Nissan’s Rear Door Technology Could Save Lives

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rear door alert

Nissan’s Rear Door Technology Becomes Standard On More Models

On more than one occasion I’ve forgotten about the leftovers I carefully placed on the floor of the rear seat in my car. And there have been a few times when due to a distraction, I’ve left groceries, my laptop, or gifts in the backseat. While 8-10 hours won’t damage my computer, the eggs and box of chocolates didn’t survive the Texas heat. If anyone were to forget a child or a pet, it could be fatal.

So, with a focus on adding technology for safety Nissan is making its rear door alert standard on eight additional models in 2019. Nissan’s rear door alert (RDA) technology’s purpose is to remind customers to check the back seat and help reduce potential heatstroke incidents.

The technology, developed by two Moms that are engineers, is the industry’s first system that uses the horn, in addition to door sensors and a message display on the center instrument panel, to remind drivers to check the back seat.

What am I forgetting back there?

“The idea was inspired when I accidentally left a pan of lasagna in the back seat of my car overnight,” added Mendoza, a mother of three, who was pregnant when the idea struck. “The worst thing was the car smelled for days, but it made me ask myself, ‘What if I left something far more important back there?'”

The temperature inside of a vehicle can increase to dangerous levels quickly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Even with moderate outside temperatures in the mid-60s, a vehicle’s interior can quickly heat up to more than 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

After Mendoza and Foley presented the idea, the project moved into full development at Nissan Technical Center North America (NTCNA) in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

How does Rear Door Alert work?

“If you open a rear door and put something in the rear seat, Rear Door Alert will help you remember when you get to your destination that you may have forgotten it,” Mendoza said. “By drawing attention back to the vehicle while the driver is walking away, the honking alerts you to recheck the back seat in addition to visual or interior audible alerts.”

The RDA system is easy to configure and can be temporarily, or permanently, turned off through a menu in the cluster display.

 

 

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Kristin Barclay
Kristin Barclay graduated from the University of South Carolina with a major in Journalism and Advertising. Throughout her career, Kristin has demonstrated a passion for storytelling and a commitment to providing accurate, timely, and informative news coverage. She has a deep understanding of the issues and concerns facing local communities and has earned a reputation as a trusted source for reliable news and information. In addition to her work as an editor and journalist, Kristin is also a skilled writer and has written articles on a wide range of topics, including politics, business, education, and culture. She has a keen eye for detail and a talent for crafting compelling stories that engage and inform readers. Kristin is also an active member of the community and has volunteered her time and resources to numerous organizations and causes. She believes in the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on the world around us. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kristin Barclay is also a passionate advocate for local journalism and the role it plays in keeping communities informed and engaged. She believes strongly in the importance of supporting local news outlets and is dedicated to ensuring that quality journalism remains a vital part of our society. Outside of work, Kristin enjoys traveling both for business and pleasure. She loves exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. Whether she's on a business trip or a vacation, Kristin is always eager to discover what makes each place unique and special. Kristin's passions include boots, bourbon, dogs and college football. She is a self-proclaimed boot aficionado and has an impressive collection of cowboy boots that she wears with pride. She also enjoys sipping on a good bourbon and spending time with her husband and beloved border collies. Last but certainly not least, Kristin is the proud mother of two children who bring joy and meaning to her life. She is deeply committed to being a loving and supportive parent, and her children are her greatest source of inspiration and motivation