OnStar to Remind Subscribers to 'Buckle Up'

[pupp1]

2005-05-23

OnStar to Remind Subscribers to 'Buckle Up'

DETROIT, MI – In support of national efforts to increase safety belt use, OnStar advisors will remind tens of thousands of motorists a day to buckle up when they use OnStar services, during the National “Click It Or Ticket” Mobilization.

Between May 23 and June 5, advisors will end calls with a short message reminding the 3 million OnStar subscribers to buckle up every time on every trip.

"Increasing seat belt use is an important national safety priority," OnStar President Chet Huber said. "We want to support the efforts of government agencies, including the law enforcement community, during this campaign, by reminding OnStar subscribers to always buckle up in their vehicles."

“While overall safety belt use is at an all-time high of 80 percent, 6,000 more lives could be saved each year if everyone buckled up. ‘Click It or Ticket’ is the centerpiece of this vitally important national campaign,” said National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Administrator Jeffrey Runge, M.D. “We commend law enforcement agencies and private sector supporters, like General Motors, that are committed to saving lives and making this campaign a success.”

Said Bob Lange, executive director of GM structure and safety integration: "GM cars and trucks are designed to keep drivers and passengers safe before, during and, thanks to OnStar, after a crash. However, our comprehensive approach to motor vehicle can only work best when every occupant is properly restrained on every trip. No exceptions."

OnStar is the nation’s leading safety, security, and information service available on more than 50 GM models.

Each month, OnStar advisors respond to approximately:

• 800 air bag deployments;
• 350 stolen vehicle location requests;
• 13,000 emergency requests;
• 100 advanced automatic crash notifications;
• 14,000 roadside assistance requests.

(Interactions are monthly average during February - April 2005)

OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the nation’s leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and communication services using wireless technology and the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network. OnStar is available on more than 50 GM models for 2005. By the end of 2007, OnStar will be a standard feature for GM’s retail vehicles sold in the United States and Canada, covering all segments and prices except for some commercial vehicles. OnStar safety and security services include automatic notification of air bag deployment, stolen vehicle location assistance, emergency services, roadside assistance, remote door unlock, and GM Goodwrench remote vehicle diagnostics. OnStar Hands Free Calling allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated calls from their vehicle. More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.
Source

[ronus20]

You know, the more I actually think about OnStar, the more I think it is a really great idea. At first I thought it was a pointless option to try and squeeze extra pennies out of a customer, but now that I think of it, they can unlock your doors if you accidentally lock yourself out, if your check engine light comes on, they can tell you if it's anything major, they will send a towtruck for you, ambulance respond, etc. etc.

I think it's great that GM is going to make this a standard option in all of their vehicles soon and will include a 1 year subscription.

[1999 White C5 Coupe]

I wear my seatbelt and think OnStar is an excellent service. However, the operators should not begin public service announcements. That is not their function. What will be next? Short, paid commercials?

[PURPLEIMPALA]

Today, free unsolicited advice, tomorrow, it disables your car and notifies the 'repo man' if your payment is late....cool...

[b4z]

I actually renewed my Onstar on my SRX a few weeks ago. $199yr + 200 minutes for $79.
I figure if I ever forget my cell phone I am still able to talk to my clients.

[jro4566]

Between May 23 and June 5, advisors will end calls with a short message reminding the 3 million OnStar subscribers to buckle up every time on every trip.

That's a great way of showing that OnStar cares about the customer, but why stop there? Why only between May 23 and June 5?

[IMPALAon20s]

Originally Posted by RCtennis3811

That's a great way of showing that OnStar cares about the customer, but why stop there? Why only between May 23 and June 5?

its doing so in conjuntion with the “Click It Or Ticket” campaign. to remind someone to put their seat belt on every time, would first add a few moments to every call, and possibly lengthen hold times. i myself work at a call center and and just cutting phone calls down by a few seconds actually makes a huge difference in how many customers you can service.