OnStar technology has assisted in recovering stolen vehicles through GPS for more than a decade, but a stolen vehicle fights only half the battle when it comes to theft.  The risk of a high speed chase, collision, or vehicle related fatality still remain, so in 2009 OnStar will raise the bar on safety precautions through the Stolen Vehicle Slowdown Program.  This revolutionary service will allow OnStar advisors to work jointly with law enforcement to reduce the speed of the OnStar vehicle during a high speed chase.

How Stolen Vehicle Slowdown Works:

Once an Onstar subscriber reports a stolen vehicle to the authorities, he or she can call Onstar to request Stolen Vehicle Assistance.  An OnStar advisor will use advanced Global Positioning Satellite technology to pinpoint the exact location of the vehicle, which will be transmitted to law enforcement.  

When law enforcement officials have clear sight of the stolen vehicle and deem the circumstances safe, they notify an OnStar advisor who sends a signal to the vehicle’s engine.  The signal prompts the vehicle to flick on the 4-way flashers and to reduce the engine’s power, which will gradually slow the engine to idle speed.  Other systems such as steering and brakes remain fully functional giving the frustrated thief no choice, but to safely end the high speed pursuit.     

The cooperative effort between OnStar advisors and local law enforcement agencies will certainly salvage many vehicles and lives.  The OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown Program will launch in more than a million 2009 model year vehicles.