So often we talk about road safety; being a responsible driver, buckling up, and being a safe pedestrian and while all very important, there is a key consideration that motorists should keep in mind when thinking of safety – that is vehicle safety.
The safety of yourself while in your car, as well as your car’s safety – even when you not in it – is a topic that should be taken seriously and one that can really make a difference to your life at, a time when you most need it.
It was reported that in South Africa, 11 221 vehicles were hijacked between April 2013 and March 2014 an increase of approximately 12%. This indicates that not only is there a serious need to invest in the monitoring of your vehicle but that it is ever more important that as a driver you have closer interaction with your tracking service provider.
Of course, vehicle tracking is important, however it is generally understood that a vehicle tracking device has one main function – to find your vehicle if it is stolen in the shortest possible time – before it is completely stripped in pieces for its parts. However, today, vehicle recovery should be a ‘given’ when using a tracking company and consumers should be looking beyond the recovery portion of a device – ask yourself, what does my device actually offer me?
As recovery rates in the industry improve year on year, users are starting to naturally expect, and seek, new value-adds from their tracking devices, and technology evolution in this regard plays a critical role in providing an all-round experience that serves more than merely a tracking purpose. Matrix have responded to this need by providing other value-adds to their consumer offering to make life more convenient. These include things like log books to track a persons trip, for example.
Through the mobile app Matrix continues to evolve to meet the demands of customers by enhancing their experience with product features, which are closely aligned to the global evolution of technology and how this is changing the way in which people interact and expect to be communicated to.
A mobile app for everyday use
These days vehicle owners want value-adds from their tracking provider, they want to be connected to their particular device – so that it is not just a black box, but a device that can provide real value and enhance their safety.
They want to know that a device installed can be monitored via their mobile phone, even when they are not near their vehicle. The Matrix smartphone app, is a great extension for customers, as not only will they receive “harsh” driving alerts, but more importantly, they can instantaneously report if their vehicle has been stolen or if roadside and medical assistance is needed at any time of the day or night.
Furthermore, personal security features within the Matrix app are also enhanced, and users can get ‘early warnings’ of vehicle movement. Once ‘early warning’ is enabled, and a customer has parked their vehicle, they are able to lock the car’s position from the app. Any unauthorised movement will result in an alert being generated to Matrix’s 24/7 national operation centre.
It is this type of value-add that contributes to real safety for drivers while on the road, providing not only peace of mind around the vehicle’s safety but that – should you find yourself in a situation while on the road – your personal safety needs are met.
R&D into the technology that users never imagined
Of course, it goes further than this too. Matrix units also include an impact sensor with Crash Alert functionality. This sensor is fitted within the MX3 tracking unit, so if a major collision occurs, an alert is instantaneously sent to the Matrix 24/7 Operations Centre*. A call is then made to the customer to first assess the situation, before sending the relevant medical assistance.
Should a customer be involved in a vehicle related medical emergency, where necessary, Matrix will also arrange and pay for medical emergency transportation to a hospital**, to ensure that the person(s) injured receives the necessary medical assistance, as swiftly as possible.
Features such as this are critical when time counts and while it is not something you would usually think of, a feature like this can mean the difference between life and death.
No need to panic when Matrix is right by your side
Being stuck next to the road is not safe, especially if you are alone and feeling panicked and unsure of where you are. Matrix MX3 customers in this regard receive a Roadside Assist service which locates the position of their vehicle when they call, assesses their situation and sends the necessary assistance using GPS positioning technology. Whether you have run out of fuel or your vehicle has broken down, Matrix will be of assistance.
From start to finish, tracking devices should focus not only on personal safety, but various solutions and customised offerings that go beyond pure vehicle tracking – partnering with a tracking company that puts personal safety first and provides convenience of use, whether on or off the road. Matrix does just this, right by your side throughout life’s journey!
[ Peace of mind – on the road and off : By Grant Fraser, Product and Marketing Director for MiX Telematics ]
About MiX Telematics
MiX Telematics is a leading global provider of fleet and mobile asset management solutions delivered as SaaS to customers in over 120 countries. The company’s products and services provide enterprise fleets, small fleets and consumers with solutions for safety, efficiency, compliance and security. MiX Telematics was founded in 1996 and has offices in South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uganda, Brazil, Australia and the United Arab Emirates as well as a network of more than 130 fleet partners world-wide. MiX Telematics shares are publicly traded on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE: MIX) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MIXT).