For parents, driving with children is a routine yet often stressful experience, according to a recent survey sponsored by Mazda involving 1,776 U.S. parents. The study found that 77% of parents acknowledge unique challenges when driving with kids, and 63% feel more anxious with young passengers on board.
Chief among these concerns is safety in accidents, with 55% of parents emphasizing the importance of choosing vehicles with top safety ratings to protect their families.
Nearly half (47%) now prioritize high safety ratings, particularly from the IIHS and NHTSA. Mazda’s commitment to safety has earned the brand six 2024 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards, underscoring its reputation in family-friendly safety.
Beyond safety, parents are also concerned about unpredictable factors like weather and road conditions, ranked as a top-three worry by 43% of respondents. Mazda’s i-Activsense® suite addresses these concerns with advanced safety features like automatic braking and surrounding hazard detection to help parents feel more at ease on the road. “Our aim is to help parents focus on their families while feeling confident behind the wheel,” notes Jennifer Morrison, Mazda’s Leader of Vehicle Safety.
In addition to safety, Mazda’s survey highlights the importance of keeping children entertained and managing distractions, concerns for 32% of parents.
Modern connectivity and convenience features play a vital role here, with 58% of parents naming smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto) as essential, followed by USB ports (54%) and Wi-Fi hotspots (33%). Comfort features like a smooth ride (67%), climate controls for all seats (60%), and ample storage (49%) also ranked high in importance.
Mazda’s CX lineup offers vehicles that cater to these family needs with a blend of safety, comfort, and style. Models like the CX-5, CX-50, and CX-70 provide flexibility for smaller families, while the three-row CX-90 accommodates those needing more space.
Through a combination of practical features and premium design, Mazda ensures that family trips are not only safe but enjoyable, helping parents make the most of their time on the road.
About Mazda North American Operations
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Mazda North American Operations manages sales and support across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Colombia through a network of 795 dealers.
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