STOCKHOLM: Dozens of children are thought to die worldwide every year from being left alone in hot cars, and in a bid to save lives, Swedish manufacturer Volvo has announced a new passenger detection system.
Volvo said it will be the first carmaker to equip vehicles with radars mounted on the ceiling throughout the car. The devices detect tiny movements such as the breathing of a sleeping toddler and sound the alarm if they are locked inside.
It is the first such feature to cover the entire interior of the car, including the boot, said the carmaker, known for incorporating advanced safety features.
The upcoming Volvo EX90 will be the first model to get the feature when it breaks cover in November. It will also be included in other forthcoming Volvo car models.
US government statistics show that since 1998 more than 900 children in the US have died after being left in hot cars. Tragically, a majority of hot car deaths occur because someone forgot that their child was in the car at the time.
"No one chooses to be distracted or tired, but we know it can happen," said Lotta Jakobsson, Volvo's injury prevention expert.
"We're all human and distraction is a fact of life. With the help of cutting-edge technology, we'll support you when you're not at your best and help you avoid leaving family members or pets behind by accident."
Every time the owner tries to lock the radio-equipped car, the interior system is activated and determines whether the car is empty or if any people or pets are still inside before it allows the car to be locked
