(Updated: 24 June 2023)
Vehicle theft and hijackings are a very scary reality for many South African motorists. Whether you are a young driver, single occupant female driver, or a sales rep on the road, vehicle-related crime is a pressing concern.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the total number of vehicles hijacked during the fourth quarter of the 2022/2023 financial year was 5119. The statistics also reveals that just over 50.2% of the country’s hijackings occur in Gauteng, with 2573 cases having been recorded in the first three months of 2023.
With hijackings’ posing a threat to families and businesses alike, having a vehicle monitoring and recovery system in place can provide fleet managers with a sense of security. Let’s take a look at how Landmark Trackings’ GPS technology advancements can help protect your fleet on the road:
GPS Technology
GPS technology is most associated with finding the best travel route, or where the nearest petrol station is, but it offers so much more than that. However, with the advancements in our technology, our GPS tracking units now offer panic button capabilities linked to a control room with professional armed reaction, nationally – specifically designed to combat the realities of vehicle theft and hijacking.
A GPS-enabled panic button provides fast access to life-saving assistance. At Landmark Tracking, we provide a thumb-sized device that allows the driver to place an urgent call during emergency situations. The panic system will alert the control room and any designated individuals or authorities to your exact location.
GPS Technology features at a glance:
Our fleet management and monitoring products features more than just GPS technology to keep you safe. Let’s take a closer look at these amazing features:
- Once the panic button is pressed and an SOS emergency call is sent out, the listen-in mode will activate. This allows security services and designated individuals to listen in to the device monitor in the vehicle without being detected.
- Through remote cut-off functionality you will be able to compel the vehicle to stop moving by breaking off the fuel connection. This means that would-be criminals will not be able to get too far in your vehicle.
- Get instant alerts and alarms if the vehicle is speeding, powered off or passing through undesignated geo-fenced points.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is an automotive feature that allows you to know the ignition status of your vehicle whenever you need.
- The security system comes standard with a built-in high capacity 450mAh Li-ion battery that ensures a steady and sufficient back-up power supply.
- All the features are cloud-enabled and in real-time. This means you can track your vehicle via your smart phone or laptop. You can also get alerts via SMS.
Who would benefit from such technology?
- Individuals who are looking for peace of mind on the roads.
- Sales reps that travel a lot and want to ensure their safety.
- Delivery vehicles who are often targeted for their goods.
- Service technicians, much like sales reps need an added layer of security.
- Young drivers who are new to the road and are unfamiliar with risk signs.
- High-risk fleet vehicles would benefit from this added layer of security.
Here are a few useful tips to help ensure you and your vehicle are safe at all times:
- Change your route: Avoid driving the same route to and from your destination as this becomes predictable to potential hijackers. Instead, try using alternative routes and different times, this will make it harder for syndicates to pick up on a pattern in your driving.
- Know your route: Whenever driving somewhere new, be sure to predetermine your route before getting into your vehicle. This will reduce the possibility of getting lost or having to stop in unauthorized zones to confirm your directions and location.
- Be aware of high-risk crime areas: When travelling be aware of vehicle theft and hijacking hot spots. Rather keep safe and go a slightly longer way than initially jeopardizing your safety by entering into no-go zones.
- Remember vehicle security: Always keep your doors locked and windows rolled up at all times. This reduces the risk of someone reaching into your vehicle through the window or simply opening the door.
- Leave space between your vehicle and the one in front of you: By having a half to a full car length gap between your vehicle and the one in front of you, you are giving yourself a “getaway gap” in the event of an attempted hijacking.
- Be vigilant when entering driveways or parking lots: The threat of hijackings tends to increase near residential areas or around parking lots. Always stay vigilant when approaching your home by frequently checking your side and rear-view mirrors, taking notice of suspicious people or cars in your vicinity.
- Don’t be a sitting goose: Avoid sitting in a stationary vehicle as this makes you an easy target for a potential hijacking. If you are stuck in traffic or waiting in a parking lot, be sure your vehicle is secure and check your mirrors for suspicious movement around your vehicle.
- Rather safe than sorry: Helping our fellow man in times of need can be a big call to ignore, but when driving around by yourself NEVER pick up hitchhikers or strangers, and DO NOT offer roadside assistance. These can be potential traps set by hijackers to gain access to your vehicle. If you are concerned for the individual, then rather call the police or metro police to go out and investigate.
Conclusion
We hope this vehicle safety and driving tips will help you stay vigilant, alert, and stop you from being a hijack statistic. At Landmark Tracking we believe that whether you have 1 vehicle or 1000, you should be able to travel the roads knowing you are secure. Our team of dedicated professionals uses the latest technology and operational expertise to provide our clients, big and small, with the highest quality service offering that provides peace of mind. Secure your vehicle today.
