Keep an eye on them

Practical tips and tech solutions to keep your loved ones safe

Your baby is all grown up and has passed matric with flying colours. Now it’s time for them to take on the world. Whether that means going to varsity or college, starting their first job, or taking a sabbatical to discover what they want to do, the new-found freedom is thrilling for the young adventurer. But what about their safety?

You’ve taught them well, but the world can be unpredictable. A few gentle reminders before they head out:

• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Limit the amount of cash and valuables you carry.
• Check that you’re getting into the correct ride or drive safely and park in secure areas.
• Make sure you know where you’re going and the car has enough fuel.
• Be cautious when leaving shopping centres, fuel stations, or other public places – watch for anyone who might be following you.
• Have a plan in case of an emergency.

But will they listen? And how can you be certain that they’re safe?

Unlike when you were flying the nest, today’s parents can rely on technology to keep track of their loved ones.

Modern vehicle tracking using GPS/GSM technology offers far more than stolen vehicle recovery. It gives you the ability to personally track and monitor your vehicle, and by extension, check in on the driver.

• Track your car’s location at any time via a smartphone app.
• Set safe zones and receive alerts when your car leaves them.
• Ask the driver to share their journey so you can monitor progress and intervene if they deviate from the planned route or take too long to arrive.
• Rest assured that roadside and medical emergency assistance is available at the press of a button.
• Keep in mind that impact detection immediately alerts the control centre if your car is in an accident – the control centre will reach out to you and send emergency response teams.

And then there are safety apps, allowing you to check the movements of your loved ones at any time via your smartphone. Using location-based tracking services, they provide 24/7, real-time visibility and safety reassurance, with arrival and departure notifications, and proactive risk alerts. This means you can keep track of your family members, wherever life takes them. And if an emergency arises, with a premium service, help is always within reach via an SOS button that connects you instantly to armed and medical response teams.

“While it might be time to set them free, no matter how old they are, they’re still your child and a piece of your heart walking outside of your body,” says Duma Ngcobo, Chief Operating Officer at Tracker. “Let technology be your silent guardian. Use today’s tracking services to not only protect your vehicles but the family members that drive them. Or subscribe to a smartphone app service that offers users the reassurance of always knowing their loved ones are safe.”