Countless drivers benefit from roadside help services every single day.
A blown tire, an empty gas tank, a drained battery — the best teams handle it all.
But today’s roadside help services are far different than those twenty or thirty years ago.
And that’s because technology has transformed the business — for the better.
Here’s how.
Connected cars help drivers access roadside help
Any vehicle capable of linking to the internet is a connected car. This concept would have blown minds in the ‘80s and ‘90s, no doubt conjuring images of the futuristic KITT in Knight Rider.
Of course, the reality is a little different than the fantasy, but connected cars are still an incredible technological innovation. And they can help drivers experiencing technical difficulties access crucial roadside assistance services.
For a start, GPS technology makes it easier for you to provide an exact location when calling for help. That’s crucial if you’re in an unfamiliar area. A technician dispatched to help you will find you more quickly, reducing the length of your wait and resulting delays.
Another advantage of connected cars is that you can call a local service provider through a dashboard display linked to your phone. You won’t need to take your phone from your pocket or dig beneath the seat for it, which may be problematic if you’ve been involved in an accident.
Dispatching technicians faster
Advancing technology has also enabled roadside help service providers to manage their teams more effectively.
In the past, technicians may have checked in with their location from time to time, so dispatchers could assign the nearest team-member when a customer called for assistance. They would have relied on phone or radio systems.
But today, towing and roadside help service providers can use cutting-edge software to stay connected to team-members at all times. GPS technology empowers dispatchers to track technicians’ movements across the local area, and determine which will be able to reach a customer in the shortest time.
They can also provide callers with an accurate ETA based on real-time visual updates. This creates a more satisfying customer experience overall.
Avoiding traffic hotspots and diversions for faster responses
Technicians can reach customers in less time today, thanks to the latest navigation tools. Real-time traffic updates, for example, show where accidents may have caused gridlock or when diversions have been set up.
That means technicians can carefully plan their journeys and find the fastest route to a customer at any time.
Again, this is key for a quality experience. Customers often feel frustrated and stressed when they need roadside help. The sooner an expert arrives to assist them, the happier they’ll be with the service provided!
