Mazda Safety and Driver Assist Technology Quick Guide
As we march into the year 2021, we can expect to see a continuous boom in the introduction and integration of technology into our vehicles. Now, this is all well and good, but what do these technologies actually do? Do you need them, really? Do you even want them? Well, we are going to find out! Below is a comprehensive list of all the safety technology that can be found in any Mazda model as well as a brief, less technical explanation of what they do and when you may find them to be beneficial. No matter what you prefer, lots of tech or practically none, a thorough understanding of what you’re getting and how to use it can make all the difference in your safety, driving habits and overall experience.
Mazda offers a vast array of safety and driver assist technology in all of their new vehicles which they’ve conveniently arranged into three separate categories; Active Safety Technology, Hazard Protection Technology and Pre-crash Safety Technology. Mazda also offers I-Activesense technology and an Intelligent Transport System.
I-Activesense Technology: This is the blanket term that Mazda has given for any and all of their vast assortment of tech that uses cameras and radars integrated into and on their vehicles.
Intelligent Transport System (ITS): Mazda’s ITS system is essentially a little transmitter that actively monitors traffic congestion. This helps prevent accidents and further road constriction. This is, in my opinion, an invaluable addition to any vehicle, especially in a large city like San Antonio where there is constant construction and almost always an accident somewhere. It is also very beneficial on any long road trips where congestion and construction along your route.
Active Safety Technology
Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS): The AFS optimizes the distribution of light from the headlights according to driving circumstances. Depending on the speed and steering input from the driver, the AFS system aims the low-beam headlights whichever direction the driver intends to travel in order to provide the most comprehensive and widest view distance.
High Beam Control System (HBC): The HBC system detects oncoming and preceding vehicles and automatically switches between the high and low beams during night driving to provide the safest driving experience.
Glare-free beams: ALH’s headlights have an LED array divided into four blocks that can be independently turned on or off. The vehicle can monitor and detect the headlights or tail lamps of other vehicles via a small camera mounted on your Mazda’s windscreen. The camera signals the ALH system of an approaching vehicle or illuminated area (like a city) and the system will temporarily dim individual LED blocks to control your vehicles area of illumination to prevent you from blinding fellow drivers.
Wide Range Low beams: These low-beams are fitted to either side of the headlights and provide a wider view area.
Highway Mode: The adaptive LED headlights automatically raise the axis of illumination when traveling at or faster than 60 MPH which provides a larger viewing range and distance. This helps to quickly alert the driver to any potential hazards or warnings in advance.
Driver Attention Alert (DAA): This safety feature does just as the name implies – it monitors your awareness. The system is activated when you’re driving above 40 MPH and “learns” your driving habits. As you continue to drive, the system monitors your reactivity and general awareness and, if you begin to show signs of fatigue (or distraction) the vehicle will audibly warn you and a small warning will also appear on your LCD display behind the steering column. The Driver Attention Alert will always appear as a coffee icon and will suggest you take a break in order to combat the fatigue.
Lane-keep Assist (LAS): With Mazda’s Lane-keep assist, you have the option of choosing between lane tracing and full-on lane departure avoidance.
Lane Trace: When lane trace is selected, the vehicle aids the driver by providing continuous steering assistance to keep you centered in your lane. On bends or curves, the system will guide the driver to an angle that matches the road to provide the safest maneuver.
Lane Departure Avoidance: When lane departure avoidance is selected, the vehicle will try to avoid and prevent unintentional vehicle lane departure due to inattention. If it detects the vehicle straying over the lines of the lane, it provides steering assistance to bring the vehicle right back into the center of the lane.
Blind-spot Monitor (BSM): Blind-spot monitoring is a system that does as the name suggests – monitors your blind-spot. The system has sensors on either side of the rear bumper of the car that monitor the presence and speed of surrounding traffic. When you use your turn signals, the BSM system will alert you with an audible warning and the small orange alert in your mirror will blink if a vehicle is detected in your blind spot. The system will also warn you of a vehicle fast-approaching in your blind-spot so you don’t veer in front of them or potentially cause or get into an accident.
Rear Cross-traffic Alert (RCA): Rear cross-traffic alert uses the same sensors on the rear bumper to monitor oncoming traffic from behind. When you put the vehicle in reverse, the system monitors the surrounding area to detect potential threats. If detected, the system will give an audible warning. In some cases, this system will also apply the brakes as well to prevent a collision.
I-Activ AWD: The Mazda i-Activ AWD system monitors road conditions and vehicle behavior and will automatically distribute power to the front or rear axles based on what it interprets. This system maximizes safety and traction.
Hill Launch Assist (HLA): Hill Launch assist is designed to provide smooth, safe acceleration while on a slope or hill. While taking off on a slope, Mazda’s hill launch assist helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards by maintaining an automatic brake.
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC): Mazda’s radar cruise control uses radar to track the speed and distance of the vehicle ahead of you and adjusts its speed accordingly. The MRCC system will maintain a set speed and retain a set distance from the vehicle in front of you at your discretion.
Hazard Perception Technology
Rear-Vehicle Monitoring (RVM): The Rear-vehicle monitoring system on our Mazda uses sensors and radar to measure the distance between you and the vehicles behind you. This system will alert you with an audible warning if you go to change lanes and there is a vehicle rapidly approaching from behind you.
Lane-departure warning (LDW): The lane-departure warning system uses sensors on either side of the vehicle to identify and monitor the lane lines on the road. The system alerts the driver with an audible warning if they unintentionally drift over the lane lines. If you turn on your turn-signals, the LDW system recognizes the lane changing as intentional and won’t alert you or try to correct the maneuver.
Emergency Signal System (ESS): The Mazda emergency signal system causes your hazard lights to come on if you slam your brakes while traveling at high speed.
Forward obstruction Warning (FOW): The Forward obstruction warning detects and attempts to avoid vehicles or obstacles in front of the vehicle. The FOW system discerns how far away the obstruction is and will audibly and visually sound a warning to alert the driver to the trouble.
Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force distribution (BA + EBD):Mazda Brake assist technology measures the amount of force and speed at which you press down on the brake pedal and evaluates whether or not it is sufficient to stop the vehicle. If it isn’t, then the car will apply added pressure to stop the vehicle. Electronic brake force distribution helps you maintain control of the vehicle and shortens the distance when there is a large load on the rear wheels.
4W-ABS:The four wheel anti-lock braking system applies the optimal amount of brake force to each of the four wheels. When you have to slam your brakes, whether it be on a slippery surface or just dealing with the usual San Antonio traffic, 4W-ABS helps you avoid dangerous brake slippage by automatically pumping the brakes while you keep pressure on the physical brake pedal. The system also allows you to steer around obstacles better since it helps prevent tire lock-up.
DSC/TCS: The Dynamic Stability Control system (DSC) and the Traction Control System (TSC) take control of the car when skidding is detected. These systems work together to prevent accidents by controlling engine output and the brake force applied to each wheel. This helps the vehicle maintain stability in hazardous situations.
Pre-Crash Safety Technology
Acceleration Control for A/T: This system curbs rapid and sudden acceleration when the accelerator is accidentally pressed. If there is an obstacle ahead of you when you accidentally accelerate, this system monitors engine power output and alerts you with an audible and visual warning to help prevent an accidental collision.
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS): This system helps the driver avoid forward collisions while driving at low speeds. The forward-facing camera detects the vehicle in front of you and prepares the brakes to provide maximum stopping power when you apply the brakes. If you don’t take evasive action by slamming the brakes or steering away from the potential collision, the vehicle will reduce engine output and slam the brakes to try and prevent you from hitting the person in front of you.
Smart Brake Support (SBS): This system monitors your speed, the vehicles around you and will apply the brakes as needed to prevent accidents.
If you're interested in adding a Mazda to your family, please take a look at our inventory! Be sure to also check out our research articles below, Mazda is a great choice for any lifestyle and here at World Car, we are here to help you. . .we'll see you soon!
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