Mazda Partners with U.S. DOT for National Road Safety Initiative

Mazda Partners with U.S. Department of Transportation for National Road Safety Strategy

On January 17, 2025, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) announced its partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as part of a broader initiative to enhance road safety and significantly reduce traffic fatalities across the nation. This collaboration aligns with the DOT's National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS), which aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on U.S. roads.

In 2023, the DOT launched a call to action urging partners in the transportation community to join in sharing their approaches to achieving the collective goal of reducing fatalities on the roads. The NRSS emphasizes a systems approach to road safety, encouraging organizations to contribute by improving roadway designs, vehicle safety technologies, speed management, and post-crash care.

Tom Donnelly, President and CEO of MNAO, stated, "Mazda is proud to partner with the U.S. DOT in striving to reduce roadway deaths. With dedicated engineers and designers, we are pushing toward our goal of zero fatalities with our upcoming vehicle lineup by 2040."

From 2024 onwards, every new Mazda vehicle will include proven safety features as standard equipment. These features encompass blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warnings, and automatic emergency braking. Additionally, there will be audible reminders for seatbelt use across all seats, reinforcing the commitment to occupant safety. Starting in 2025, Mazda plans to implement rear seat reminders across its entire vehicle range to prevent the accidental leaving of children unattended in vehicles, a tragic mistake that has claimed too many young lives.

Mazda’s commitment to safety is highlighted by its adherence to stringent testing standards, earning numerous TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2024—more than any other automobile brand. This commitment to excellence underscores Mazda's determination to not only meet but exceed safety expectations in the ever-evolving automotive landscape.

National Roadway Safety Strategy Overview

The National Roadway Safety Strategy serves as a comprehensive framework devised by the DOT to mitigate and reverse the alarming rise in traffic deaths and serious injuries. It encompasses a range of prioritized actions aimed at addressing the most pressing safety challenges on the nation’s roads. The NRSS invites all stakeholders to participate in crafting proactive measures to cut down on fatalities and injuries actively.

By amplifying the adoption of the NRSS’s Safe System approach, which focuses on five core elements, participants collectively shape a transformative vision for road safety. This spirit of collaboration seeks to revolutionize how safety is considered throughout the country, culminating in a future where no lives are lost on American roads.

About Mazda North American Operations

Founded with pride in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a history rooted in innovative craftsmanship aimed at enriching the lives of its customers. By placing human needs at the forefront of its mission, Mazda continuously seeks to create uplifting experiences through its vehicles. Headquartered in Irvine, California, MNAO oversees sales, marketing, parts distribution, and customer service for Mazda vehicles throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia by means of approximately 795 dealerships.

Mazda Canada Inc. manages operations in Canada from Richmond Hill, Ontario, while Mazda Motor de México operates out of Mexico City. Meanwhile, Mazda de Colombia's operations are based in Bogotá.

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