Rocky Mountain Tracking

Daily GPS News

Protecting Teenagers through Vehicle GPS Tracking

April 12th, 2013

It makes sense that parents would think using tracking apps on their phone or mobile device is adequate enough to monitor their teenagers’ every move. That’s what tracking apps (“Find My iPhone”) do—track the device and presumably the person along with it. But if teenagers are driving somewhere they know they shouldn’t be, they will also probably know how to turn off that tracking feature (or just the phone itself). More and more it’s recommended that parents consider installing a vehicle GPS tracking device instead.

A Problem with Accuracy

Those cell phone tracking apps aren’t as accurate as we think. They don’t use the orbiting GPS satellites (which are extremely precise) to calculate a position like most vehicle tracking devices do. In fact, some phone tracking apps use pinging off of cell phone towers near the phone’s current location to determine coordinates (triangulation), giving a highly inaccurate result. Teens being monitored through a cell phone tracking app might not be at that supposed “location” at all—they could be many miles from it.

Holding Teens Responsible

GPS tracking systems installed directly on the vehicle enable parents to keep a watchful eye, via the account on a smartphone or mobile device application or computer, on where their teen is driving. They can track current heading, location, and speed (which comes in handy for verifying the teen is observing the speed limit). The vehicle GPS tracking system is virtually un-removable, unlike cell phone tracking apps, and many, like the electronic monitoring devices from Lifeguard GPS, maintain their charge by hooking into the car battery with little to no chance of losing power. Should the need ever arise, an installed GPS tracking system allows owners to find and report stolen or lost vehicles and many times get them back within a matter of hours. Additional features of the tracking system can help teens learn the need for vigilance in car maintenance; they can be programmed by manual input to remind car owners of tune ups, registration deadlines, oil changes, and tire preservation among other things, alerting parents of these upcoming dates by email or text message.

Vehicle GPS tracking systems allow parents more than ever to safeguard teens in their growing independence.

Parents: Use VivoPlay to Track Your Child

February 18th, 2013

If you are a parent, the question of whether or not to equip your child with a cell phone has probably been raised a few times. My own children span from kindergarten to middle school and I’ve seen and heard it all, from other parents as well as my children. Personally I don’t believe in children carrying cell phones, mainly because I am always home and know where they are, as well as how they can be reached at all times, and vice versa. My fifth grader, however, disagrees. Some of her friends carry cell phones, and she’s always trying to convince me that having one of her own is a necessity. I can sort of see their parents’ points of view: they are working out of the home, their child is in numerous after school activities and sports, and they want a way to get in touch with them wherever they may be. I just can’t justify adding a cell phone onto the family plan that will see little to no use, or even worse, astronomical bills from excessive texting or talk time.

For parents like me, there’s the VIVOplay from Evado Filip US. This device combines GPS tracking, WiFi, an a GSM connection into a wristwatch, and is said to be the smallest communications and location device to assure you can communicate with your child anywhere, at any time.

Do you want to tell your child you’ll be a little late picking them up from soccer practice? Call the VIVOplay and speak with your child directly. What if they want to get in touch with you to ask if they can stay at the playground down the street a little bit longer to play basketball with friends? You can program up to five numbers your child can call. If your child likes to explore, you can program a geofenced area. When your child goes beyond the geofence or enters an unauthroized area, you are alerted on your smartphone at once with their location on a map. All of these customizations are set using a smartphone app.

What if your child finds themselves in a dangerous situation? They simply press a special red emergency button and the five pre-programmed numbers are dialed simultaneously. The VIVOplay will instantly begin recording audio and location information is recorded and saved for use by responding emergency personnel.

It is quite the child-friendly GPS device. The VIVOplay is water resistant, and encased in thick rubber to keep it safe from damage. The charger is housed within the device itself, keeping it protected while also lessening the chances it will get lost.

“After a frightening personal experience where I briefly lost my young son, Filip, in a mall, I realized that a communications and location device for children was not a nice-to-have but a must-have,” said Sten Kirkbak, founder and CEO of Evado Filip. “VIVOplay allows parents to be able to speak with and find their child with a simple, easy-to-use mobile device that has functionality appropriate for young children.”

Details as to pricing and availability have yet to be released, but it is estimated the VIVOplay will be available for pre-order at some point in Q2.

Is It OK To Track Children WIth GPS?

December 1st, 2012

It’s a touchy question. Is it ethical to track our children with GPS tracking devices? Certainly, most people can understand using a tracking device on an autistic child, or a similar situation where the child is in particular danger of wandering. But what about tracking teens in order to verify there whereabouts? The waters get murkier and opinions vary widely.

The startribune.com advice columnist, Amy Dickinson writes: “I am completely, totally and utterly opposed to installing tracking or monitoring technology on kids’ devices without their knowledge. … You cannot use technology to mitigate the work (or risks) of parenting. … You should confirm their whereabouts the old-fashioned way — by getting to know their friends, calling their parents to verify plans, and by driving them from place to place and occasionally showing up early.”

Candice Chencellor, from carrollcountytimes.com writes: “We were initially apprehensive about doing this; we didn’t want them to feel that they were being spied on, or that we don’t trust them. It has, however, given me peace of mind. We are able to pinpoint the exact location of their cell phones at all times. As a mother of two teenagers, I respect their privacy but feel entitled to know their whereabouts.”

Surely the intention of parents using GPS tracking devices to monitor their children is to protect them. Parents want to know where their children are so that if something goes wrong, they can come to the rescue. Even parents who are tracking their children to “spy” on them, are likely doing so to make sure they aren’t getting into perceived dangerous situations. Let us know where you stand on this issue in the comments!

GPS Tracking Fosters Parent-Child Interaction

February 14th, 2011

Nearly every parent and teenager have experienced the frustrations of communication. Parents want to make sure their child is safe, teenagers want the independence they feel their older years grant them. These different perspectives can sadly create confusion and discord in what should be a loving relationship. No young person needs his or her parents’ help more than when navigating the difficult waters of young adulthood.

So how can parents and teens break down these barriers to friendship and create an open and loving relationship? The solutions lies in both parent and teens’ responses. Both sides generally make their mistakes and both sides need to work together to create unity; however, to advance that unity, there are a few things parents can do.

For some families, personal tracking devices may help improve the situation. When used with the knowledge and consent of the child, these devices can often set up accountability and open communication. In the case of car tracking, parents can place the devices in the car of their young child and be kept up to date on the movements of their teen driver.

These devices often set up an accountability system. For instance, when your child is learning to drive, you can constantly monitor his or her progress and correct when something is done wrong or foolishly. Once that teenager gets a license, you often lose your hold on that monitoring. While this can be a good thing, teens need to grow into adults, parental aid is still important. A vehicle tracking device allows you, the parent, to keep that close eye on your child while still making sure he or she stays safe. Knowing that someone is monitoring their driving often helps teenagers practice better driving habits.

In addition, a vehicle tracking system can help open up communication. Rather than constantly arguing over safe driving habits and wondering whether your child practices those habits, you can know exactly how your teenager drives and open discussion about what is and isn’t right to do on the road. When used correctly, these devices will draw you and your budding adult closer as you teach the skills needed to be responsible in the real-world.

Make sure your teenager goes into that real-world with both an ability to be independent and a healthy dose of responsibility. GPS tracking can help you in that two-fold endeavor.

Article Written by Greg Bartlett

Parents Everywhere Discover GPS Tracking

January 29th, 2011

Every parent, no matter their culture or heritage, knows the questions associated with parenting. Will I raise my child right? Can I keep him safe? What if I fail and something happens to her? What should I do in an emergency? How can I know where my child is without annoying him? How do I best take care of of my family?

Parental worries and concerns aren’t anything new; they’ve only changed shape with the changing culture. Our ancestors might have worried more whether their child would encounter wild animals or marauding bandits than child molesters or armed robbers; however, the fundamental fears themselves are nothing new. Whatever shape those fears take, they cross time and cultural barriers.

So what can parents today do to protect their children from our culture’s troubles? Essentially, we must fight fire with fire. We live in an increasingly technology driven culture. Even our robbers, kidnappers, and other malfeasants make use of today’s technology to aid them in their crimes. Thankfully, parents have their own sources of technology to fight back, especially with personal GPS tracking. Using the same technology police forces use to track down criminals, corporations use to keep track of their employees, and animal lovers use to keep their pets safe, parents can keep real-time tabs on the location and safety of their children.

Consider a recent move in Beijing, for example. The Red Cross gave 20,000 watch-like GPS trackers to children at the local schools. Their goal? To eventually provide 100,000 trackers to children and parents. Parents can use the trackers to keep tabs on their children and the children can use them to make calls or even receive calls as well as press a panic SOS button should an emergency occur. The Red Cross gave free GPS tracking devices, but parents are responsible for upkeep and maintenance costs. This Red Cross program was developed to combat China’s recent influx of kidnappings, and prevent another annual rate of 600,000 kidnappings per year.

Thankfully, most of us don’t live in places with such high kidnapping statistics. However, that doesn’t leave us and our children free from danger. Using GPS devices to keep tabs on valuable personal possessions has been a trend for years now. Your child is more valuable than any possession. Keeping him or her safe might be as simple as adding a GPS device to your collection of safety precautions. Don’t regret not taking advantage of this opportunity to protect your child. Take advantage of the technology at your fingertips.

Article Written by Greg Bartlett

GPS Tracking Helps Parent – Child Relationships

January 8th, 2011

In today’s increasingly dangerous world, all parents face a common struggle: trying to keep their children safe while still allowing them freedom. No parent wants to keep their children under lock and key until they reach adulthood; however, no parent wants to risk their child’s safety in the name of independence, either. So what’s the answer to this dilemma? How do parents, concerned for their children living in a dangerous world, balance this concern with their children’s need for independence? GPS tracking may provide the solution.

GPS tracking devices interact with satellites orbiting the earth. These satellites allow tracking units to transmit their exact location, which can be tracked by users on a map. Parents can use this technology to keep track of where their children are at any moment, either by keeping an up-to-the-minute watch on their children, or simply keep a log for perusal should a problem arise, providing a helpful extra set of “eyes” to keep tabs on a young person’s whereabouts.

These trackers can do more than simply providing that extra set of “eyes” and keeping your child safe. Among the benefits of using these devices, some parents have found that these GPS devices can enrich your relationship with your child. They encourage open communication and loving accountability. When your child may be facing potential danger, whether a long trip or going out with friends, the devices can stimulate conversation about what is and isn’t appropriate in a dangerous place or situation. Most importantly, you can make your child aware that someone cares enough about their safety to actively invest time and energy into checking on them.

An excellent example of GPS personal tracking took place this last Halloween. Parents everywhere recognized the benefits of these devices for their trick or treating children. No more worrying about an abducted or lost child, simply check the location on your tracker, allowing you child to have fun and independence and you to stay calm. The uses of these GPS devices aren’t limited to merely Halloween, either. In similar circumstances where your child might be on his own in unfamiliar or unsafe territory, consider a GPS device.

We’re all trying to keep our good investments safe these days. Your children are your most precious investment; keep them safe and act before danger strikes. Take preemptive measures. When you invest now, you may be saving their lives later.

Article Written by Greg Bartlett

GPS Tracking Replaces ‘Helicopter Parenting’

July 21st, 2010

All parents know the fears associated with protecting their children from bad people and questionable situations. Many teenagers know the frustrations resulting from overly protective parents. Parents want to make sure their child is safe. Teens want to try out their newly found wings and venture into adulthood. Thus, conflict results. No parent wants to stunt the growth of a child. However, good parents want to stay active in their children’s lives and protect them from unscrupulous activities that they are not mature enough to handle on their own just yet. Some people call that “helicopter parenting” because the parent never leaves the child alone to grow and learn. How can families walk the fine line between independence and safety? The answer lies with a high-tech device that is used more commonly than people think – GPS tracking.

Some parents and teens may find GPS teen tracking provides the solution. Many current GPS devices go beyond the more traditional uses as directional aids. For instance, two of the emerging types of GPS devices are personal tracking and vehicle tracking. Both of which can provide parents with peace of mind. Owners of these GPS devices can use them to keep an eye on their children’s actions and driving without invading their personal space or hindering their independence.

Most families don’t have children involved in feats such as Abby Sutherland’s attempt to circumnavigate the globe, (mentioned on a previous blog article) or Leigh Anne Drake’s thirteen-year-old son’s climb of Mt. Everest. In fact, most parents will question the judgment of a parent who allows their children to take such risks. However, just as teen tracking provided peace of mind for these parents, it can, through helping them stay aware of their child’s actions and location, provide a similar peace of mind for parents facing more everyday concerns.

For instance, teen tracking can help parents know where a young driver goes, what traffic laws they may break, and what speeds and locations the car experiences. Help your teen make good choices about friends and help them avoid dangerous situations. For example, although most parents probably never allow their thirteen-year-old to climb Mt. Everest, they may allow him or her to travel to a new, unfamiliar city. Tracking devices can ensure the teen stays safe or is found should a situation arise. It’s a good “Plan B” type of reassurance for the parents even though they have counseled their son or daughter on what to do in various situations.

Although many parents may feel these devices invade privacy, most will find that they actually provide the needed balance between parental control and teenage independence. By making sure that good habits are enforced, teens will have a better chance at survival alone, without Mom and Dad protecting them. In fact, most parents with children would do well to purchase a GPS teen tracking device.

(Article written by Greg Bartlett for Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc.)

School Districts Increase Efficiency with GPS Tracking

July 16th, 2010

School bus operators and commercial fleet managers have the same problems in managing their fleets. It can be difficult to gather precise information about what route was driven, how long stops took, and where a disabled vehicle is located. Lack of this information limits the ability to plan the most efficient route for each fleet vehicle. Some school districts are trying GPS fleet tracking technology to keep tabs on their buses.

Fleet tracking works like any other GPS tracking. Each vehicle in the fleet is equipped with a device that communicates with satellites to determine the location and movement of the vehicle. This information can be monitored constantly or checked at regular intervals, depending on the device and software used. It can be real-time or recorded for future study. Fleet tracking puts together a system to monitor multiple vehicles at the same time and record the information so it can be evaluated and compared. Companies then use the information to keep drivers accountable, calculate costs, and plan more efficient movement of people and freight.

The Omaha public school district tested GPS fleet management on five buses for six weeks this past spring. Transportation director David Wolfe was impressed with how helpful the information was. The GPS system was then selected by the Sherwood Foundation from a list of priorities to be paid for with a large grant.

The information from the GPS system will be used to monitor a variety of things. It will record when doors open and when the stop arm of a bus is used. It will record idle times so that routes can be adjusted to be more efficient. It will estimate arrival times for buses that are running late. It will show the location of a broken-down bus.

All of this information will help the school district run efficient routes, saving on fuel and other operating expenses. It will keep drivers accountable to drive both safely and efficiently. It will keep parents informed on where their children are and when they will arrive home. Most importantly, it will keep children safer because their location will be immediately known if a problem ever arises. More school districts should try fleet tracking with their buses and see the benefits of this valuable way to manage a fleet of vehicles with GPS tracking.

Article written by Greg Bartlett for Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc.

Teen Tracking is Easy and Keeps them Accountable

June 22nd, 2010

By Greg Bartlett

Teen drivers are some of the worst drivers in the country. On a regular basis, news reporters announce the tragic death of a handful of teenagers that were riding in a car at a rapid pace. These teens fall easily to peer pressure, and they regularly drive fast with friends in the car. With music blaring and friends talking, it can be easy to lose focus and run off road or into another car. Teen drivers need something that can keep them accountable, and teen tracking with GPS technology can help do this. Parents can monitor their children’s driving habits, and help keep their driving habits under control.

Teen Driving & GPS Tracking

Teen tracking can allow parents to track their child’s driving statistics online. This tracking can be updated live for parents to monitor. If there is anything in the report that concerns the parents, they can restrict their child’s driving privileges. This GPS tracking can allow parents the ability to control their child’s driving even when they are far away.

Reckless teens are injured or killed almost every week, and the news regularly contains reports about a young driver that was driving with friends, and lost control of his vehicle. When teens lose control of their vehicle, instincts can take over which can be a bad thing for inexperienced drivers. These drivers can run into trees, other vehicles, buildings or ditches. The teen tracking device can allow parents to monitor their teens and hopefully prevent some fatal accidents.

Teen tracking can be easily used by parents, and it can be used even by parents that are not completely up to date on technology. All that is needed is internet access, and equipment for their teen’s vehicle and parents can help monitor their child’s driving behaviors. This technology is saving lives, and parents love being able to monitor their child’s driving. Some teens may not like it at first, but they will thank their parents in the long run because this can potentially save their life. This type of tracking is very important and many people have loved this new technology. GPS tracking has saved many lives because parents can restrict the driving habits of teens that are unsafe drivers. This product keeps teenagers accountable for their actions. Parents applaud the new technology which gives them assistance in correcting bad driving habits before an incident occurs.

GPS Tracking Watch Protects Children

June 21st, 2010

by Greg Bartlett

Every day children disappear from playgrounds, shopping malls, and parking lots that are never found. This is probably the worst thing that could happen to any parent as they would do anything to prevent their child from being kidnapped. But how can they keep an eye on their child at all times?

GPS & Children

GPS tracking devices may be the answer. With a real time GPS tracker, parents would be able to go online and immediately locate their child. If the child was missing, this information could be given to the law enforcement officers and the child could be found in a matter of minutes. Real time GPS trackers often have geo-fencing capabilities which can instantly notify parents by text message or email that their child has left a specified geographic location. To set this up, the adult just needs to specify a radius around the area that they want the child to stay in and they will be notified if the child ever strays from this area. You could indicate they stay within the neighborhood, but keep kids from wandering into the nearby woods, for example.

While GPS tracking devices are clearly the answer for parents looking to monitor their kid’s movements, the next question is invariably, what kind of tracker is best? Trackers can be found in many forms. Basic GPS tracking devices can be affixed to clothing or put in a backpack, but in some instances that solution is not always convenient.

The Nu M8 watch is a new tracking device that is specifically designed to be worn by children. The watch has a GPS tracker inside, and since kids are more likely to wear watches all the time than they are to wear a jacket, many parents will find this to be a good solution. With the Nu M8 watch, the child’s movements can be monitored from cell phone or computer, which gives parents peace of mind even if they are away from a computer with internet. This makes it easy to locate a child who needs to be located at a theme park.

The Nu M8 watch has several features that parents will appreciate. One is the geo-fencing abilities to designate an area that if breached, will send out an alert to their cell phone. The watch also notifies the parents by email or text if it is removed or deactivated.

Children are known for losing and breaking things; however, when parents consider how tracking devices will keep their child safe, many of them will embrace the technology and the investment.