Dialing 911 is an automatic response in a crisis. But what if the emergency call is placed on a cellular car phone and the signal drops?
Mobile Security Communications Inc. of Atlanta, Ga., said its new CarCop vehicle and passenger safety system, which uses cellular and Global Positioning System technologies in combination with remote monitoring from ADT Security Services Center, would enable rapid deployment of emergency help to the scene.
When CarCop users dial 5# from their cellular phone, they are instantly connected to an ADT staff member. Drivers can specify a problem or ask questions, and in the event the connection is lost, GPS makes it possible for ADT to track the user’s location.
The device uses the U.S. government’s global satellite system, which allows an operator to pinpoint a driver’s location on a map and determine the speed and direction the vehicle is traveling. Profile information on a driver and the vehicle, including make, model and year, are stored on file. If necessary ADT can alert police or other emergency services immediately. ADT is available 24 hours a day, added MSC.
MSC said CarCop also is like a home security system. When the driver enters the vehicle, he or she must use remote keyless entry or input an authorization code into the cellular phone. If no code is entered or if CarCop detects a security threat while the vehicle is operating, a security violation signal is automatically sent to ADT. Via cellular, ADT can contact the driver and request the correct password to deactivate the alarm. In the case of theft, ADT can silently listen in on the situation.
“CarCop is the first personal protection and vehicle security system that is smart enough to help protect you, even when you can’t call for help,” said Rusty Gordon, MSC chairman and chief executive officer.
By monitoring certain vehicle conditions, ADT is able to detect a potential carjacking. A silent alert is sent to ADT if the door is opened while the ignition is on, for instance. If it is only the driver, he or she can enter a passcode that disarms the alarm. With CarCop ADT is capable of remotely activating a siren in the car, flashing the lights, locking the doors and immobilizing the vehicle.
For a lost traveler, ADT also is available to help give directions. MSC said GPS technology is able to pinpoint the location down to the specific street name and address.
If a car owner has CarCop, ADT can remotely unlock the vehicle’s doors when the driver has locked the keys inside. CarCop is even equipped with a valet feature. In valet mode, CarCop disables the cellular phone and automatically notifies ADT if the vehicle is driven more than two miles from where it was given to the valet. In service mode, the system alerts ADT when the car has traveled more than 10 miles from the repair shop.
CarCop monitors a vehicle’s battery voltage and notifies ADT when voltage gets low.
CarCop is priced at about $700 for the initial system. The monthly cost for ADT’s monitoring services starts at less than $20, said MSC.
