Staying Safe in No-Go Zones: Your Proactive Guide to Driver Safety
You deserve to feel confident every time you get behind the wheel. That starts with knowing where you are and what’s around you. That’s why Matrix developed No-Go Zones: an intelligent safety feature that alerts you in real time if your vehicle enters a high-risk area.
Our No-Go Zones feature isn’t designed to restrict your freedom or create fear; instead, it empowers you with awareness, enabling you to make informed decisions about your safety.
What Are Matrix No-Go Zones?
According to recent SAPS crime statistics, approximately 65 vehicles are hijacked daily in South Africa. While the reality of crime in South Africa can’t be ignored, we believe knowledge is your best defence. Smart awareness can give you the upper hand.
No-Go Zones are predetermined areas flagged within our system as locations that require extra vigilance. These areas present statistically higher risks based on regularly updated national crime data and vehicle hijacking trends.
Despite the name, these zones aren’t telling you where you can’t go, but rather provide a gentle alert so you can make informed decisions and prioritise your safety. If your vehicle enters one of these zones, you will be notified.
Why No-Go Zone Alerts Matter
We understand that life often requires you to travel through various neighbourhoods, whether for work, family visits, or simply navigating your daily routine. Being caught unaware in a high-risk area can leave you vulnerable. But forewarned is forearmed.
Matrix’s No-Go Zone alerts give you the chance to:
- Take precautions like closing windows and locking doors
- Choose a safer route where possible
- Mentally prepare to stay calm and observant
Your Proactive Safety Checklist for No-Go Zones
When Matrix alerts you that you’ve entered a No-Go Zone, here’s your action plan:
Before You Drive
Secure your valuables: Place handbags, laptops, and any visible electronics in your boot before starting your journey.
Use your phone hands-free: This is a legal and safety requirement. Try not to use your phone while driving at all.
Plan your route: Whenever possible, plan alternative routes that avoid known high-risk areas, especially during peak crime hours.
While Driving Through the Zone
Windows up, doors locked: This should be automatic, but it’s worth emphasising. Keep windows closed and doors locked at all times.
Maintain awareness: Check your surroundings regularly. Stay particularly alert at intersections. Look for anything unusual, such as people loitering, vehicles following you, or blocking your path.
Ready your Panic Alert: Locate your panic button or remote and be ready to press it.
Keep a safe following distance: Maintain extra space between you and the vehicle ahead. This gives you room to manoeuvre if you need to change lanes or exit quickly.
Stay in moving traffic: If possible, avoid stopping at red lights in these areas. If you must stop, leave enough space to drive around the car in front of you.
Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don’t hesitate to change your route or seek help.
Keep your phone charged: Ensure your phone has sufficient battery and is easily accessible for emergencies.
Additional Safety Measures
Vary your routine: If you regularly travel through certain areas, consider changing your routes and timing whenever possible.
Travel in convoy: Coordinate with friends or colleagues to travel together through high-risk areas when you’re all going to a gathering.
Right By Your Side: How Matrix Steps Up In Emergencies
Sometimes, things happen beyond your control. Should trouble strike, we have several features designed to get you help quickly:
Panic Alert with Remote
A discreet way to alert our monitoring centre and your emergency contacts when you’re in danger. The remote can be activated without drawing attention to yourself.
MyPanic (VAS)
On-demand personal security. MyPanic is our 24-hour armed response service that extends protection beyond your vehicle, keeping you safe wherever you go.
Home Drive (VAS)
Get yourself and your car home safely. Home Drive is your personal designated driver service. Have a trained, composed, and alert professional driver when you’re unfamiliar with an area or know you’ll be over the limit.
At Matrix, your safety is our first priority. Cars come second.
Did you know that we offer even more tools to keep you protected beyond No-Go Zones?
GeoLoc Advanced Alert
Know instantly when your vehicle moves without your permission
Border Alert
Get notified when your vehicle approaches or crosses a border – helpful for monitoring business or family vehicles.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Being alert doesn’t mean being afraid. With Matrix, you have the information, tools and backup you need to stay ahead of danger without letting it dominate your life.
We continually work to improve our features and expand our capabilities to protect you and your loved ones.
Know where you’re going. Know what’s around you. Know Matrix is right by your side wherever the road takes you.
