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Vehicle tracking vs. vehicle recovery: Do you know the difference?

<B>GUTSY HIJACKERS:</B> These robbers had the nerve to hijack a Gauteng family in their driveway. <I>Image: YouTube</I>
<B>GUTSY HIJACKERS:</B> These robbers had the nerve to hijack a Gauteng family in their driveway. <I>Image: YouTube</I>

Cape Town - Road safety is a topic that has been covered extensively over the years and with new and improved automotive technology, road safety has become an important part of everyone’s lives, says vehicle tracking company Beame.

It continues to evolve and by means of numerous platforms, South African motorists are continuously reminded of the importance of their driving behaviour - how to be a responsible driver, the importance of wearing a seat belt and how to ensure the safety of all road users. The company says while this is critically important, there is another important consideration that all motorists should prioritise when thinking about safety – vehicle safety.

READ: '1 car hijacked every 32 minutes' in SA 

Beame SA says: "In a time where vehicle theft and hijackings are prevalent, with over 55 000 vehicles reported stolen in South Africa each year, it is critical to take preventative measures to ensure that your vehicle doesn’t become another statistic. 
 
"While, recovery rates in the industry have shown a year-on-year improvement, investing in a vehicle recovery device has now shifted from a ‘nice-to-have’ to a necessity.

"However, with so many products on the market, it’s important to understand the difference between vehicle tracking and vehicle recovery to ensure that you select a solution that is best suited to your needs, and of course, your pocket."
 
So, what’s what?
 
Vehicle recovery

According to Beame, if you prefer simplicity and are only concerned about having your vehicle returned to you in the unfortunate event of theft or hijacking, then a vehicle recovery device is the right solution for you.

Although you are unable to view and track the location of your vehicle on a map, your tracking company can locate the signal from your installed device with the latest GPS and Radio Frequency (RF) technology, which enables the recovery team to locate your vehicle accurately.
 
If your vehicle is stolen and you have stolen recovery device installed in your vehicle, all you need to do is report the incident by phone, online, or via a smartphone app, depending on your service provider. 
 
Vehicle tracking

By definition, a vehicle tracking system monitors the location of a moving vehicle using GPS technology, claims Beame. However, depending on the type of vehicle tracking solution that you are subscribed to, various additional features and services are usually offered in addition to recovering your stolen vehicle.

You can also view the exact location of your vehicle on a detailed map that also includes pinpoint locations, traffic information and a street view of your vehicle’s surroundings - using your PC or smartphone. 
 
But for all these additional features, your monthly tracking subscription fee is naturally higher in comparison to a stolen vehicle recovery device fee. However, if personal safety while travelling is a must, then this is the right solution for you.
 
It’s important that you select a device that fits your pocket and your lifestyle – giving you peace of mind for your stolen vehicle recovery needs. 

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