Where does safety rank on your list of must-haves in a vehicle? Surprisingly, there was a time when safety was an afterthought, seat belts were optional, and airbags were unheard of. While times were simpler, the laissez-faire attitude toward automotive safety cost many lives and eventually led to industry-wide regulations and the formation of organizations like the US-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). But what does any of this have to do with your search for a used Mazda dealership in Canada? Absolutely everything if safety is a top priority when you’re in the driver’s seat.
An independent organization, the IIHS was established to reduce deaths, injuries, and property damage caused by motor vehicle crashes. To do this, the IIHS conducts extensive research on vehicles, putting each model through exhaustive tests and evaluations to determine its safety rating. The ratings carry significant weight for consumers, especially models that earn Top Safety Pick+ or Top Safety Pick ratings like the 2020 Mazda CX-30, 2017 Mazda CX-9, 2014 Mazda6, and 2013 Mazda3.
As you can see, the Mazda lineup is no stranger to top ratings from the IIHS, and that speaks volumes about the automakers’ commitment to your safety behind the wheel. But what does this commitment look like on the used lot? What safety features does Mazda offer that actively extends your visibility, alerts you to potential incidents, minimizes the likelihood of a collision, and enhances your experience as a driver? That’s a question we’re here to answer.
Adaptive Front Lighting System and High Beam Control
Recent models from Mazda have earned high praise for innovative features like the Adaptive Front-Lighting System, which is vastly different from standard tools like automatic high beams found on nearly every model throughout the industry. In contrast, Mazda’s Adaptive Front Lighting System is more advanced. The system enhances your visibility in low-light conditions by swivelling the lights up to 15 degrees in the direction you’re turning. This movement, although subtle, optimizes your visibility and gives you ample time to see potential hazards on the roadway ahead.
Just as the Adaptive Front Lighting System optimizes your view when turning, Mazda’s High Beam Control System optimizes your view any other time in low-light conditions. Rather than rotating the front lights toward your turn, High Beam Control automatically switches between your low and high beams based on the situation. For example, it turns on the low beams for oncoming traffic and then seamlessly switches on the high beams to maximize your visibility once oncoming traffic has passed.
Blind Spot Monitoring System and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
One of the most common causes of accidents is not seeing someone behind or around you. Sometimes, it feels impossible to see every angle and back out of a busy area or change lanes confidently. Mazda mitigates this stress by equipping its models with an extra set of eyes courtesy of the Blind Spot Monitoring System and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Mazda’s Blind Spot Monitoring System relies on radar sensors to detect objects in your Mazda’s blind spots on the left or right. When a vehicle or object is detected, you’ll see a warning light in the corresponding side mirror. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert works similarly and keeps an eye out behind your used Mazda, watching for traffic crossing the rear path of your vehicle. The system quickly alerts you when this occurs and gives you plenty of time to apply the brakes to avoid a collision.
Lane Departure Warning System with Lane-Keep Assist
You’ll find plenty of safety and driver-assist tools on your used Mazda that make your experience in the driver’s seat less taxing and more enjoyable. Mazda’s Lane Departure Warning System with Lane-Keep Assist is one of these features. The tool relies on sensors to monitor your position within the designated lane markings. If you drift out of your lane without using a turn signal, the tool will alert you to take corrective action. The Lane-Keep Assist portion of the tool can also subtly adjust the steering wheel to help you stay centred in your lane.
Smart Brake Support and Smart City Brake Support
Mazda’s Smart Brake Support is one of the automaker’s most impressive tools because it adapts to the situation. For example, Smart Brake Support uses radar at mid to high speeds and constantly monitors traffic up to 200 metres ahead. When the tool senses a potential collision, Smart Brake Support automatically applies the brakes to reduce your used Mazda’s speed and assist in avoiding the collision or minimizing the impact.
But what happens when you’re not driving at highway speeds? Does the tool still work? Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support uses a laser sensor to watch traffic ahead in low-speed situations. The feature takes into account the closer proximity of vehicles in heavy traffic situations. It prepares your used Mazda to stop by moving the brake pads closer to the disc, making the car more responsive and easier to stop. If you fail to respond and apply the brakes, the tool will automatically engage the brakes to bring your Mazda to a controlled stop.
Mazda Radar Cruise Control
Traditional cruise control drastically changed how we drive on the highway by giving us the freedom to set our cruising speed and take our foot off the accelerator. However, the feature wasn’t fool-proof and still relied on engaging the brake pedal to reduce speed according to traffic needs and then reaccelerating to reset the cruise control. In other words, it required a lot of input from the driver. Fortunately, advanced cruise control technology improves how much action you have to take once you set your cruising speed.
Mazda Radar Cruise Control eliminates the constant need to set and reset the cruise control on your Mazda. Instead, the system continually monitors the flow of traffic and the distance between you and the vehicle ahead. Once you set a safe cruising speed, the tool automatically adjusts your speed based on the traffic. The advanced Stop and Go feature is handy for commuters since it can navigate rush-hour traffic by stopping your Mazda and resuming a safe speed without input from you.
Your Safety: It’s Non-Negotiable for Mazda
Sitting in the driver’s seat comes with great responsibility as you navigate the road ahead. You’re responsible for safely operating your vehicle, keeping an eye on traffic and objects around you, abiding by traffic laws, and staying alert behind the wheel. Fortunately, Mazda has recognized the responsibility of driving and equipped its models with an expansive suite of safety and driver-assist tools that enhances your visibility and minimizes the potential for a collision.
As you search for a used Mazda, you’ll find that many of these tools are part of the i-Activsense suite of safety and driver-assist technology. This technology is an integral part of Mazda’s exceptional reputation for safety in the industry. The Mazda lineup is no stranger to IIHS accolades, earning more Top Safety Pick+ awards than many other automakers in Canada. Ratings like this, combined with advanced safety technology, add exceptional value to every used Mazda––be it a CX-30, CX-5, or Mazda3––and engineer confidence the moment you get behind the wheel. And if you ask us, that confidence is truly priceless.
