Automotive

GM tech reminds drivers to not leave their babies on board

GM tech reminds drivers to not leave their babies on board
When Rear Seat Reminder is activated, five chimes will sound plus an instrument panel message will appear
When Rear Seat Reminder is activated, five chimes will sound plus an instrument panel message will appear
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When Rear Seat Reminder is activated, five chimes will sound plus an instrument panel message will appear
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When Rear Seat Reminder is activated, five chimes will sound plus an instrument panel message will appear
Rear Seat Reminder could also keep users from forgetting items such as groceries
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Rear Seat Reminder could also keep users from forgetting items such as groceries

It may not happen often, but it's tragic when it does – parents forget that their baby is riding in the back seat of their car, so they leave them in there when they park, and the infant subsequently succumbs to heat stroke. To help minimize the chances of this happening, General Motors is introducing its Rear Seat Reminder.

Unlike some aftermarket systems, Rear Seat Reminder doesn't actually sense whether or not anything is placed on the rear seat.

Instead, it notes if either of the rear doors are opened and closed within 10 minutes of the engine starting, or once it has started. The next time that the engine is turned off, five chimes will sound, plus an instrument panel message will appear that reads "Rear Seat Reminder / Look in Rear Seat."

Rear Seat Reminder could also keep users from forgetting items such as groceries
Rear Seat Reminder could also keep users from forgetting items such as groceries

Besides providing a reminder of li'l passengers, the technology could also keep drivers from forgetting things such as pets, briefcases, groceries, or items that may be tempting to thieves. And yes, it can be turned off if desired.

Rear Seat Reminder will debut as standard equipment on the 2017 GMC Acadia crossover, with other models set to follow in the future.

Source: GMC via Consumerist

2 comments
2 comments
ramriot
Sorry, but really!
Someone too tired or distracted enough to forget a vital bundle left on the rear seat is perhaps too dysfunctional to be allowed in traffic accompanied by their valuable bundle.
But perhaps I'm being a little uncharitable, having been a sleep deprived parent myself.
stevenkelby
Ramriot, have you ever forgotten your phone, wallet, keys etc, anywhere, ever? It's precisely the same part of the brain and the same mistake. Great parents do it too. Your attitude is the most dangerous: "I would never do that!". It seems impossible to you so you won't guard against it.