Vehicle tracking hardware provider Geotab has officially been named a Garmin fleet management partner so Geotab’s GO4 version 3 (GO4V3) device can be integrated with select Garmin Nuvi PNDs, allowing for two-way driver and dispatcher communication.
Garmin said its partnership program aims to bring navigation, dispatching and two-way driver messaging together in one package. The company pointed out that the GO4V3 tracking device actually powers up the Garmin using a modified Garmin fleet management interface connector.
This feature helps deter Garmin theft and connection compliance, as employers are notified through the software when, and if, the Garmin device has been unplugged and removed from the vehicle, the company said.
For improved driver safety when mobile, the Geotab with Garmin solution will also automatically message drivers for safety events, vehicle pre and post trip inspections and excess idling as well as provide weather updates and other user-customizable events, the firm added.
Also, to ensure that drivers are not distracted when using the Garmin, a sound notification is played with a new message icon on the Garmin screen. This notifies drivers that new text messages have been received. The driver must safely come to a stop before reading the message or responding to a dispatch request, Garmin executives stressed.
