New York ( CNN ) -- A `` pocket dial '' mistake can result in an unwanted phone call , annoying for the recipient and potentially embarrassing to the caller . But a new study found a staggering number of those apparently accidental calls in New York City are made to emergency responders , jamming up 911 lines in a city that has prided itself on its ability to respond in a crisis . Nearly 4 million of those calls were made to the city 's emergency call centers in 2010 , according to a recent Winbourne Consulting report , commissioned by the city after a massive blizzard delayed first responders and left Mayor Michael Bloomberg open to criticism . That 's more than one-third of some 11 million emergency calls made in New York each year , the study found , which was released Friday . Those calls were 19 seconds or less . Authorities determined that they were likely accidental and say unnecessary communications add an increased burden on emergency response systems . `` The increased proliferation of cellular telephones has caused a dramatic increase in the number of accidental 911 calls made , '' the report said . In 2011 , the Federal Communications Commission issued a report estimating that 70 % of all 911 calls -- intentional or mistaken -- were made from wireless devices . The consulting firm recommended implementing a citywide information campaign to alert the public of the issue and to streamline systems between the police and fire departments , among other recommendations .
Nearly 4 million apparently accidental calls were made to emergency call centers in 2010 . That 's more than one-third of some 11 million emergency calls made in New York each year . Authorities say it is an increased burden on emergency response systems .