There is currently growing interest in improving security and connectivity in mobility to protect the integrity of citizens. However, according to Colombia’s National Road Safety Agency, during the final 2023 celebrations, there were 87 traffic accidents and 54 fatalities. These figures show the need for practical measures to combat road accidents, addressing problems such as lack of signage, poor lighting and inefficient and dangerous road infrastructure.
With the goal of reducing traffic accidents and keeping drivers and pedestrians safe, users can take advantage of 24/7 in-vehicle connectivity offered by select brands such as Chevrolet with its safety, emergency assistance and connectivity technology platform called OnStar. The availability of these tools represents technological advancement that provides benefits such as:
1. Rapid response to emergency situations: The ability to receive quick help in emergency situations, such as a collision, allows rescue and medical services to respond more effectively.
2. Automatic collision alerts: Advanced communication systems and sensors built into the vehicle can automatically alert in the event of a collision, notify emergency services and reduce response times to save users’ lives, even if they cannot warn themselves.
3. Remote vehicle diagnostics: The ability to remotely diagnose key vehicle systems allows users to perform preventive maintenance and proactively identify potential mechanical problems, thereby reducing the risk of breakdowns on the road.
4. Restoring a car in case of theft: A vehicle’s recovery feature can be critical to minimizing damage in the event of theft and getting a return on your investment. These tools are capable of retarding and disabling a vehicle’s ignition, acting as an effective anti-theft system to locate and recover the vehicle.
5. Monitoring driver behavior: Connectivity makes it easy to monitor driver behavior, offering valuable data on driving habits such as reports of hard braking and hard acceleration, as well as tips for improving driving skills.
6. Uninterrupted communication: The ability to maintain constant communication between the vehicle and assistance services contributes to the effective management of risk situations and emergencies. This is due to the fact that the vehicle is connected and is characterized by the ability to transmit data 24/7.
The Onstar system offers the six key benefits mentioned above, providing users with a complete, safe and quiet ride on the road.
According to Juan David Arias, manager of OnStar and Connected Services at General Motors. “At General Motors, through our OnStar platform, we strive to meet not only today’s mobility standards, but also user expectations in terms of safety, connectivity and comfort. This goes beyond car manufacturing and includes creating end-to-end solutions that keep drivers and passengers calm on every journey. Road safety is just one component of our commitment to leading the country’s development. “We are determined to be pioneers in introducing cutting-edge technologies that not only meet current needs, but also contribute to the long-term progress and sustainability of the country.”