One of the very first documented crashes in a vehicle equipped with OnStar’s new FMV(For My Vehicle) system occurred last week. Joseph Cortez, the victim who had FMV installed in his vehicle says the OnStar service really helped him get through this terrible ordeal.
One of the very first documented crashes in a vehicle equipped with OnStar’s new FMV(For My Vehicle) system occurred last week. Joseph Cortez, the victim who had FMV installed in his vehicle says the OnStar service really helped him get through this terrible ordeal.
FMV is a new piece of OnStar equipment that is installed in the customer’s rearview mirror. Mr. Cortez was hit on the driver’s side last week after another vehicle ran a red light and hit his car. Mr. Cortez was not critically injured, but he was unable to leave the vehicle and was experiencing pain and confusion. Without OnStar, it may have taken a long time for Mr. Cortez to gather his bearings and make the call to 911. But OnStar was able to connect to 911 for him, and even called Mr. Cortez’s wife.
OnStar was able to provide Mr. Cortez with Emergency Medical Dispatch Intructions while he waited for medical personnel to arrive. Because of OnStar’s efforts, medical personnel were on the scene within ten minutes of the crash. OnStar was even able to connect Mr. Cortez and his wife so they could talk to each other until first responders arrived.
“I was in so much pain. I didn’t have my bearings. I didn’t know which way I was facing or how hurt I was. I was thinking there was no way I can make these phone calls and let someone know where I am at,” said Cortez. “I’ve only had OnStar FMV for three weeks and this accident already showed me its value. OnStar should be mandatory and standard on every vehicle.”
Crash response for OnStar is able to work due to sensors that detect motion from both front-to-back of the vehicle as well as side-to-side. The FMV software analyzes the data from these sensors which tells the software if a crash has occurred. The software can even tell the difference between an actual crash and hard braking, running over rough terrain, or bumping a curb so that OnStar isn’t called when it isn’t an actual emergency. When a crash is detected and OnStar is called the GPS in the rearview mirror is used to dispatch first responders to the scene. Even if the driver is incapacitated and unable to speak, 911 will be contacted in the event of a crash.
“We’ve provided assistance in more than 180,000 Automatic Crash Response incidents since the first OnStar system was introduced in 1996, helping to save many lives,” Greg Ross, OnStar vice president of Business Extensions. “Now, this umbrella of protection is expanded with OnStar FMV, as shown by the assistance provided to Mr. Cortez in California.”
Like Mr. Cortez said, this new service is a valuable asset to any driver. It could easily be the difference between life and death for some drivers. Don’t let financial concerns hold you back from securing your safety. OnStar services are surprisingly affordable, starting at $18.95 a month plus the price of the device and installation.
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