Now…I used to think that OnStar was a pretty good idea.  It alerted the police in event of danger, if you got in an accident they’d call you an ambulance, they could unlock the doors if you got locked out, and plenty more besides.

But the recent OnStar ads, drawing attention to the fact that they can remotely shut down your car (which has apparently been available for some time now), have me all kinds of freaked out.

The thought that some button pusher from who knows where could reach out and stab a tab and say, tough luck, pal, you ain’t going NO-where, raises my every hackle.  There’s some value in the OnStar service, no doubt, but maybe we’re giving these guys just a little TOO much control over our cars.

I’m not suggesting throwing the baby out with the bathwater and dumping OnStar, but maybe a backup ignition system, or at least cutting OnStar out of that loop, may be a smart move.

Tags: disable a car, OnStar, remote, remote disable, remote shutdown

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Allstate has today announced the release of their Mini Roadside Service iPhone app that is set to go up against road side service providers such as GM’s OnStar.

This app will apparently give users the ability to quickly access service if they so encounter problems such as a dead battery, flat tire, running out of gas or any other automobile complications. Autopia says that non Mini owners can get down on the deal as well as Allstate has a similar program for sale at $119.95.

While the app isn’t as convenient as being built right into the car, like OnStar is, this will definitely give those a chance without GM vehicles to get down on some hassle free roadside assistance.

Tags: allstate, app, app store, Insurance, iPhone, mini roadside service, OnStar, roadside assistance

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Sure, GM hasn’t been doing so hot lately, but at least they have OnStar’s success under their belt. What you see above is a map taken from an OnStar command center that shows just how many users are using the service.

In case you don’t to count each dot there are 59,445 (or more) users using the service each and every day.

Below is a break down of all the uses for this particular day:

Blue button presses: 55,416

Emergency button presses: 3,939

Airbags deployed: 28

AACN (Advanced Automotive Crash Notification): 62

Total interactions: 59,445

This leads to the question, why haven’t other automakers stolen GM’s idea yet? I guess it’s only a matter of time now.

via Jalopnik

Tags: General Motors, GM, OnStar, safety, success

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Here’s technology that should have been released a long time ago — OnStar has recently announced that they will be releasing a new feature for vehicles equipped with their service entitled Remote Ignition Block.

You can probably guess what this feature entails but for those of you who can’t: if your OnStar equipped vehicle gets stolen you can call them up and they will use GPS to remotely block the car from starting. You’re going to need confirmation from the authorities so for those of you thinking about your next April Fool’s joke, think again.

OnStar says that the service will be availabe on 2 million cars. Sounds like a good feature but what about when the government uses the built in GPS to track you? Hey, it could happen.

Press release after the break.

(more…)

Tags: OnStar, remote ignition block, security

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There is no doubt about it. Technology has played a major role in saving lives as far as car collisions and accidents are concerned. Score one for the advancements on how to improve the safety of drivers and passengers as far as deformations, accessories and measurements should such things happen.

This is further justified with claims by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to their report, vehicles with Automatic Crash Notification Systems have improved the potential of whittling down the number of accidents and deaths from car mishaps.

The technology, developed by OnStar, transmits exact locations and the characteristics of the crash from the vehicle to emergency personnel. This crucial information helps rescue crews to administer the right type of aid at the scene and provide the trauma center with valuable information as well. The system can also be used to help determine if the occupants need to go to a Level One Trauma Center or if they can get the right care at a typical emergency room.

(Source) Press

Tags: Accidents, car collisions, centers for disease control, centers for disease control and prevention, crash, deaths, disease control and prevention, emergency room, level one trauma center, measurements, notification systems, occupants, OnStar, rescue crews, score one

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Ever had your car stolen? Ever wanted to get back at the thieves? Well if you pack an OnStar system on your brand new car, you might just be able to do that.

What OnStar does is slowly power the engine down until the car is completely and safely stopped. How cool is that! Imagine their faces when the car stops. Sure they might trash it or even be prepared to override the system, but at least you got the chance to fight back. The device can be activated with a simple police call. Would you install OnStar?

Tags: OnStar, Security System

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