Innovative child protection alert

December 6, 2018

Innovative child protection alert feature of 5 star safety rated vehicle

Four new vehicles have achieved 5 stars in ANCAP’s latest round of safety ratings, including a vehicle with an innovative new child protection feature.

The Ford Focus, Genesis G70, Jaguar I-PACE and new generation Hyundai Santa Fe all achieved 5 star ratings, against ANCAP’s increased testing standards.

The Santa Fe is equipped with a Child Presence Alert which sounds if there is still a child in the backseat as the driver is leaving the vehicle. The alert is designed to reduce the chance of a baby or young child being left in an unattended vehicle.

AA Motoring Services General Manager Stella Stocks said it's fantastic that vehicle manufacturers are being innovative when it comes to safety.

“AA Roadservice Officers go to more than 600 callouts a year involving children being locked in vehicles. In many instances, the child has accidentally been locked in and both the child and parent become stressed.

“It’s really exciting to see new technology which can potentially make a real difference.”

Stocks said it was great to also have three other vehicles coming into the market with top safety ratings.

The Ford Focus and Genesis G70’s best scores were both for child occupant protection, with the Focus achieving 87% and G70 achieving 86%.

The Jaguar I-Pace achieved its highest score for adult occupant protection (94%) due in part to multiple perfect scores. The I-Pace is one of few models with an external airbag, which is designed to provide increased protection to pedestrians.

The full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings, other vehicle safety information and the specifications of the rated vehicles are available online at ancap.co.nz or rightcar.govt.nz.

ANCAP is supported by all Australian motoring clubs, the New Zealand Automobile Association, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, Australian state and territory governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

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