I have partnered with Mazda to review the 2018 Mazda CX-5 safety features. All opinions are my own.
Let’s face it, we can’t deny that we live in a world of distractions. From sun up to sun down, I’m bombarded with emails, kids needing things, work and advertisements. Unless I’m asleep, I can’t stop the distractions. As much as I hate to admit it, that doesn’t end when I step behind the driver’s wheel.
As a social media influencer, I pride myself on being active on the internet and answering emails in a timely manner. Yet, the one time that needs to stop is when I’m driving. My kids mean the world to me and seeing their little faces in the backseat becomes an instant reminder to put down the phone.
With many states adopting a “Hands Free Law”, including my own home state of Georgia, it’s more vital than ever to focus on the road.
I had the opportunity to test drive the 2018 Mazda CX-5 last week on a road trip and something peculiar happened – I felt more focused while driving than ever before. It had nothing to do with me, but everything to do the brand’s features.
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 Safety Features: The Little Things
The first thing that catches my attention, in any Mazda, is the dashboard and center console full of buttons and knobs. I immediately connected my phone to the bluetooth system and set up the navigation on the 7” center display. I assumed that would be the main feature to keep me focused on the road – but I was wrong.
Technology has come so far that you don’t have a need to take your eyes off the road. Mazda created their Active Driving Display to help keep you alert and informed. Projected onto the driver’s side window is your speed, the speed limit that you’re driving in and any navigation cues.
I immediately feel more connected to the road than in any other vehicle I’ve been in. That seems to be the Mazda difference for me.
The CX-5 has sensors surrounding the exterior that are constantly sending signals to my dashboard to keep me safe. Lane-Keep Assist work in conjunction with the Lane-Departure System to guide the vehicle back to the center if I veer over a lane divider.
Drivers are also notified of any cross-traffic with the Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Plus, the rear camera that displays in the center screen help heighten my surrounding senses.
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 doesn’t let you find any distractions. If you take your hands off the wheel, an alert pops up in the Active Driving Display. I don’t have teenagers yet, but I guarantee I’m going to put them in a Mazda when the time arrives.
Here are the 2018 Mazda CX-5 Safety Features:
- 24 hour roadside assistance
- Dynamic stability control
- Front and rear stabilization bars
- Adaptive Front-Lighting System
- Multi-function commander control
- Hill launch assist
- Front and rear side air bags
- Smart city brake support
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
Of course, life still goes on when you’re in a vehicle. That’s just bound to happen. When an incoming call came in, I was able to answer it over the bluetooth system and talk hands-free.
What makes a difference is the Multi-function commander control. Located between the driver and passenger seats, you can control the music, navigation and phone calls with a few buttons. Since you’re driving, the touch screen 7” display becomes inactive so you’re more likely to keep your eyes on the road.
Everything was in my control while I focused on driving. An incoming call didn’t take my eyes off the road. Glancing down, kids in the rear seats or my Husband talking to me about dinner, never stopped me from losing focus.
While lawmakers taking strides to make our roads safer with less distractions, that isn’t enough. Buying a mount for your phone just won’t cut it anymore. The 2018 Mazda CX-5 safety features allow us to do what we’re supposed to do: DRIVE.
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The 2018 Mazda CX-5 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick
Learn more about my Albany, Georgia Road Trip
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