Every year, dozens of children and pets die from heatstroke in cars, often because someone forgets they are still in the back when leaving the vehicle. Sadly, these deaths could have easily been prevented. To highlight the dangers of heatstroke in cars, Ford released a graphic video back in the summer showing what happens when a child or pet is left inside a hot car by using melting ice sculptures.

According to NoHeatStroke.com, 21 children have died from heatstroke in cars so far this year in the US and a record 53 children died in 2018 and 2019. On a day when the outside temperature is 70 degrees, a car cabin can heat up to over 115 degrees, which is dangerous for children and pets.

To help prevent deaths caused by heatstroke in cars, many manufacturers offer rear occupant alerts that remind the driver when a child or pet is still in the back seat as they leave the car.

In another step towards eliminating heatstroke deaths, the new 2022 Genesis GV70 is available with a more advanced rear occupant alert with new radar sensors that can detect rear passengers more accurately. Its high-performance microchip can even detect subtle movements when the body isn't moving like when a child breaths. When the engine is switched off and open the driver's door after opening and closing the rear door or tailgate, a "check rear seats" appears on the instrument cluster.

After the first alert, the second alert activates if any movement is detected after all the doors are locked. This will cause the horn to sound and the hazard lights to flash, alerting the driver.

Owners subscribed to Genesis Connected Services will also receive a text on their smartphone warning that their child or pet has been left behind inside the car. Thankfully, this life-saving tech will soon become standard in more cars: Ford has pledged that all its passenger cars will come with a rear occupant alert as standard by 2025, as have General Motors, Toyota, and Stellantis.