It is a trade off though. I’m sure “911” is no accident either. Because it is slightly harder to dial, it probably has far less accidental dialings than some other countries emergency numbers.
I bet little kids would constantly pick up a phone and dial “999999999”.... harder to mistakenly / playfully dial “911”
>Up until 1968, the United States was still using hundreds of seven-digit emergency telephone numbers across the country. In fact, some states, like Nebraska, had more than 180 different ambulance service numbers alone.
>The code 911 was chosen because it best fit the needs of all parties involved,” according to the National Emergency Number Association (NENA). “First, and most important, it met public requirements because it is brief, easily remembered, and can be dialed quickly. Second, because it is a unique number, never having been authorized as an office code, area code or service code, it best met the long range numbering plans and switching configurations of the telephone industry.”
I bet little kids would constantly pick up a phone and dial “999999999”.... harder to mistakenly / playfully dial “911”