Smartphones and tablet computers are everywhere these days, making it easy for anyone to make a call, play a few games, check maps, or look up information about a location using the Internet. A lot of the mobile device world is about fun and convenience, but you can also use the devices to make long-haul driving safer. If you're a semi-truck driver and looking for more ways to be prepared for an emergency on the road, consider a few communication technology features that could be a big help.
Preparing a Mobile Device Truck Support System
Having a few flat tires or engine trouble in the middle of nowhere is something that many truckers have to deal with at least once. If you're lucky, you're near a town or a landmark that can be identified quickly for repair or semi towing services. If not, you may be on a long, unidentifiable road—with your cargo exposed as a tempting target for thieves.
Using a mobile device, you can contact your company or your client to let them know what's going on. In an especially lucky situation, you can open a map application (app) to acquire your exact location on the map, then look up mechanics and towing services in the area. Instead of settling for the first service available, you can search for the best fit for your situation before the emergency makes you too desperate.
Unfortunately, it isn't as simple as getting any old smartphone with any cellphone carrier. You'll need to make sure that your route has coverage for your network, or that your cellphone company allows free roaming to other cell networking. Cellular services may still be unavailable in some areas, but you can prepare for blackout areas by reviewing coverage maps for different cell services.
Backup Items And Offline Downloads For Blackout Areas
Make sure to have more than one battery for your mobile device. The devices can quickly deplete their battery life if you're looking up information, using the Global Positioning System (GPS) radio or checking maps.
There are two ways to access GPS on a mobile device: using cellular data and using the GPS radio. It's smart to have both methods available, so make sure to get a map system that allows you to download maps for your route.
Before leaving, download the maps and do a search for your route. Make sure that the maps are accurate by comparing them to other maps that your company trusts, then make sure that the map updates as you travel. Look up your phone's specific method for turning data off, but leave GPS on in order to test navigation without Internet access.
Even if you have plenty of data for using the Internet, this enables you to use an easily searched map when there's no data access. Along with your maps, batteries, and mobile device, make sure to keep the information for a semi towing service, such as Glen's Towing & Road Service, available for every leg of your trip.
Share29 June 2015
When planning a road trip, there are several things to plan for. Not only do you have to worry about where you are going, but you have to consider everything along the way. Who would you call if the car was to break down along the road? What if you got a flat tire and couldn't get the tire off of the car? Planning for these emergencies can take some of the stress off of things as they happen. Visit my blog to find out what you should do before leaving your home to ensure that you are prepared for all of the roadside emergencies you could face.