Rear Seat Reminder Gets More Serious

Posted on 13 February 2019 Print
2020 Hyundai Palisade equipped with Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert.

Several OEMs have started including rear seat reminder systems into their vehicle, especially the SUVs and crossovers. These systems are in place to try and prevent a child or pet from being left in a hot or cold vehicle. Most systems work by paying attention to the actions of the passengers. It does this by taking note if the rear doors of the vehicle were opened before the vehicle started operation. If they were opened, the vehicle will normally ding and put an alert on the dash to remind the driver there may be a child or pet in the back seat. One OEM has taken this a step further in order to protect against children and pets from being left in a vehicle.

Hyundai is introducing a rear seat reminder that actually utilizes an ultrasonic sensor to detect if there is motion in the rear of the vehicle, after the driver exits. If there is motion detected, the vehicle will sound the horn and flash the lights to get the driver’s attention. It can also send a reminder to their smartphone. This feature will be available on select Hyundai models, including the 2020 Hyundai Palisade.

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