MENU
SEARCHThe 2018 Mazda 6 midsize sedan, when equipped with optional curve-adaptive headlights, can now boast Top Safety Pick status after a solid performance in five crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).
The 2018 Mazda6 achieved good ratings in five crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.
Photo courtesy of IIHS.
The 2018 Mazda 6 midsize sedan, when equipped with optional curve-adaptive headlights, can now boast Top Safety Pick status after a solid performance in five crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).
The Mazda 6 sedan scored good ratings in all of the tests, including the newest evaluation for protection in passenger-side small overlap front crashes.
To capture the IIHS Top Safety Pick award, a vehicle must earn good ratings across the board, including the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. Top Safety Pick awardees must also feature available front crash prevention that earns an advanced or superior rating and available acceptable- or good-rated headlights.
The Mazda 6 garners a superior rating for front crash prevention when equipped with optional Smart Brake Support and Standard Smart City Brake Support, according to the institute.
The technology prevented a collision in the 12 mph track test and reduced the impact speed by an average of 24 mph in the 25-mph test. The system also includes a forward collision-warning component that meets criteria established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As a stand-alone system, Smart City Brake Collision earns an advanced rating and proved to prevent a collision in the 12-mph test.
The curve-adaptive LED headlights on the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims earn an acceptable rating. High-beam assist, a system that automatically switches between high beams and low beams, depending on the presence of other vehicles, makes up for some of the low-beam deficiencies, boosting the rating. The Mazda 6's other available headlights earn a marginal rating.
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →
While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.
Read More →
Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.
Read More →
A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.
Read More →
More people on foot means more risk for drivers. These pedestrian safety tips can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safer on the road.
Read More →
Safer crews. Fewer incidents. Better uptime. Learn how driver-assist technology is changing the way vocational fleets operate.
Read More →
An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.
Read More →
