The all-new 2017 GMC Acadia is being equipped with the Rear Seat Reminder, a new, industry-first feature designed to remind drivers to check the back seat as they exit their vehicle under certain circumstances.
GM global safety strategy engineer Tricia Morrow said: "Acadia drivers live busy lives with demanding schedules, and the Rear Seat Reminder helps protect the things we care about most.
"Whether it's your lunch, laptop, pet or most importantly, your child, it's easier than it seems to forget what's in the back seat when moving between life's events. With this new feature, we are leading the charge to address this ongoing problem."
The Rear Seat Reminder works by monitoring the Acadia's rear doors. The feature is intended to activate when either rear door is opened and closed within 10 minutes before the vehicle is started, or if they are opened and closed while the vehicle is running.
Under these circumstances, the next time the vehicle is turned off after a door activation, the Acadia is designed to sound five audible chimes and display a message in the driver information center that reads, "Rear Seat Reminder / Look in Rear Seat."
Safe Kids Worldwide president and CEO Kate Carr said: "General Motors has developed a new technology for the GMC Acadia, the Rear Seat Reminder, to give busy parents an important reminder to check the back seat before leaving the car.
"Technology alone cannot solve the issue of heatstroke when it comes to young children, but this new Acadia reminder can help. We must always remember that the safest way to protect a child from heatstroke is to never leave a child unattended in a vehicle."
The feature cannot detect items in the backseat, so it is always important to check the rear seat prior to exiting the vehicle.
The industry-first feature is a standard feature on the all-new 2017 Acadia, a re-engineered crossover designed for the modern family adventure and the heart of the midsize segment.
