Roller Coasters Flood 911 Lines with Thousands of Accidental Calls, Officials Warn
As Ohio’s theme parks kick off their summer season, emergency dispatchers in Warren County are facing an unexpected challenge—thousands of accidental 911 calls triggered by thrill-seekers’ phones on roller coasters.
Warren County’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) reports that more than 3,000 false emergency calls have already been logged this year, many originating from riders whose phones dial 911 mid-loop. The problem is so severe that dispatchers say it’s diverting critical resources away from real emergencies.
A Growing Problem for First Responders
Samantha Hall, a veteran 911 dispatcher and trainer at the Warren County EMA, describes the issue as more than just a nuisance—it’s a safety risk.
“Every accidental call forces us to create an incident, dispatch an officer, and verify the location,” Hall explains. “Those minutes add up, and they could mean the difference between life and death for someone with a real emergency.”
Warren County is home to Kings Island, one of Ohio’s most popular amusement parks. With high-speed rides like Orion and The Beast, phones often jostle in pockets or bags, activating emergency SOS features or pocket-dialing 911.
Dispatchers say they can usually distinguish between roller coaster screams and genuine distress calls, but the verification process still ties up valuable time.
Simple Fixes Could Save Lives
To combat the issue, Warren County EMA Deputy Director Jesse Madden is urging park visitors to take precautions before boarding rides.
“Putting your phone in airplane mode is the easiest solution,” Madden says. “Kings Island also offers lockboxes where riders can securely store their phones before getting on a coaster.”
Additionally, the county has implemented an automated system to quickly filter out false alarms. If a call is disconnected, a follow-up text is sent to the number, asking if emergency assistance is truly needed.
Why It Matters
While accidental calls may seem harmless, emergency officials stress that every unnecessary dispatch delays response times for real crises—whether it’s a medical emergency, fire, or crime in progress.
As summer crowds grow, authorities hope riders will take the warning seriously. A few seconds of preparation could keep 911 lines open for those who need them most.
— Reported by Nexio News
