Technology is expanding to protect the rich. If you can afford to pay about $80,000 US for a new 2025 Volvo EX90 you can be guaranteed that any child or pet left in the interior of your Volvo will be protected by advanced radar sensors. The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Volvo is installing advanced radars that can detect the smallest (just millimeters) movements inside Volvo vehicles and that the vehicle will take action to prevent overheating or hypothermia. When motion is detected the vehicle cannot be locked. The system will turn on the climate control keeping the vehicle at a reasonable temperature until the vehicle’s battery is drained. If potential over-heating is detected the system will unlock the doors and will roll down the windows. It is reported that other manufacturers such as Hyundai and Toyotas will offer less complex systems in some 2025 vehicles.
The Detroit Free Press reported that, since 1998 when records began to be kept, more than 900 children have died in hot vehicles in the U.S. No information is available about how many pets have died.
While this technology may eventually inhabit most vehicles sold in North America will be likely be some time before the average family can be protected for these dreadful outcomes.
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