At a recent event in New York City’s Classic Car Club, Verizon hosted an exclusive media event to introduce the recently-announced connected driving solution: hum. The new hum service makes any vehicle on the road today a connected, smart car. This is extremely important since according to a recent survey parents are less prepared to handle emergencies in the car vs. at home.

According to a study released by hum, when it comes to creating safe environments for their families childproofing, installing security systems and blocking dangerous areas in their homes (such as stairways) rank among the top measures parents take to protect their households. In comparison, the research found that parents are less prepared in their cars, with installing a car seat reported as one of the only proactive steps taken to create a safe and protected vehicle environment.

The survey,  conducted by Edelman Berland, included insights from 1,000 respondents across the U.S. who were parents to a child 15 and under or expecting parents; were car owners; and either owned or rented a home.

According to the study:

–          70% of parents admit they are more fearful of being in a vehicle-related emergency situation such as a breakdown or car accident.

–          Parents are nearly three-times more anxious about something outside of their control occurring in their vehicle, as compared to their home (12% versus 30%).

–           Nearly half (43%) of expecting parents say they need more information about what they should be doing to keep their car safe and secure for their family.

“Despite the technology solutions available on the market today, parents still don’t feel empowered to protect their families while in the car,” said Shane Schwab, director of hum Sales and Operations at Verizon Telematics. “That’s precisely why we’re so passionate about our new service, hum. It delivers exactly what parents are asking for – a simple, easy-to-use solution that provides the ultimate peace of mind while behind-the-wheel at the press of a button.”

This is where Hum comes in. The service is an aftermarket vehicle technology and subscription provider that enables drivers on the road to make their car smarter through a simple solution regardless of their wireless service provider. The service, compatible with more than 150 million cars on the road today [in the U.S.], provides subscribers with an easy-to-install solution that helps predict potential issues, prevents breakdowns and offers protection when problems do arise. At the simple press of a button, drivers receive diagnostic information, pinpoint roadside assistance and live consultation with ASE-certified mechanics and emergency personnel on-demand.
For more information and to purchase hum, visit hum.com