© 2026 ABC News

Kim, like Fennell, said these alerts -- while largely helpful -- can cause drivers to become inured to the constant warnings. The current tech may also desensitize motorists to real emergencies and create liabilities for companies.

\"Certainly there is a risk if a warning becomes such a part of the routine that you just start ignoring it. That's definitely a concern,\" Kim said. \"There are people who will get so accustomed to the warning that it becomes meaningless and they don't pay attention to it anymore.\"

He added, \"Having the alert is better than not having it and this feature doesn't cost much for an automaker to implement.\"

\"PHOTO:
Hyundai
PHOTO: Hyundai's Ultrasonic sensor technology can detect movement in the back seat after the vehicle is parked and locked.
>

Brian Moody, executive editor of Kelley Blue Book, said these warning systems add an \"extra level of sophistication\" to the vehicle and are an important selling point. The larger debate may be whether automakers are liable if the alert technology fails in a car with children and pets inside, he said.

\"At some level there has to be personal responsibility,\" Moody told ABC News.

There are ways to prevent hot car deaths without technology: teaching children to honk the horn if they get stuck inside or placing an important item in the rear as a reminder. Fennell said she'll keep pushing for more advancements until no child dies in a hot car. If Toyota's Concept Cabin system becomes a reality, Roberts said the company would be open to sharing its technology with industry competitors.

\"This is a social good initiative,\" he said. \"If we can help the industry move forward, why wouldn't we do that?\"

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