You might be able to phone for help, although that wouldn't be the case if you were knocked unconscious. That's why British telecommunications engineer David Coleman developed the Ridersmate. If you fall off your bike/horse, it automatically sends a text message to let other people know that something's amiss.

Here's how the system works ...

The Ridersmate unit is clipped onto yourself using an included carabiner, while a curly cord attached to the other end of the device is clipped onto your bike/horse (or what Coleman refers to as your "ride"). Should you suddenly part company with that ride, the cord will pull loose from its plug in the Ridersmate, activating it to send a text message via GPRS (general packet radio service).

That message can go to up to three different people of your choice, advising them that you've been in an accident. In case they miss it the first time, it goes out again a minute later. So that they know where to send help, it includes your GPS coordinates and altitude, along with the time that the incident occurred and the speed at which you were traveling when it happened.