Telematics Hold The Key To Safety And Security

WASHINGTON, DC, INTERNET WIRE Oct 1, 2002 -- More cars should have the safety and anti-theft technology which helped apprehend Nebraska bank robbery suspects, the head of a non-profit alliance of safety, automotive, telecommunications, technology and medical professionals said today.

Last week, new telematics technologies helped Norfolk, Nebraska law enforcement officials apprehend three men suspected of killing four people during the armed robbery of a branch of the U.S. Bank. The getaway car, a stolen 2003 Subaru, was equipped with an OnStar navigation and communication system that with the owner's permission, police used to locate the vehicle and the suspects.

Because of the stolen vehicle recovery feature provided by OnStar, Nebraska authorities reportedly needed less than three hours to apprehend three suspects in the nation's deadliest bank robbery in more than a decade.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this terrible crime," Sue Hoyt, R.N, Chair of the ComCARE Alliance said. "Technology which enhances driver safety and security played a key role in bringing a quick end to a most dangerous situation. We congratulate the companies which are deploying these systems in their cars, and encourage the others to follow their example."

Over four million cars today are equipped with telematics technologies which utilize built-in wireless communications and Global Positioning Satellite systems to alert private emergency call centers when an airbag deploys or an on-board Mayday button is pushed, providing voice communications and the exact location and description of the vehicle in distress. In addition, as in this case, the same technologies can be used to provide fast and accurate locations of stolen vehicles. A growing number of drivers are also equipping their cars with vehicle recovery systems that use a silent beacon to help law enforcement locate stolen vehicles.

Enhancing the safety and security of our nation's mobile public is of paramount importance to ComCARE's members who are involved in this growing field of telematics. ComCARE corporate members involved in this new and rapidly growing area include the American Automobile Association (AAA), ATX Technologies, Criticom International, Delphi Corporation, Dice Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Intel Corporation, InterTrak Tracking Services, LLC, LoJack Corporation, Mercedes-Benz, Navigation Technologies, Nissan Technical Center of North America, OnStar, PowerLOC Technologies, Inc., Qualcomm, Roadside Telematics, Inc., Televoke, Inc. and Veridian Engineering. For a complete list of all members please see our website.

The ComCARE Alliance is a not-for-profit coalition of over 85 medical, public safety, telecommunications, transportation, emergency response and technology organizations dedicated to promoting policy and technologies which improve emergency communications and response. For more information, visit ComCARE's website at www.comcare.org or email us at media@comcare.org.