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OnStar's growing subscriber network represents the nation's largest, most technologically advanced fleet of Good Samaritans. Thousands of OnStar Good Samaritans have used their OnStar service to assist travelers who have been stranded on our nation's urban and rural roads or who needed emergency services.

OnStar encourages subscribers to use their OnStar system to speak to an advisor on behalf of others in need. And OnStar subscribers have responded. Each month, OnStar advisors receive about 4,500 contacts from Good Samaritans whose vehicles are equipped with OnStar. With the help of OnStar's embedded cellular calling system and advanced Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology, emergency responders can be accurately directed to the site of a stranded motorist, a crash, or to individuals in need.

Skip and Terri Garcia were crossing the Red Mountain pass during a heavy snowstorm in Southwestern Colorado when the Pontiac Montana minivan they had been following suddenly disappeared. The Montana with six passengers slipped off the icy road and tumbled down 400 feet in the canyon below. After he surveyed the situation, Skip directed Terri to use the OnStar system in their Chevrolet Suburban to contact an OnStar advisor.

"Skip came back and said 'Yes, definitely, they're down there. Call for help.' So, I did. I pushed the emergency button on my OnStar," said Terri.

After speaking to Terri, the OnStar advisor alerted the Ouray emergency services of the incident and used the vehicle's OnStar GPS location system to direct the volunteer mountain rescue team to the crash victims. Help arrived in about 30 minutes, and the occupants of the minivan were taken to the hospital for treatment. All six passengers survived.

The survivors could not contact emergency services because their location in the deep ravine prevented their cell phones from making a connection. The OnStar system in the Garcias' Suburban allowed rescuers to quickly locate the crash site.

"The Good Samaritan service is an integral part of OnStar's industry-leading safety and security services," said Cathy McCormick, Manager of OnStar Emergency Services. "Every second counts to increase the likelihood of survival in the event of emergency situations, especially in remote areas."

Good Samaritans provide a range of aid from helping bring roadside assistance to fix a flat tire to getting lifesaving responders to a crash scene. In some cases, Good Samaritans have prevented a potential tragedy.

Chuck Morrison of Prescott, Arizona, noticed a small girl walking alone in the neighborhood. Neither a parent nor guardian was accompanying her. The child had wandered away from home and didn't know where she lived. Mr. Morrison pushed the OnStar button and an advisor connected him to the local emergency dispatcher. The four-year old had been reported as missing, and police were dispatched to the site. Shortly afterwards, the child was reunited with her parents and unharmed.

Every day, an estimated 200,000 calls are made to 911 operators using wireless technology, according to the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA). OnStar responds to about 13,000 emergency calls each month, which are transferred to emergency service operators for appropriate assistance.

OnStar continues to work closely with emergency personnel to report thousands of motor vehicle emergencies every year. Between December 2004 and February 2005, OnStar responded to a monthly average of:

  • 900 airbag notifications
  • 400 stolen vehicle location requests
  • 20,000 roadside assistance requests

Affirming its commitment to safety, security, and peace of mind, General Motors is making OnStar a standard feature on all retail vehicles for customers in the United States and Canada. The expansion of OnStar service within the GM U.S. and Canadian retail fleet will be completed in 2007. GM's commitment to increased OnStar availability will also help increase OnStar's network of potential Good Samaritans, helping to further aid others who are in need.

About OnStar
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 customers 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 Personal 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.