Rocky Mountain Tracking

By Greg Bartlett

Is there a driver in your life that causes you to worry?  Maybe it’s a new teenage driver, a suspicious spouse, or an employee that frequently travels.  No matter what the case may be, a tracking key can put all your worries to rest by giving you accurate information regarding the whereabouts and traveling habits of the person in question.

The Tracking Key

The tracking key is a small GPS tracking device that can be placed in or on the vehicle belonging to the person in question.  It is magnetic, so it can easily be hidden on the bottom of a car.  The tracking key receives information from satellites and records it for later retrieval by means of the USB port located at one end of the key. The information you receive can be shown graphically as a route over a city map or over a satellite image of the earth; or it can be received textually as a written report for you to read.  The tracking key is foolproof; it is a discreet and easy way to track the people you love or employ.  It keeps them accountable, and it keeps you in charge and in the know.

The tracking key can also be used in criminal investigations such as the one involving George Ford.  Here a man was accused of killing a young girl with his car.  His story is that around midnight one night in April 2007, he drove a young girl home after babysitting.  On the way, he stopped to show her some horses, at which time she got out to look at them.  He claimed that he accidentally ran her over as he was performing a reckless U turn.  He also claimed that, out of shock, he waited three hours before taking her to the hospital around 3 a.m.  However, he was unaware that there was a tracking key already on his car that told a different story.  The tracking key showed that his first stop was actually an abandoned house at which the car stayed for three hours.  It also showed that there was a collision around 3 a.m.  Investigators believe that the young girl ran away from Ford at the house, and he chased her and intentionally ran her down.  In the end, it was the tracking key that convicted him of murder and brought justice to the girl’s family.  Tracking keys truly are extremely useful.

By Greg Bartlett

Recovering stolen automobiles has long been a problem for law enforcement departments. Car thieves have become experts at obscuring the identity of a given vehicle, making it nearly impossible to identify the car with certainty if it has been in the thief’s possession for any length of time. But when owners equip their cars with GPS vehicle tracking, police have much better odds of recovering not only the stolen vehicle, but many times the car thief as well.

GPS Vehicle Tracking & Thieves

A GPS vehicle tracking unit can be easily concealed inside your car. Current models are small enough to be placed discreetly, unlike older units which were bulky and easily detected. If someone steals your car, you simply log on to your computer and you can see immediately where the car is, which direction its traveling, and how fast it’s going. This information allows the police to find and identify the car quickly, even if the thief has already removed identifying characteristics such as the license plate and VIN number.

GPS vehicle tracking has proved to be so successful in stopping car theft that many departments have begun using “bait cars” to attract would-be thieves in an effort to stop car theft rings. The decoy cars are chosen based on their potential to attract the attention of a typical car thief and sometimes have valuables in plain sight. Once the thief takes the bait, the police can nab him immediately. Many of the cars are also equipped with technology that allows them to be turned off remotely, so that once police have the car in sight, they can kill the engine, making the arrest easier. Audio and video surveillance is typically used as well, which has provided invaluable insight into the actions and intentions of suspects.

Law enforcement departments have reported great success with the GPS vehicle tracking programs and have begun using the devices to monitor high theft areas and large events such as car shows or motorcycle rallies where theft is more common. The devices have saved departments significantly in terms of resources and manpower, allowing them to accomplish more and to increase effectiveness even on a tight budget.

Car owners who equip their vehicles with GPS tracking have taken the single most effective step in keep their cars safe. While locks and alarms can sometimes prove to be deterrents, experienced thieves know how to get around them. GPS tracking puts you as the owner in control of your car and gives you peace of mind that your valuable assets are protected.

by James Neely, freelance writer: click | HERE | to check out GPS products from Rocky Mountain Tracking

GPS Tracking is used as a proactive tool to help others keep watch over their vehicles and other valuable assets that are out-of-doors and constantly on the move.  It makes sense.

Personal Safety & GPS Tracking

But, consider this also:  GPS Tracking devices can be used as a way to keep track on your own movements.  It’s a kind of reverse tracking method that is very effective.

If you have ever been the object of a stalker or relationship that has broken down and now contains the elements of relationship abuse, then you might consider one of these devices.  It seems that everyone knows of situations in a relationship that could have benefitted from a GPS Tracking device.  Certainly we hear of them all of the time in the news.

By installing and using one in your vehicle, you can track your own movements and report on them as needed.  This is also good for supplying evidentiary support in court room settings.

In addition, if an unfortunate situation occurs where you are forced to drive your vehicle to a remote area, it can be tracked and found instantly with the proper model installed.  Also, with geo-fencing, you can set boundaries which can send out alerts if they have been broken.

Another area in which GPS Tracking devices can be used is in placing them on vehicles of suspects of violent crimes or stalking.  Their movements can be monitored constantly with data provided that can give a history of the location, direction and speed of the vehicle.

Finally, GPS Tracking devices are invaluable in tracking the vehicles of those who are suspected in marital infidelity cases.  Being able to place a car at a specific location and time helps validate the actions of the suspects.

These applications for GPS Tracking devices are the unseemly side of tracking, yet they are valuable in helping maintain law and order.  Peace of mind is also afforded because it is better knowing than not knowing in these cases.  Formulating actions based on facts rather than hunches is a better way to live.

While cost is often not as great of an issue when used in this case, it is nice to know that for just a few hundred dollars, these GPS Tracking devices can be employed with great results for the user.  In fact, the cost is far outweighed by the benefits.

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe with the use of a GPS Tracking device.  It has the potential to not only keep you safe, but maybe save a life, too.  You never know.

By Greg Bartlett

Truancy is a serious problem in many school districts. Traditionally it has been a difficult problem to deal with since neither the parents nor the teachers monitor students at all times. In some states, however, that situation may be about to change. A recent pilot program in Texas experimented with equipping students who have truancy records with a GPS tracking device to help keep them in school. So far, the program has been a success.

GPS & Truancy

The GPS tracking device carried by students in the pilot program allows them to be monitored at all times during the school day. The transmitter sends signals at intervals to a computer and the information can be viewed in real time or as a report at the end of the day. So far, the schools using the devices have been pleased with their performance and plan to expand the pilot programs to be implemented as part of the regular truancy procedures.

As other states begin to follow Texas in making GPS tracking part of their standard operating procedure for truant students, school leadership will appreciate the diverse options available when purchasing a GPS tracking device. Models and capabilities vary widely, and as the technology develops, GPS units will become smaller and smarter. Current models allow operators to set up zone perimeters, which, when crossed, will send an alert to the receiving software or to a cell phone. If a student tries to leave the property during the school day, school officials will know immediately.

Knowledge that their whereabouts can be determined at any point seems to give students with a tendency toward truancy a reason to stay in school. A truancy judge determines which students need to wear the devices and for how long. Parents of students in the pilot programs have backed the program as well, recognizing the need for their kids to stay in school in order to get the best start in life. With nearly one-third of high school students nationwide dropping out of school before graduation, the use of a GPS tracking device for truants could represent a significant shift in the ability of school officials to encourage attendance.

The data for high school dropouts is sobering: high school graduates earn approximately $10,000 less than their counterparts each year once they enter the workforce, adding up to nearly $319 billion in wages lost over the course of their careers. If equipping students with a GPS tracking device can alter those numbers even a small amount, the investment will be well worth it.

By Greg Bartlett

Business owners whose services include types of delivery using company vehicles should consider a GPS fleet tracking system.  Whether you manage a pizza delivery business, a floral delivery business, or appliance delivery business, GPS fleet tracking devices can help you make sure you and your employees are making the most effective use of time and resources.

GPS Fleet Tracking

Any business that requires employees to be out from under the direct supervision of a manager may consider such an investment to be worthwhile.   In most states, employee surveillance is considered to be illegal if the employee has not been informed, and many types of employee monitoring devices (hidden cameras, e-mail and internet monitoring, etc.) have at times been called into question.

GPS devices are not considered to be as invasive and have even been upheld as legitimate by legal authorities.  The benefits of GPS navigation systems are clear for companies and small businesses where employee driving and delivery is necessary.  Home repair businesses, home health care services, maid services, plumbers-many types of jobs require employee travel.  Navigation devices can help companies cut costs by determining the most direct routes, safest routes, routes with only right turns, etc.  GPS fleet tracking devices are just as beneficial for these companies and small businesses.

In an ideal world, every employee is honest and efficient with company time and resources.  Sometimes, however, the temptation to stop on a personal errand on an official work delivery might be too great.  Using the company car or gasoline for personal errands en route (or maybe a little more out of the way) can be a problem.  GPS will help you keep your employees accountable and honest and will conserve your company’s valuable resources.

The way GPS tracking devices work is through a series of satellites orbiting in outer space.  The satellites determine latitude and longitude of the individual or vehicle wearing the receiver.  There are active systems that constantly download the location of the receiver to the internet or mobile device.  There are passive systems that give a detailed log of where the receiver has been.  Either system would be ideal for fleet tracking.  If you can’t monitor the moment-by-moment activities of your employees, then the passive system will give you a recorded log for you to examine at your convenience.  If you are the owner or manager of a business that requires employee travel, then consider an investment in a GPS fleet tracking system.

By Greg Bartlett

Each year the United Kingdom has a celebrity bike ride to raise money for Sport Relief, which will build schools, shelters, and healthcare facilities for poor communities around the world. Donators of the Sport Relief Celebrity Million Pound Bike Ride can watch the long race from John o’Groats, Scotland, to Land’s End, England. How can they follow along as the various celebrities take their turn riding?

GPS Tracking & Cycling

By GPS tracking system, of course. The Sport Relief bike race will use real time tracking systems so that the movements of the riders can be followed on an internet map. The devices transmit signals regularly, which allows for an accurate route to be seen. A GPS tracking system not only records the location, but also the speed of the object or person it is tracking. Passive GPS tracking devices record this information as well, but they do not send out signals to a satellite. Instead, the tracker must be retrieved and then the information can be downloaded onto a computer for viewing. Although passive trackers can be very useful in a variety of circumstances, real time trackers are most helpful for races and other competitions, so that fans can watch the contest live on the internet. These tracking devices have been used in many different races like the Pure Michigan Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race.

By using real time GPS tracking systems, this bike race can be followed and enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Fans could feel like they were a part of the action throughout the race. The fact that the race could be tracked and viewed online grabs people’s attention which will help Sport Relief to raise their goal of one million pounds (around $1.5 million U.S. dollars) for their charity.

Real time GPS tracking systems are not only helpful for tracking races, but they can be used in a variety of other ways. These devices have become very popular for fleet management. Whether it’s taxi cabs or delivery trucks, a GPS tracking system will help keep tabs on all of the vehicles and make sure that they are used to their full potential. These tracking systems can also be used to protect vehicles from theft. Stolen vehicles can be easily recovered if they are protected with a vehicle tracking device. All the owner has to do is contact the police and give them the exact location of their vehicle. This helps the law enforcement officers out a great deal and ensures the speedy return of the stolen vehicle.

By DONNA SANTI / guest columnist

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-          Donna Santi is a creative writer for LandAirSea Systems, a Woodstock, IL-based manufacturer and distributor of expertly-engineered GPS tracking systems, software and accessories. For information about LandAirSea, visit www.landairsea.com. To contact the writer, email donna.santi@landairsea.com

Vehicle Tracking is finding great success in the business world. It might have even turned a corner, from being a benefit, to a necessity.

Globally, there is about $2.5 billion spent on GPS receivers and software, and by 2013, that spending will jump to about $13 billion annually, according to ABI Research in London, a marketing and consulting firm.

Now a new poll seems to back that bold prediction. A 2010 survey of transportation, service, utility and construction companies revealed that more than half of those businesses are now using GPS tracking systems; with the largest reported benefit being more efficient operations.

GPS Tracking and Business

The news should bring smiles to the faces of the many manufacturers and dealers of vehicle tracking technology. Also widely encouraging is the poll’s look at the future market: Among those companies who do not yet utilize GPS tracking systems, almost 90 percent of them said they were aware of the technology’s benefits and were considering investing in it.

One out of every two businesses is using GPS tracking in its fleet management department, and the majority of the others want it. What could be better news?

The survey was conducted by a vehicle tracking and fleet management organization in the United Kingdom. One hundred and fifty companies were surveyed with fleet management supervisors or top administrators being the respondents. The sizes of the companies’ fleets ranged from 10 vehicles, to more than 1,000; the average being less than 100 vehicles.

Fuel prices are creeping up once again, everyone’s looking for a greener way of living, and the economy is forcing many business people to make the most of the resources they have, or buckle under. GPS tracking system solutions help in all three areas.

Following is a breakdown of some of the survey responses.

What Current GPS Tracking Users Had To Say:

• 9 in 10 said they were satisfied with their choice of GPS tracking system.
• 8 of 10 said vehicle tracking helped them reduce operational costs.
• 6 of 10 said the tracking system increased productivity.
• 5 in 10 said employee performance improved.
• 5 in 10 said their tracking system resulted in better security.

What Those NOT Using Vehicle Tracking Are Saying:

• 6 of 10 thought GPS tracking would offer a good return on investment (ROI), meaning it is money well-spent.
• Four in 10 said vehicle tracking did not fit the needs of their particular business.
• Four in 10 perceived GPS tracking systems to be too cost-prohibitive to their budgets.

The surveyor conducts its poll every other year. The 2008 poll revealed that one in four businesses was using vehicle tracking technology. Theoretically, the number of GPS tracking users doubled in just two years.

Source: FleetDirectory.co.uk , CNNMoney.com

by James Neely, freelance writer: click | HERE | to check out GPS products from Rocky Mountain Tracking

Even though auto theft incidents have been dramatically cut in recent months, that is no reason to stop being vigilant about the possibility of it happening to you.  Consider that the most commonly stolen vehicle is the Toyota Camry.  That is not a luxury model by any stretch, and drives home the purpose for which Vehicle Tracking devices have been developed.

GPS & Auto Theft

Here are the best reasons to get a Vehicle Tracking device installed in your car or truck.

Safety

When you are driving and encounter a police vehicle, what is your automatic reaction?  Slow down and look at your speedometer.  This is because being in the presence of one who can enforce the laws makes you drive in a less conspicuous way.  The same is true of a GPS Tracking device.  It constantly monitors vehicle speed, direction, and location and delivers these in a report that can be used to enforced rules and laws on the part of parents to teens and parents to their parents.

Security

You should never travel in your vehicle to an unsafe location.  But, you never know where trouble might originate.  GPS Tracking devices provide a sense of security in that vehicle movements can be monitored in real-time with the proper device.  And, with geo-fencing, alerts can be generated if a vehicle breaks through established boundaries.

Sanity

Parents are constantly worried about their teens when they drive.  And for good reason.  Accidents for teen drivers are higher than any other driver group.  Parents need a GPS Tracking device that can give them some peace of mind about their teen drivers.

Savings

You can realize a savings on your insurance premiums by installing a GPS Tracking device.  Insurance companies embrace these devices as they help lower their risk.  These savings are shared with their clients.

Stability

Adding GPS Tracking devices to your vehicles gives stability to your family and the expectations that parents set forth.  It is one area in which monitoring can be a positive thing because adding them to all of your vehicles puts everyone under the same rules and guidelines.

GPS Tracking devices are more affordable than ever and you can find a model that fits your needs.  The cost can easily be made up in the insurance premium savings in just a few months.

So, what is keeping you from implementing one of these devices?  The sooner you do the better protected and prepared you will be.

By Greg Bartlett

Have you ever needed to stop by at a store for just a minute?  You know the item you need is on the shelf right by the door, and it’ll take you thirty seconds to run in there and check out.  Surely it’s not worth it to park what feels like a quarter mile away.  Or maybe all you need to do is pick up your kid, and you just need to go in the doors and catch his attention.  Circling the parking lot looking for a spot just isn’t appealing - it’ll only take a second to go inside, so it won’t hurt to leave the car running while you dash in?  Surely nothing will happen.

GPS Tracking & Auto Theft

Maybe, but maybe not.  It’s possible that some enterprising individual will seize the day - and your car, along with any valuables inside.  One man in Kansas recently had exactly that happen, but he was able to recover his vehicle through the use of GPS tracking.  If your car is stolen, whether from the curb or from a parking space, a GPS unit can help police track your vehicle, capture the thief, and recover your car.

Leaving your car running at the curb may not be the best way to avoid car theft, but a car can be stolen from a parking spot, too.  It could even be stolen from your driveway.  No matter where your car starts, the important thing for you is finding out where it goes.  A GPS tracking device will be able to tell you were your vehicle is in real time, including its speed and any stops it makes.

Once a car is stolen, recovery rates are not high.  The FBI Uniform Crime Report claims that only about 57% of stolen cars are recovered.  With GPS tracking, however, recovery rates can jump to 90%.  Since the tracking units are often small and can be easily hidden, thieves do not have the time to locate the device and get rid of it so that they can hide the car completely - at least, they don’t have time since the police and the owner will be tracking the car’s current location and the thieves won’t be able to just park somewhere and hunt for the device.

Wherever you leave your car, it’s important that it’ll be there when you get back.  Locks and alarm systems will help, but they can’t always protect your vehicle.  GPS tracking is a valuable aid to help you find and recover your car should it be stolen.

By Greg Bartlett

Alzheimer’s disease is a serious threat, with approximately 5.3 million Alzheimer’s patients in the US.  As the 7^th leading cause of death in the US, family members are no doubt concerned any time they discover that a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

GPS Tracking & Alzheimer's

Besides memory loss, impaired judgment, and personality changes, one of the most serious threats for Alzheimer’s patients is wandering.  The Alzheimer’s patient may get lost in his or her own neighborhood, becoming confused and disoriented no matter how many times he or she has been there before.  For every 10 people with Alzheimer’s, 6 will wander and 7 will wander repeatedly.  If the patient is not found within 24 hours, he or she will likely be injured or even die.

In Canada, two people have died within the past few months because of Alzheimer’s.  In the more recent instance, an 80-year-old woman went outside at night, apparently thinking she would get groceries, and ended up dying of hyperthermia.

GPS tracking devices can help save the life of your loved ones.  Many of these devices are small and can be put around the Alzheimer’s patient’s wrist or neck, or even in pieces of their clothing, such as their shoes.  The GPS tracking device will then monitor the individual, alerting you, a caregiver, or even a hospital and the police if the Alzheimer’s patient leaves predetermined boundaries or travels during certain hours.  If your grandmother, for instance, leaves your house during the middle of the night, you’ll find out immediately and can retrieve her before she, too, dies of hyperthermia.

With the ability to monitor the Alzheimer’s patient’s location in real time, a GPS tracking device can increase your loved one’s safety and your peace of mind.  Furthermore, it can even save money.  Search and rescue efforts by individuals and by the government can cost billions of dollars each year.  With GPS devices, the search time can be drastically reduced while the effectiveness is increased - after all, it’s hard to get much faster or more accurate than locating the individual in real time.

Family members whose loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s are already going through enough while watching their family member slowly die.  They don’t need the added worry of the Alzheimer’s patient wandering off and possibly dying.  With a GPS tracking device, that concern can be removed, leaving the family free to enjoy the time left with their loved one.