Mazda’s Commitment to Safety: Exploring Advanced Safety Technologies 

When it comes to purchasing a new vehicle, safety is often at the forefront of every buyer’s mind. Mazda has long been recognized for its commitment to producing cars that not only deliver exhilarating performance, but also prioritize the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Let’s explore more about Mazda’s dedication to safety and dive deeper into the advanced safety technologies that make Mazda vehicles some of the safest on the road.

SKYACTIV® Technology

Mazda’s SKYACTIV® technology is a holistic approach to vehicle design and engineering aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency, safety, and overall driving performance. While SKYACTIV® technology primarily focuses on improving fuel efficiency and driving dynamics, it also indirectly contributes to safety benefits. For example, the enhanced structural rigidity of SKYACTIV® vehicles contributes to improved crash safety by providing a more stable and protective passenger cell in the event of a collision. In addition, the better handling and stability of the SKYACTIV® system translates to better control and reduced risk of accidents, especially in challenging driving conditions, such as sharp turns and other sudden maneuvers.

i-ACTIVSENSE® Suite

In contrast, Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE® suite of tools is specially designed to contribute to vehicle safety, offering drivers a variety of standard technology upgrades related to a safer, more controlled driving experience. Thanks to a system of sensors and cameras, drivers are able to detect threats and respond more quickly. Specifically, top i-ACTIVSENSE® safety technologies features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Mazda’s adaptive cruise control (ACC) system, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, uses radar to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front by automatically adjusting the speed to keep a consistent gap. It can even come to a complete stop in traffic and resume driving when the road clears.

Smart Brake Support (SBS)

Smart Brake Support technology works in many ways to help mitigate or prevent rear-end collisions. In all driving conditions, SBS uses a combination of radar and cameras to detect obstacles in the vehicle’s path as well as rapidly slowing vehicles in front of you. If detected, the system provides a warning and can even apply the brakes or bring the vehicle to a complete stop if necessary.

In addition, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) offers additional benefits. Mazda designed SCBS for low-speed urban driving. It uses a more enhanced system to detect smaller objects, such as pedestrians and animals.

Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)

Mazda’s lane departure warning system uses cameras to detect lane markings and warns the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane without signaling. This system works in tandem with the lane keep assist system, which provides active steering assistance to help the driver maintain the vehicle within the lane by gently correcting the steering if necessary.

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)

Like many of its other safety features, Mazda’s blind spot monitoring (BSM) system relies on sensors to help provide drivers with additional information. BSM sensors are mounted on the rear bumper of the vehicle and can detect other vehicles as they approach from adjacent lanes. When this happens, the sensors trigger a light and/or warning sound that alert the driver that it is not safe to change lanes.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

The Mazda rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) system uses radar sensors to warn the driver of approaching vehicles while backing out of a parking space. The system uses the same sensors and warning system as the blind spot monitoring system.

Predictive i-ACTIV® AWD

Mazda’s predictive i-ACTIV AWD (all-wheel drive) system is an advanced AWD system designed to enhance traction and stability in various driving conditions, thus contributing to safety. Unlike traditional AWD systems that primarily react to wheel slippage, Mazda’s i-ACTIV® AWD works predictively. The system continuously monitors various driving parameters and environmental factors using a sophisticated sensor network along with data collection and processing to proactively distribute power to the vehicle’s wheels for optimal performance and safety.

Mazda Connect Infotainment System

When paired with Mazda Connected Services, the Mazda Connect Infotainment system can add another layer of safety to the driving experience. Specifically, Mazda Connected Services provides drivers with features such as remote door lock/unlock as well as vehicle status monitor. The latter provides drivers with updates regarding their vehicle’s warning messages and maintenance details directly on the infotainment screen as well as sends the information to a connected smartphone.

Structural Safety

Even at the beginning stages of vehicle conception and design, Mazda focuses deeply on safety. In fact, Mazda’s strong emphasis on structural safety features in its vehicles provides robust protection for occupants in the event of a collision. Mazda employs various engineering and design elements to enhance structural safety, including:

• SKYACTIV® body structure
• Reinforced pillars and roof
• Side impact protection
• Extensive crash testing
• Continuous safety improvement

Mazda’s Dedication to Safety

Mazda’s dedication to structural safety features and its advanced safety technologies contribute to its reputation for building vehicles that prioritize occupant safety, and this commitment to safety extends to all aspects of vehicle design and manufacturing. When you drive a Mazda, you not only step into a fun and intuitive driving experience, but you also step into a safe one.

If you are in the market for a new Mazda vehicle, let the professionals at DePaula Mazda in Albany, NY, help you out. Come on down to our showroom or contact us today to learn more about Mazda’s incredible safety technologies. Even better, experience them for yourself by taking a test drive today.