Rocky Mountain Tracking

By Greg Bartlett

The news seems full of reports of teen driving deaths, around 3,500 in 2008 alone, and many parents wonder how they can keep their own young drivers safe. Certainly, when teenagers are learning, the solution is easy. Parents can sit right next to their children and monitor their every move, telling them to slow down, stop at stoplights, and cautioning them against reckless driving. However, what do parents do once their children are fully trained and learn to drive by themselves?

Teen Drivers & GPS

Many families have started using vehicle tracking systems to solve this problem. These systems allow parents to see exactly where their child is and what their child is doing. If a teenager is going over 70 in a 45 zone, he may find his phone ringing with a lecture from his mom. If another teenager appears to be engaged in reckless driving and won’t answer her phone, parents can track where she is and find her. Although these situations may seem unnecessary and annoying, especially to the teenagers involved, many lives could be saved by using GPS tracking.

Guy Thompson of Lake Oswego, Oregon tracks his 16 year old driver, Maggie using a vehicle tracking device. At first, he admits, he checked on her regularly throughout the day, and Maggie confesses she didn’t like being on a leash. However, the pair says that after awhile, Thompson started checking only once a day, and she grew used to the vehicle tracking device, forgetting, at times, that it was even there. Of course, like any teenager, she wishes her parents didn’t use it in the first place, but she is willing to put up with the process and does acknowledge that it helped cultivate trust between her and her parents. Thompson, however, feels the device is fine. Although, he does add that it needs to be between parents and children.

Although many teenagers may feel these devices signify a lack of trust on their parents’ part, most parents view that miscommunication as a small price to pay for the safety and continued lives of their children. Granted, some children are trustworthy without GPS tracking. Still, many others need the accountability provided by such a device. Parents of teen drivers should seriously consider purchasing a vehicle tracking device, thus preventing their own children from being one of the next 3,500 deaths this year.

By Greg Bartlett

With 26.6 million people diagnosed with Alzheimers, far too many families understand the risk and concerns that go along with caring for a victim of this disease. Alzheimer patients will often wander away from their family and/or caretakers without giving any information about where they went.

GPS Tracking & Alzheimer's

Since the invention of GPS tracking, it has been used in several ways. Police can track criminals on parole, parents can track their young teenage drivers, and suspicious spouses can monitor their possibly unfaithful mate. Recently, several states have discussed widening its uses and implementing GPS devices into their Silver Alert Programs.

The tendency of Alzheimer victims to wander has given rise to Silver Alerts. Similar to Amber Alert, Silver Alerts allow caretakers and family to broadcast, over the television, radio, or other media, information about a missing Alzheimer sufferer. GPS tracking can make finding someone in these dangerous and too often heartbreaking situations easier. Families can put a GPS device into the shoe or some other piece of clothing of a loved one. Alerts will be sent to family members phone or computer if the loved one passes a certain line. Also, GPS tracking devices can help families avoid situations like that of 77 year old William Young, found dead in a river after wandering from his house several days earlier. One can only wonder how Young’s situation and other like it might have ended differently were Young outfitted with a GPS device.

GPS devices have already been useful in similar situations. In fact, due to the success of GPS tracking in such circumstances, Indianapolis is discussing making these devices mandatory for Alzheimer victims. Discussion continues on this possible piece of legislation. Many groups feel the move is unnecessary, others feel it will save lives. However, both sides agree that an optional GPS program, at least, will greatly decrease the chances of more missing or dead Alzheimers victims and their grieving families. Regardless of whether a law is passed, all families dealing with an Alzheimer Disease situation need to consider GPS tracking.

Many families and caretakers may wonder if the price of a GPS tracking device is worth the investment. However, with prices always falling and the safety of a loved one in question, these devices are worth the investment. Those with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer Disease should start looking into the devices immediately.

By Harriette Halepis

Source Acquired via San Antonio News — In January of 2010, certain schools within Bryan, Texas, began tracking truant students using GPS tracking devices. Due to a decree handed down by Justice of the Peace Tommy Munoz, those students who were considered truant were slapped with GPS bracelets and tracked throughout the daylight hours.

GPS Tracking & Truancy

Many were sceptical as to whether or not this GPS tracking system would work, but as the months passed the class attendance within those Bryan, Texas, schools began to rise. This prompted other schools throughout the Texas area to adopt similar methods. San Antonio is one area that quickly adopted the GPS tracking system, and (as the San Antonio News reports) it’s one system that is proving to be highly effective.

Districts within the San Antonio area were simply “…looking for a solution…” when they came across the Bryan, Texas, case. Shortly thereafter, “…they tracked down a pilot program that gave them 25 GPS units and 12 weeks to try them out….” The result has been astounding. For the first time in a long time “…the students have been going to school…”

Which students get to carry GPS bracelets with them at all times? Well, that’s up for the counts to decide. Those students who prove to be more truant than the rest will find a court ordered GPS sentence, while students who attend class daily will go without being tracked.

The students who are forced to carry the GPS tracking device with them must check-in with an authority figure at different points during the day, and lying about one’s whereabouts won’t work - different codes tell authorities where a student is at all times, so there’s no escaping the GPS system.

Texas is proving to be a flagship state as far as tracking truant students goes, but it’s only a matter of time before other states begin to adopt this way of keeping kids in class. Thus far, nothing is working better at keeping kids in school than the constant electronic watchdog that is the GPS device.

By Greg Bartlett

GPS trackers have become headline news in the last several years and the steps that they have taken in technology have been absolutely phenomenal. Nowadays, even your cell phone could be used to track you if necessary and some of the more advanced Blackberries and other products can easily be traced to find your location. One online program makes it possible for you to program any phone of your choice with GPS capability so that you can find it at any time you want.

GPS Tracking Uses

A GPS tracker can help you to watch your employees and their travel time to and from a client’s house. It can also let you know where your children or wife are at all times, whether you simply want to know for information’s sake, or even if you have had problems with them in the past. GPS can also tell you information about your vehicle, how fast it is driving, where it is, and how long it has stayed in one location. There are many options available with GPS tracking, but it depends on what you need it for.

GPS tracking is an exciting new technology, but it doesn’t require a lot of work on the part of the user in order to make it work. All you need to do is simply buy the device and activate it. Once you have completed that, it will do the rest of the work, sending the signals to a series of satellites that will then transfer the information to a computer. The data is then organized on the computer and used as necessary.

GPS tracking can also be used to track animals, such as in the case of a group of scientists with a wolf pack. These scientists wanted to keep an eye on the wolves, as their population has been dwindling in the state of Oregon, and to be sure that they were still doing well. Another use of a GPS tracker has been to recover stolen trucks. Companies have been able to recover several thousands of dollars worth of materials as a result of this tracking program and the program has become very useful.

Although these specific examples may not apply to you, a GPS tracker could be very helpful to you for a variety of reasons. There are several options available online to you; all you have to do is to start looking.

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

We have heard a lot of talk about the good that GPS Tracking devices can do for those with Alzheimer’s and related dementia disorders.  But, what about those who are not quite to the point of having been fully diagnosed?  Should they be left out of consideration?

Elderly Drivers & GPS

Consider the following story out of the Cincinnati, Ohio area to reinforce this point.  In this account, an elderly couple became lost on their way to a local store and ended up almost two hours and one state away.

Look, no one likes to speak up when it is time to tell elderly parents that it is time for them to surrender the keys to their cars, but it must be done.  This story could have had a disastrous ending for the couple and their family.

What makes this even more difficult of a decision is that with budget cuts abounding, it is hard for some citizens to find public transportation when they need it.

The one solution to help those who are still driving and are in this situation is to install a GPS Tracking device into vehicles that are driven by those who are at greatest risk.  Here’s the reasons why this makes sense:

Instant Location

With GPS Tracking installed, you never wonder where the vehicle is located.  In fact, you can monitor the location from a PC in your home or office.  Noticing where the car is and noting that something does not look right, can help trigger an assistance call to check up on the drivers / family members.

Trip Monitoring

Are your parents ’snow birds?’  Do they travel the Interstates for long periods of time to get to and from their winter homes?  If so, then a GPS Tracking device is a MUST HAVE for them.  No one likes to think about their parents on the road by themselves with dangers all around them.  GPS Tracking allows you to breathe easier.

Speed Watching

Reports from these GPS Tracking units allow you to view speed data.  You can make sure that the drivers of these vehicles are obeying posted limits.  Also, should they be stopped and issued a ticket for excessive speed, you can fight that ticket if the evidence shows that they were in compliance with posted limits.

Banding Together

One solution to help the elderly get around to locations that they need to go is to find a transportation organization that specifically targets them for rides to and from stores in the area.

If you parents are still on the road, use a GPS Tracking device.  If you need to make a decision to revoke their driving privileges, then good luck.  It is not an easy situation either way, but one that must be met head-on.

By Greg Bartlett

Most people think that tracking devices are just an infringement on their personal rights. While this may sometimes be true, it is more commonly used to protect and help people. Some of the more common uses for car tracking devices are to track teenagers and spouses while they travel. There are more accidents occurring every day than ever before and teens are often charged with negligent driving due to peer pressure and a lack of driving skills. Whether your teen fits these criteria, or whether he is a safe driver, car tracking may be the answer to protecting your child, or even other family members as they travel.

Family & GPS Car Tracking

GPS tracking is a relatively new technology that has come out on the market. There are several sorts of tracking devices that offer a variety of solutions to any problem. The basic device is usually small and can be easily hidden, but varies according to each individual need. Once the device is activated, it begins recording data or transmitting it to a series of satellites, that then relay the information to a central receiving computer. This computer is monitored by groups of technicians that can then pass on the time, location, and speed of the GPS monitor.

Google is currently monitoring a streetcar that is located in the city of Berlin. This experiment offers the world an opportunity to see GPS tracking at its finest. The European Commission is pushing for much higher standards on tracking units and is trying to make pinpoint tracking a possibility. GPS tracking continues to evolve and will continue to have an influence on the world as its endless opportunities are explored. The plan is to eventually create units that can give more compact directions with fewer possibilities of getting their owners lost or delayed. The United States has even begun a smart car program in the city of Austin that will allow Americans to experience the possibilities of GPS car tracking.

Regardless of the options available, GPS tracking has and will continue to improve over time. With GPS units becoming smaller, the data received has continued to grow and expand. Car tracking is becoming a commonplace event, whether legally or illegally. Help your teenager or spouse drive safely on the road no matter what circumstances they face. Find out how GPS tracking can help you and your family as you continue into the future.

By Greg Bartlett

There are 5.3 million people in the United States affected by Alzheimer’s Disease.  A new case of Alzheimer’s is diagnosed every 70 seconds.  Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

GPS Tracking & Alzheimers

Alzheimer’s has many symptoms and several stages, but one of the most dangerous symptoms of the disease is “wandering” - the victim wanders away from home, leaving caregivers and family members in distress.  As some doctors point out, sometimes the patient may have deteriorated mentally before they deteriorate physically, leaving them in a condition to wander for many many miles and hours before they become exhausted.  Sometimes the patient is missed early, is located, and is easily led home.  Others leave home in all weathers and conditions never to be found again.

What makes this wandering tendency so dangerous is that the patient does not realize that they are lost or in trouble-they don’t stop to ask for help and simply become confused as to where they actually are.  They are almost always unable to find their way back home.  Sometimes the patient is found with serious injuries due to exposure.  In far too many cases, the victim is found dead.  Some states have “silver alerts,” similar to amber alerts (amber alerts notify a community when a child has been abducted).  The silver alert would notify the area when an older adult is missing.  There are similar things that people have developed to help with this problem, but when your patient is lost, time is of the essence in order to avert injury and possible tragedy.

Alzheimer’s patients in the stage of the disease where wandering becomes a danger must have constant surveillance, and it is nearly impossible for caregivers and family members to maintain a 24-hour vigilance over their loved one.  One way to help with this problem among Alzheimer’s sufferers and their families is to implement a GPS tracking device for the patient.  A GPS tracking device can help you keep a constant watch on the whereabouts of the wearer.  The satellites are able to ascertain the longitude and latitude of the person wearing the receiver, and the information downloads constantly from satellites to the internet or to a mobile device.

If your loved one wanders off, you will be able to instantly track their location and reach them before it is too late.  Investing in a GPS tracking device for your loved one with Alzheimer’s is a small price to pay for their safety and your peace of mind.

By Greg Bartlett

How many different types of tracking systems do you think there are available? While many people may think that only a few exist, the possibilities are endless and opportunities abound to exploit the advantages of a GPS tracker. GPS tracking systems can be used for a variety of things. One of the most well-known is used for tracking vehicles. Whether you want to keep track of your spouse or children, or whether you simply want to know where your car is at all times, a GPS system could suit you perfectly. Some people hide the GPS system on their vehicle, others place it in a conspicuous location, such as a standard GPS system that gives directions. Some companies, on the other hand, use GPS tracking systems to keep record of where their cars have been, how long they have been there, and their speed in travel. This can be helpful if you rent out cars or have a business that makes client calls.

GPS Tracking & Personal Safety

Another use for GPS tracking is to know where your animal is. Dog-tracking collars have made recent strides in technology and people can even have personal logins and passwords to find a lost pup on the Internet. Some people will also GPS tracking and place a device on an individual or in a pocket.

Other uses of tracking systems have been to keep abreast of what is going on worldwide. Police officers have used GPS trackers to know where criminals are at all times. Paparazzi use similar devices to know where a famous Hollywood star is or where a politician may be staying. The Olympics became well-known for tracking the vehicles that the champions were traveling in. This helped them to know where the athletes were and when they would arrive to the games.

GPS tracking is not difficult and has become very useful recently. It uses a small device that, when activated, transmits radio waves to satellites, that then pass the information to a central computer. This helps technicians know the location of the device as well as any other data it monitors. Tracking with a GPS system can be very beneficial and can provide you with much information that you would not be able to know otherwise. GPS systems are cheap and readily available for anyone who is interested in considering them further. Come see what a GPS tracker can do for you.

By Greg Bartlett

Large and small businesses, law enforcement offices, and the military have all reported significant benefits from using GPS tracking to help them conduct their operations on a day to day basis, but perhaps one of the most important GPS applications for the average person is personal safety. Everyone, from the very young to the elderly, can benefit from the protection a GPS tracking device offers to its wearer.

GPS Tracking & Personal Safety

Imagine that your elderly grandmother is out for a drive. She’s getting out of her vehicle when suddenly she is grabbed from behind and forced into a van. Helpless to struggle or call out, she is carried away before she knows what is going on. That’s exactly what happened to a grandmother in Chicago recently when she was kidnapped by three men and spirited away from her family. Fortunately for the family, GPS tracking helped the police find their grandmother and her kidnappers before it was too late. But suppose that next time it’s your grandmother or child in the back of the van. Would you be able to give police officers the information they needed to help recover your loved one?

GPS tracking for personal safety can also protect you when you’re alone in an unknown area. If you’re a jogger, hiker, or skier, for instance, you can wear a GPS tracking device that will allow your family to find you if you don’t come home when expected. Some devices also have alert buttons that allow you to notify your family or friends if you are lost or injured and need help.

A third personal safety benefit of GPS tracking is monitoring of loved ones who cannot care for themselves. Alzheimer’s disease is rampant among the elderly, and the tendency of patients to wander away from home can present serious dangers. If your elderly parent or relative has Alzheimer’s, a GPS tracking device can help you keep an eye on them to ensure that they are kept out of harm’s way. Perimeter capabilities on some models allow you to set up borderlines which, if crossed, will cause an alert to be sent to your email or pager.

The typical American’s busy lifestyle does not allow for constant vigilance over loved ones, but with GPS tracking, you can still ensure that your family members are protected and that you know immediately if they need your help. You may never be faced with a kidnapped child or lost loved one, but if you are, you’ll have the peace of mind in knowing that you’re ready to meet the challenge.

By Greg Bartlett

When you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, your world changes. Not only do your care responsibilities increase, but your anxiety and stress levels as well. Alzheimer’s can cause people to forget, but it can also cause dangerous behavior such as wandering from home and becoming lost. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that six out of every ten Alzheimer’s patients will wander away from home at some point, and that half of those who wander could meet with injury or death.

GPS Tracking & Alzheimer's

The question that must be answered, then, is how you can reduce those statistics when someone you love is faced with Alzheimer’s. While adding structure and routine to a person’s life can help prevent wandering behavior, many families have turned to GPS tracking for help in increasing the personal safety of their loved ones. A GPS tracking transmitter can be clipped to the patient’s clothing, concealed in the sole of a shoe, or carried in a pocket or purse, depending on the severity of the disease and how likely it is that the person will try to remove the device.

Once you know that your family member has the GPS tracking device with her, you can monitor her remotely, checking in on her from time to time throughout the day. The transmitter will send signals to your computer at specified intervals and you can view the wearer’s location in real time or you can choose to print a report of her activities throughout the day. In this way, you can monitor patterns, so that you can recognize immediately if something is out of the ordinary. Some devices will also allow you to set up perimeters or zones. If the patient wanders outside the designated perimeter, the device will send an alert to your pager or email allowing you to check on her immediately.

Many families dread the thought of putting an elderly parent or sibling into a nursing home or assisted care facility. GPS tracking can be the tool that allows you to keep your loved one at home instead of needing to rely on twenty-four hour care in a home for the elderly. Alzheimer’s disease throws a curve ball into the day to day life of a family, but with GPS tracking, you can keep your loved one’s routine as normal as possible, providing stability and comfort for him or her, and peace of mind for yourself.