This new safety feature could help prevent hot car deaths

Every spring and summer, there are heartbreaking reports of children who die as a result of being left in hot cars, many times because they’re simply forgotten.

In fact, NBC News reports that 12 children have died in hot cars already in 2016.

Read more: 6 most reliable SUVs on the road

GMC unveils new Rear Seat Reminder feature

Now, GMC has announced that the 2017 Acadia, a midsize SUV, will come with Rear Seat Reminder to remind drivers to check the backseat under certain circumstances.

“Acadia drivers live busy lives with demanding schedules, and the Rear Seat Reminder helps protect the things we care about most,” said Tricia Morrow, GM global safety strategy engineer. “Whether it’s your lunch, laptop, pet or most importantly, your child, it’s easier than it seems to forget what’s in the back seat when moving between life’s events. With this new feature, we are leading the charge to address this ongoing problem.”

The Rear Seat Reminder is activated when either rear door is opened and closed within 10 minutes before the vehicle is started, or while it’s running. Once the vehicle is turned off, the Acadia will sound five audible chimes and display a message to the driver that reads, “Rear Seat Reminder / Look in Rear Seat.”

The Rear Seat Reminder doesn’t actually detect objects in the rear seat, according to company officials. It just monitors the vehicle’s rear doors.

GM says the feature is the first-of-its-kind in the industry, and it will come standard. The automaker is planning to add it to other models, NBC News reports.

Read more: Most and least expensive cars to maintain