MAZDA WANTS ZERO FATALITIES BY 2040

EV Channels Review

Mazda has set an ambitious goal of achieving zero traffic fatalities by 2040, a target that requires a multi-faceted approach encompassing both crash avoidance and crashworthiness. Jennifer Morrison, Mazda's Lead Safety Advocate, detailed the company's strategy, which includes enhancing existing technologies like automatic emergency braking (AEB) and pedestrian AEB, making them more effective at higher speeds and reducing false positives through advanced AI and sensor technology. The discussion also touched upon the potential of automatic emergency steering, which is being integrated into safety rating systems. A significant portion of the conversation focused on mitigating driver distraction, with Mazda's user interface design, particularly the use of a rotary dial instead of touchscreens for primary controls, being highlighted as a way to keep drivers' eyes on the road. The interview also explored the stalled progress of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology, contrasting it with the industry's current focus on in-vehicle sensor-based systems. On the crashworthiness front, Mazda's consistent achievement of top safety awards from the IIHS was attributed to robust structural integrity, advanced airbag systems, and effective lighting. The overall message emphasizes a holistic 'safe systems approach' involving vehicles, roads, and drivers.