find it the app drawer under the "Safety." app. Once you open it, you'll need to fill in some details. Once you're done, head over to Settings and then tap on Car crash detection. Alternatively, you can find a demo of the feature under Settings > Demos > Car crash detection. It explains how the feature works with a nice animation.
Car crash detection uses a bevy of your mobile's features such as location, motion sensors, and ambient audio. Once the phone detects car crash conditions, it rings an alarm at max volume and pops a screen asking if you're OK or if you need help. You can then tap on the prompt letting the device know that you're fine. Additionally, you can further specify that there was no crash or that it was minor.
Conversely, in the event of an actual car crash when you are unable to tap the prompt or don't respond within 60 seconds or if you tap asking for help, your phone will automatically call 911 and share your current location so emergency services know how to quickly assist you.
Some users have confirmed that the app works on older Pixels too. You can sideload the APK using this link and give it a try. If you're based in the US and are using an older Pixel, do let us know in the comments if you're able to activate car crash detection on your devices.
About the author: Anil has been a lifelong tech enthusiast and has worked a variety of jobs before joining the Wccftech team in 2018. His primary responsibilities include reporting on all things in the Android and mobile gaming sphere. He is also passionate about PC hardware, obscure music and internet culture. He also has a thing for addressing himself in third person as an exercise in self-awareness.
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