Rocky Mountain Tracking

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

There’s a lot of talk about distracted drivers on our streets and roadways and, for good reason because the amount of distractions has increased.  Consider that not too many years ago, the vehicle controls and the radio used to be the only major distractions to the driver.  Now, add cell phones, GPS Navigation units, entertainment systems and the myriad of other electronic aids built into vehicles and you have a recipe for disaster.

Distracted driving is quick becoming a major cause of accidents that not only produce damage to a vehicle, but can cause injury and even death.  It is important, then to discuss the ways that distractions can be eliminated.

Reduce the Possibility

Getting rid of distractions by turning off devices that demand attention is the number one way to eliminate distractions.  Or do not take things along that can distract a person while they are driving.

Alter Behavior

Teaching to better handle distractions is important, too.  Face it, distractions will come, but it is more important to learn how to handle them than to just ignore them.  For example, it is better to pull off to the side of the road when taking a cell phone call in a vehicle.  That way, there is no way that you can be the cause of a moving violation or accident.  That goes for text messaging, too.  Helping drivers learn to prioritize tasks can be helpful, also.  Texting and talking on the cell phone can wait until you are at your destination.

Add GPS Tracking

Here’s why this makes sense.  When people know that they are being watched, the fact that it is occurring changes their actions.  Consider that when you drive down the street and encounter a police vehicle, you immediately check your speed and put on the brakes.  And, if you are being followed by a police car, you suddenly become the best driver in the world.

GPS Tracking devices can have that effect, too.  When a driver realizes that every move they make with a vehicle is being ‘watched’ then it will have a positive impact on their actions.  They begin to pay closer attention to their driving.

Distracted driving is at serious levels in our society and anything that we can do to reduce or eliminate it is worthwhile.  GPS Tracking can be a catalyst for good driving behaviors.

Rocking Mountain Tracking has the best line-up of GPS Tracking Device to meet any need.  Take a look at their products and options for the best fit for your business.  You will find knowledgeable sales persons in helping you get the best unit to meet your requirements.

By Greg Bartlett

Fleet vehicle theft can provide huge payoffs for the criminals who make it their business. When tractor trailers and their contents are stolen, it’s difficult for police to recover them, and traditionally the rate of returned vehicles has been low. That is, until the advent of GPS vehicle tracking. Fleet vehicles that have been equipped with GPS tracking devices can be monitored from a company computer and their whereabouts determined at any time. That means that as soon as a theft occurs, police have access to data that will show them the exact location of the missing vehicle, enabling them to find not only the vehicle but usually the perpetrator as well.

Companies who have installed GPS vehicle tracking in their fleet vehicles have reported an excellent return on their investment. When dealing with large, expensive vehicles that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars each, the savings of recovering just one stolen vehicle can make the purchase of GPS tracking devices worth it, since that’s one less vehicle that has to be replaced. If employers suspect their drivers of performing personal business on company time, they can monitor individual drivers as well. Whether the employees are selling company products for personal gain, operating a personal side business on company time, or simply using the company vehicle for personal driving, managers can nip these behaviors in the bud by having the information they need to confront employees with specifics.

As GPS vehicle tracking technology improves, transmitters are being built smaller, enabling discreet placement so that the devices cannot be easily detected or removed. The transmitter sends signals to a computer detailing the vehicle’s movements over time and this information can be viewed either in real time or as a report of activities over a given time span. Real time information helps track down stolen vehicles in as little as an hour from the time they were stolen, while data reports can help employers confront workers with hard facts if they deny misbehavior.  Some cities have begun using the devices to ensure that employees are performing their jobs as expected as well.

Businesses that have asked themselves whether GPS vehicle tracking could help improve their bottom line will be pleased with the cost saving efficiency that can be encouraged with the help of the tracking devices. It’s an excellent way to keep tabs on both employees and vehicles, while making sure they make the most of limited resources.

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

Fleet operations have the unenviable task of monitoring their drivers as they travel their daily routes.  It is a necessary part of the operation to help insure that their drivers are using safe and responsible activities.  A huge burden of liability rests on the companies who have many company-owned vehicles moving along the streets of most major cities and towns.

More of these businesses have turn to GPS Tracking systems to augment their driver safety policies.  Here is how properly outfitted devices can help in this arena:

Awareness

This is true not only when the driver is on the road, where they need to be the most aware of their surroundings and the things happening in front of them, but when they are on their own time as well.  Paying attention to details is always a good choice in remaining focused on any task.  Driving a vehicle, especially a large delivery truck or even semi, requires a constant focus.  But there are always too many distractions.

Responsibility

When a driver is part of an organization that values safety and responsibility, they feel like a part of something bigger than just making deliveries every day.  This is what motivates people to become heroes when they assist others who are involved in traumatic situations.  In fact, the training that they receive often kicks in without them thinking about it.

Safety Alignment

By emphasizing safety, it becomes a part of their everyday routine.  From making sure that their vehicle is operating correctly, to driving with added ownership of their actions at the wheel they are immersed in safety activities.

Encourages Positive Behavior

When drivers value safety and responsibility, they make better decisions on the road.  Knowing that lives are at stake helps a great deal, also.

A GPS Tracking device helps the driver realize that they are being monitored not only for business purposes, but to also ensure that rules of the road and laws are being obeyed at all times.  This will help make sure that the incidents of moving violations are low while driving up customer satisfaction.  Drivers will be more productive as well.  This is a decision that you will not regret making for your business.  Check out one of these systems today.

Rocking Mountain Tracking has the best line-up of GPS Tracking devices to meet any need.  Take a look at their products and options for the best fit for your business.  You will find knowledgeable sales persons in helping you get the best unit to meet your requirements.

By Greg Bartlett

Conscientious drivers in every location detest tailgaters. The problem is compounded when the tailgater drives a company vehicle that’s bigger than your car and when he uses his vehicle’s size to intimidate other vehicles and disregard traffic etiquette. “How’s my Driving?” stickers do little to curb the reckless driving behavior of many truck and van drivers and callers often end up frustrated when their calls seem to make little difference in driving habits on the road. New GPS tracker technology, however, allows companies to keep a closer eye on vehicle operators and gives them the information they need to implement safe driving initiatives for their drivers.

Equipping fleet vehicles with a GPS tracker has become standard practice at many businesses. Transmitters send signals to company computers and keep managers informed of the location of their employee vehicles as they make their rounds throughout the day. Results can be viewed in real time or as a report detailing movement over time. Many models also allow monitoring of speed and can provide the direction of the vehicle as well as fuel usage details. The newest innovations in GPS tracker technology provide company managers with more information about driver behavior including quick accelerations over the speed limit, stamping on the brakes, and swerves.

Most business owners love the new generation of GPS trackers, stating that they’ve seen significant cost savings over the course of the year due to reduced fuel usage and greater efficiency. While installing a GPS tracker on every vehicle can’t prevent bad driving, it can give managers concrete information about the safety record of each driver, allowing them to confront problems where they exist and take measures to correct them. When an employee knows that his driving is under surveillance, he’ll be more likely to demonstrate care as he drives and to abide by speed limits and road rules. Managers can also incorporate fuel savings training into their business protocol, reminding employees that driving the speed limit and not leaving the engine idling during deliveries keeps the environment cleaner and saves money across the board.

For everyone else on the road, GPS tracker use by businesses means lower chances of being cut off by speeding vans or being intimidated by larger vehicles. Safety is a goal that we all strive for in every aspect of our daily lives. GPS tracking technology provides one more way to make sure the roads are kept safe for everyone.

By Harriette Halepis

Are you thinking about purchasing a GPS tracker this Christmas? Well, your ultimate GPS Tracker gift guide has arrived - just sit back, take note, and get ready to buy a gift that anyone on your list will love.

Things to know about buying a GPS Tracker:

• Compact is best - look for smaller trackers that aren’t bulky or cumbersome. This way, you can track children, small objects, and other items discretely.

• Look for a tracker with a GPRS connection. When a GPRS connection is involved, you’ll be able to track items or people using real-time monitoring.

• Make sure to ask about battery life. As with any other electronic object, most GPS Trackers run on batteries. Some trackers are better than others where batteries are concerned, and you don’t want yours to run out of battery power too quickly.

• Find out if your tracker has a web-based interface. If you want to track an item using the Internet, then you’ll need a web-based interface. Otherwise, you could spend hours attempting to install software, and who wants to bother with that?

• Geo Fence: a Geo fence is a virtual fence that notifies a tracker’s owner when a person has wandered outside of a designated area. This is a great tool if you plan on tracking an elderly person or a child.

Just keep these things in mind when you start shopping for your GPS tracker, and you’ll have a better chance of finding the right tracker for the job - happy shopping!

By Greg Bartlett

GPS trackers have always been perfect for vehicles. A car’s size, value, and inherent mobility make it ideal for owners to install some sort of tracking system. Individuals and companies can of course put the location and speed data to good use. The protection, accountability, and assurance provided by a GPS tracker are invaluable to keeping both personal and corporate property secure. But what if specialized GPS technology could act directly to keep the driver safe, as well?

In a press release on October 13th, a research team at Auburn University announced a project whose goal was to create a GPS tracker that would collect data from a vehicle’s internal sensors and run it through a computer algorithm which can predict roll or side-slipping. GPS satellites would provide location and speed data as well, and the vehicle would notify the driver if his or her driving was particularly dangerous. The GPS data would also be used by the vehicle to improve its own stability control system.

The project is being funded by Ford Motor Company, who hopes to produce prototypes of the GPS trackers and the accompanying sensor technology soon. Said Ford vice president of research Gerhard Schmidt, “A satellite orbiting the earth could someday prevent an auto accident. We applaud the Auburn team for these advancements and look forward to working together on the next phase of this research, including developing prototype vehicles.”

The effort highlights the ability of trackers and other GPS-enabled technology to increase the safety of drivers and their passengers. The accuracy of these devices is improving all the time, and as the government and other interests continue to bolster the existing GPS network, the capacity for higher volumes of communications traffic will only increase. This in turn will spur additional research into a wide variety of applications. Simple safety notifications and distributed tracking data is only the tip of the iceberg.

GPS trackers have come extremely far in terms of adaptability and integration to existing vehicle systems. Researchers are continually finding new ways in which to use the highly precise data to aid companies and individuals who wish to keep tabs on the use of their vehicles. Whether you’re a parent trying to encourage safe driving habits in your teen, or a fleet manager attempting to provide cost savings through a more efficient logistics system, GPS trackers can be your next best friend in the car.

By James Neely

Children have innate needs to be close to those who love them and provide shelter and care where they cannot. This is understood in child-rearing. Also understood is the need to provide boundaries for actions by small children who, on their own, could do things that have disastrous consequences.

Why do we not apply this logic when children turn to teens and get their drivers licenses? Do they not also need boundaries and need to still be instructed on doing or not doing things that could hurt them severely? The answer is ‘yes.’

For teen drivers, the best method for helping direct their young, sometimes overeager minds is by installing and using a GPS Tracking system in the vehicles in which they will be driving and spending time with family and friends.

Boundaries established. Once the teen knows and understands the rules and laws that make up the boundaries, as well as understanding that they are being strictly enforced by a GPS vehicle tracking device, it helps modify their behavior to be more responsible an less likely to commit acts that have serious consequences.

This is not always the case, but even when it is not, data in support of evidence presented is invaluable in substantiating claims made by the teen or others.

Rules enforced. Rules and laws are not made to be broken, or even tested. Most parents have horror stories in their past of times when a nonchalant attitude was taken towards these things with sometimes disastrous results, or at least the realization that things could have gone wrong very quickly. Why put your child in that situation in the first place?

Creating boundaries for verification. When a GPS Tracking system is utilized, you can set a perimeter in which a vehicle is not allowed to traverse over which will set off alerts. The consequences are choices that parents have to make, but this allows control beyond just the data for location, direction of travel and speed provide.

Monitoring progress. Being able to operate in near real time may or may not be deemed as necessary, but it is nice to know that it is available. Constant monitoring has a built-in safety level that helps the end user perform verification and adherence to rules and laws.

It is time to help teens become adults by understanding the reasoning behind boundaries. Encouraging young minds towards positive behavior will go far in aiding their development. GPS Tracking systems gives you the basis that you need in establishing this environment. Good luck.

By James Neely

When it comes to safety and responsibility on the roads, nothing compares to an investment of the principles that apply to safe and responsible driving. It is easy for fleet drivers to become lax overtime because driving is their job and the more miles driven makes them become less tuned in to the things that are important.

That is why a GPS vehicle tracking system is a must for any fleet operations. There are many features and benefits to a fleet of vehicles that have been outfitted with these devices, but safety and responsibility are at the top of the list. Here is why this is true:

Heightens awareness. This is true not only when the driver is on the road, where they need to be the most aware of their surroundings and the things happening in front of them, but when they are on their own time as well. Paying attention to details is always a good choice in remaining focused on any task. Driving a vehicle, especially a large delivery truck or even semi, requires a constant focus. But there are always too many distractions.

Increases sense of belonging. When a driver is part of an organization that values safety and responsibility, they feel like a part of something bigger than just making deliveries every day. This is what motivates people to become heroes when they assist others who are involved in traumatic situations. In fact, the training that they receive often kicks in without them thinking about it.

Makes safety a part of the work process. By emphasizing safety, it becomes a part of their everyday routine. From making sure that their vehicle is operating correctly, to driving with added ownership of their actions at the wheel they are immersed in safety activities.

Underscores the effect of good decisions on the road. When drivers value safety and responsibility, they make better decisions on the road. Knowing that lives are at stake helps a great deal, also.

A GPS tracking device helps the driver realize that they are being monitored not only for business purposes, but to also make sure that rules of the road and all laws are being obeyed. This will help make sure that the incidents of moving violations are low while driving up customer satisfaction. Drivers will be more productive as well. This is a decision that you will not regret making for your business. Check out one of these systems today.

By Greg Bartlett

Fleet tracking has become a necessary part of running any business that involves numerous vehicles. Any time you use vehicles for your business, you need to be able to protect the investments you’ve made in the vehicles and you need to be in contact with your driver. Management of resources and time is difficult enough in an office setting, but with the added complication of distance, monitoring a vehicle fleet is even more complicated.

Vehicle tracking systems are one of the best ways to effectively manage your corporate fleet. And tracking your fleet is easier than ever with a new alternative, the Informer. The Informer, which integrates CalAmp GPS products with NavIQ software, is an advanced monitoring system which also offers easy programmability and numerous tracking options. It allows companies to monitor their fleets effectively, easily, and efficiently. Furthermore, it helps companies cut costs involved with managing fleets, combining advanced technology options with competitive prices so that you can use the Informer’s management helps without huge expenses.

For instance, the Informer can store thousands of locations on its highly accurate system and can be programmed for individualized rules. Perhaps you want the tracking system to report every hour, or perhaps every five hours. Customized rules such as these are possible and easily programmable with the Informer, allowing you better control over and access to your fleet and drivers.

Vehicle tracking systems such as the Informer can even monitor a vehicle conditions, offering companies a flexible but effective form of management. The Informer also has options for driver identification and messaging systems for added safety and better communication. For the company, features such as satellite imaging, routing programs, alerts, 3D perspective zoom, fly-over routing, and reports and graphs allow the company the best control over vehicles, drivers, and resources. Tracking your company fleet has never been easier or more effective.

Whether your company is small and has just a few vehicles or whether it has hundreds, protecting your vehicle investments and managing your resources is a priority. Vehicle tracking systems can give you the tools you need to accurately and effectively manage and monitor your assets. With its advanced features and increased accuracy, the Informer is superior to other vehicle tracking systems and is the best choice for your company when it needs a way to manage its company fleet.

By Greg Bartlett

Tempted to stop for Starbucks? Knowing that one of the many new GPS tracking systems is recording your movements causes you to think twice about it and decide to just go on with the delivery.

Whether in their cell phone or their vehicle, many companies are deciding to track the movements of their employees to ensure that they stay on schedule and keep working. Knowing that they have a system checking up on them will help workers to stay motivated and keep them focused on their work during work hours. Employees often waste time as soon as the boss’s back is turned and these kinds of systems would help companies run more efficiently and save them money in lost productivity.

One kind of system, Xora, even includes “geofences” that notifies the business when an employee visits one of the chosen off-limits areas, such as a bar, while on company time. Keeping mobile workers on task has been a challenge in the past, causing employers frustration that they are unsure of just how faithful their employees are. This new technology will lift that burden from employers around the country.

But it’s not all bad news for employees: these GPS tracking systems can also be used to track work hours, allowing employees to clock in and out from their phones. This will help them keep accurate records and they can trust that on payday they will receive every penny that they deserve for their hours of hard work.

GPS vehicle tracking systems might be resented by employees as an unneeded babysitter and an invasion of their personal privacy, but it is clearly the technology of the future. More and more companies are choosing these systems. Although many employees have loudly protested the switch, soon it will be much more common and widely accepted by employees.

As for their personal rights, while it is scary to know that your boss has the capability to watch your every move, businesses that use GPS tracking systems will have detailed privacy laws concerning them. For example, these devices can be turned off during lunch breaks and after hours to protect the privacy of the employees.

In the next few years, employers and employees from companies around the country and around the world will be coming together to compromise about these tracking systems, and soon it will be a integral part of the mobile worker’s job.