MU research develops farm safety smartphone tool

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Cellphone toting farmers caught in dangerous tractor rollovers may soon be able to more easily signal for help thanks to a new smartphone application in development at the University of Missouri.

The app uses GPS sensors to detect rollovers. The program then sends automatic email and phone alerts with the accident coordinates to an emergency contact.

The Vehicle Rollover Prevention Education Training Emergency Reporting System was developed by Bulent Koc, an assistant professor of agricultural systems management.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health says tractor rollovers are the leading cause of death among farmers, killing 250 people each year.

Koc said he hopes to also apply the reporting system on other vehicles such construction rigs, snowmobiles and military equipment.