How Do Smart Vehicle Tracking Systems Work?

With fatal auto accidents on the rise across the United States, promoting safe driving is of utmost importance. Whether experienced drivers, newly licensed teens, or seniors, smart vehicle tracking systems provide added safety and peace of mind.

With automobile accident fatalities and injuries on the rise, the need for smart vehicle tracking devices has almost become a necessity.

According to 2021 data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 42,915 automobile accident fatalities—a 10.5 percent increase compared to 2020.

The National Safety Council (NSC) also reported collision-related injuries surged in 2020, to 4.8 million.

It’s therefore prudent to consider GPS tracking for personal vehicles. Providing quick emergency assistance, this technology also helps deter theft and vandalism, and records important safety diagnostics.

Here is a useful summary of this technology’s features, benefits, safety and diagnostics capabilities, and more.

What Is GPS Tracking?

Global Positioning System (GPS) technology utilizes orbiting satellites and geo-positioning data to track real-time movements. Ubiquitous within mobile devices, vehicle navigation systems, and mapping programs, it was originally developed for commercial vehicle fleets.

GPS tracking devices are now compatible with smart integrations, such as those offered via the Alarm.com app, to improve safe driving and help recover stolen vehicles. These also provide useful diagnostics regarding fuel consumption, oil changes, tire pressures, and more.

How Does Smart Vehicle Tracking Work?

Integrated with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network, GPS transmits and receives microwave signals to assess and store vehicle speeds, locations, traffic patterns, and other information within the cloud for easy access, from any location.

GPS tracking devices—such as Alarm.com Connected Car—are installed within onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) ports beneath the dashboard on the driver’s side and sync with mobile apps for real-time data. This can also assist law enforcement with stolen vehicle recovery.

Connected Car maintains continual operation via battery backup, even if the vehicle loses power or sustains other mechanical problems.

According to 2021 data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 42,915 automobile accident fatalities—a 10.5 percent increase compared to 2020.

Smart Vehicle Tracking System Features & Benefits

Several benefits of GPS tracking systems’ real-time diagnostics include helpful alerts signifying low fuel and battery life, oil change and tire rotation schedules, and more. Such tech can also help keep tabs on new teen drivers—ensuring they meet curfews and actually make it to places they say they are going.

GPS tracking devices boast discounts on yearly auto insurance premiums and other savings opportunities, too. Consult with your provider for more information and amounts.

Other helpful features include a personalized journal of each stop along the route to your final destination. Can’t remember a great restaurant or fun tourist spot? Connected Car stores this and other pertinent information for a return visit. It also provides location tracking to pinpoint parked cars, and unexpected movement detection to help identify vandalism, tampering, and towing.

Imagine remotely activating your home’s lights, locks, garage doors, and thermostats upon departure and arrival. Connected Car can control these smart features and more via geofencing integration capabilities.

When used within commercial settings, GPS tracking devices provide real-time vehicle fleet status, driver safety alerts, and other important insights.