A tracker could save your life

VEHICLE tracking provides a very plausible solution to keeping track of your loved ones, making sure they are safe, and also monitoring driver behaviour.

Today, many tracking units utilise Global Positioning System (GPS) technology that provides a wealth of information at a very affordable price.

“Besides being able to pinpoint the exact location of a vehicle in real-time, telematics is also able to provide an accurate recount of the vehicle’s movements and how and when it was driven,” says John Edmeston, Global CFO of Cartrack Holdings Ltd.

“Consider the example of your child’s first trip on their own without having you around to watch over them – often a very frightening experience for a parent. Or consider the aging parent who is no longer as aware of what is going on around them as they used to be, making them soft targets for criminals. Not only is driving safety an important concern, but crimes such as hijacking are also never far from your mind. Far from wanting a ‘big brother’ approach, being able to know that your child or any other family member is safe, driving responsibly and can be located quickly if they need help or assistance is a huge comfort, ” says John.

It is always a good idea to have an open and honest discussion with all family members and let them know the reasons behind the installation of a vehicle tracking unit – this is especially important when dealing with teens who will not want you checking up on them or infringing on their privacy. Explain the risks that are involved and if need be, use the statistics to emphasise the danger of criminal elements, speeding and drunk driving.

“A GPS tracking unit offers geo-fencing that sets a virtual perimeter for a real-world geographical area. If you discuss the locations that you expect your family member to be at certain times, then you can set a geo-fence on their travelling location that will alert you if the vehicle was to move outside the perimeter. A notification could be a simple case of your loved one dropping a friend off at their house that is out of the way or it could be something serious like the car being stolen or hijacked. Either way, it remains a very handy feature,” says John.

While vehicle tracking was first developed as a means to counter crimes such as vehicle thefts and hijackings, the modern day telematics capabilities now present a holistic safety solution that not only ensures you get your vehicle back if it’s stolen, but also provides information about driving habits and location to ensure that your loved ones, and other road users, are safer on the roads,” concludes John.

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