National Teen Driver Safety Week October 18-24, 2015

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 14-18 year olds in the US. In fact, in 2013, there were 2,614 teen (15-19 year old) passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes and an estimated 130,000 were injured. Yet, a recent survey shows that only 25% of parents have had a serious talk with their kids about the key components of driving. Parents need to take the time to talk with their kids about the many dangers of driving. Those dangers include alcohol, seat belts, texting, speeding, and extra passengers.

Even if you think they don't hear you, they do. Remember, the "5 to Drive" – Set the Rules Before They Hit the Road. 

1. Distracted Driving 
2. Extra Passengers
3. Speeding
4. Alcohol
5. Seat Belts

Your teen sees a driver's license as a step toward freedom, but you might not be sure your teen is ready for the road. One thing is certain: teens aren't ready to have the same level of driving responsibility as older adults. Teen drivers have more fatal crashes, mainly because of their immaturity and lack of experience. They speed, they make mistakes, and they get distracted easily - especially if their friends are in the car. To help your teen stay safe behind the wheel, 46 States and the District of Columbia now have graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs that limit high-risk driving situations for new drivers. These programs can reduce your teen's crash risk by as much as 50 percent.

What Can You Do? 

Learn about your State's GDL program, if there is one. Know the restrictions placed on your teen's license and enforce those limits. Even if your state doesn't have an official program, you can lay some important ground rules for your teen driver. Restrict night driving and passengers, prohibit driving while on the phone, and require seat belt use at all times.
Be a good role model. Remember that your child looks to you as a driver, so practice safe driving yourself. Set aside time to take your teen on practice driving sessions. It can be a great way to spend time together and to allow your teen to improve some basic driving skills. Your teen's learning starts at home.
Don't rely solely on a driver's education class to teach your teen to drive. Remember that driver's education should be used as just part of a GDL program.
Bottom Line:

You have more influence on your teen than you may think.
Get Involved

NHTSA and its many highway safety partners across the country are encouraging you to get the facts and start the conversations-this week and every week-to talk it out with your teens and help keep them safe behind the wheel.

Check out our materials to help you talk it out with your teens and Set the Rules Before They Hit the Road.

Mazda Mobile Start to Enhance Overall Driving Ownership

IRVINE, Calif. (July 9, 2015) – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has announced the launch of Mazda Mobile Start, the only Smartphone Remote Engine Start system engineered and designed specifically for Mazda vehicles. Meeting all of Mazda’s exacting factory standards and specifications, Mazda Mobile Start can be purchased and installed at local authorized Mazda dealers.

“Mazda Mobile Start comes with more than just the features and functions of the app; it also comes with peace of mind,” said Trisha Quezada, manager, accessories, sales and marketing at MNAO. “Mazda Mobile Start was created with convenience and safety in mind to enhance the overall driving experience that matters so much to our customers.”

With Mazda Mobile Start, owners can conveniently control many of their car's settings through their smartphone:

Engine Start

Mazda Mobile Start allows owners to start and stop their engine from virtually anywhere with a smartphone[i]. With the app, owners can start their engine and allow it to idle for up to 30 minutes at a time to preheat or cool the car. The app also features a timer to show how long the car has been running and how much longer it will run. Once the vehicle is started using the app, the settings last used on the climate control system and defroster will activate to help ensure the car will be heated and cooled when ready to go.

Door Lock and Panic Alarm

Mazda Mobile Start allows owners to check the door lock status and remotely lock or unlock doors[ii] leaving owners confident in knowing the car is securely locked. In addition, the panic alarm can be activated for increased security.

Carfinder

Carfinder uses the smartphone camera and GPS technology to help owners find their car with the built in map features. This feature will help locate Mazda Mobile Start equipped vehicles in large open parking areas[iii].

Included with the purchase of Mazda Mobile Start (MSRP $500) is a complimentary one-year subscription to the Mazda Mobile Start app, which is available in the iOS App Store and Google Play. Annual renewal for the service is $65. Mazda Mobile Start is currently compatible with the 2016 Mazda6 and 2016 Mazda CX-5 (automatic transmission only). It is expected that additional models will be added this year. Genuine Mazda Accessories purchased while a vehicle is still covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty are covered for the duration of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty or the Parts Warranty, whichever is longer. Visit www.mazdamobilestart.com for more information and for a list of compatible smartphones.