Can Actsoft fight “Mayhem”

Have you seen the latest car insurance commercial that implies GPS Navigation systems cause “mayhem”? The tv screen shows a man driving through a crowded city and suddenly, at the request of his battered and bruised GPS, he turns down a one-way street causing accidents and chaos. The end result?  “Mayhem.”

Recognizing that the intent of the commercial was to sell car insurance, most of us have been tempted to follow the "quick adjustment" or “recalculation” of our GPS system. Truth be told, usually we are lucky and drive away without causing an accident. However, it raises the question:  Is the GPS at fault or is it just bad driving to blame?

According to “How It Works,” the most basic explanation of GPS navigation systems consists of a group of satellites that communicate with a receiving device that pinpoints your location. The position “ping” combines with digital mapping and that information is stored within the GPS receiver. Once the device knows your location, it calculates driving directions based on pre-existing maps. Pretty simple, right?

Now, the only question is…have you updated your navigation system with the latest maps and software? If not, the beautiful ocean front drive that you thought was just down the street could be a mayhem festival – a.k.a. busy four-lane freeway complete with hotels, shopping malls, and construction zones.

Luckily, Actsoft takes the “mayhem” factor out of your GPS navigation system. Cloud-based navigation systems, such as Comet Compass, have the latest software and satellite maps to help you reach your destination safely. Updating software to include the latest maps is no longer the user’s responsibility. When your hand-held or hard-mounted device is pinged by the cloud, Actsoft automatically downloads the most current maps and routes through your cellular carrier network. However, even though Actsoft removes some of the responsibility from the user, it is important to note that the safest way to avoid “mayhem” is to practice responsible driving habits.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 90% of all licensed drivers speed at some point in their driving career, and 75% admit to committing this offense regularly. As an employer, it is important to know if your employees are creating “mayhem” while driving your company vehicle. Monitoring employees’ driving habits with Actsoft’s Comet Suite products will alert you when your employee is speeding or driving aggressively. This deliberate and calculated behavior increases your company’s liability, as the driver knows the risk but ignores the danger. Stop “mayhem” potential before it spirals out of control.

With Actsoft, your mobile workforce will arrive to their destination safely, avoiding “mayhem” all together.