Automakers to install rear seat reminders to stop hot car deaths in U.S.
Source: Reuters
TECHNOLOGY NEWS SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 / 12:09 PM / UPDATED 5 HOURS AGO
Automakers to install rear seat reminders to stop hot car deaths in U.S.
David Shepardson
4 MIN READ
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Major automakers said on Wednesday they have agreed to equip nearly all U.S. vehicles with systems to remind motorists of passengers in the back seat, by model year 2025, in an effort to avoid deaths of young children left behind in hot cars.
The announcement on so-called rear seat reminder systems comes as the U.S. Congress has been debating making it a requirement for new cars.
Lawmakers say more than 800 children in parked vehicles have died from heatstroke in the United States over the last two decades. U.S. regulators say 53 died last year, the most in two decades.
The 20 automakers taking part represent nearly 98% of all U.S. vehicle sales and committed to include audible and visual alerts on vehicles by the 2025 model year, or a year later if a redesign is involved.
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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-autos-safety-usa/automakers-to-install-rear-seat-reminders-to-stop-hot-car-deaths-in-u-s-idUSKCN1VP28E