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WHAT DOES ONE WEAR TO A CRASH TEST?

WHAT DOES ONE WEAR TO A CRASH TEST?

The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz May 08, 2026 49 min
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About this episode

Kelly and Lizz kick off with a lot of life logistics—book club plans, kids’ activities, and even talk-to-text frustrations—then pivot into a PSA-heavy stretch about scams, AI detection, and job changes from automation. The conversation finally lands on the episode’s hook: they’re traveling to watch IIHS crash testing of the new Mazda CX-5, discussing Mazda’s safety reputation and how rear-facing car seats factor into the CX-5 conversation.

Cars: Mazda CX-5
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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Company

IIHS

"...because that's the closest airport to where the IIHS does their crash testing."

IIHS is a safety organization that tests cars in crash situations. If a car does well in IIHS tests, it usually means it’s better at protecting people in real crashes.

Concept

crash testing

"...closest airport to where the IIHS does their crash testing. ...And I'm so excited to see this car crash tested."

Crash testing is a controlled evaluation where vehicles are driven into barriers or impact setups to measure how well they protect occupants. IIHS crash testing specifically looks at injury risk and how the car’s structure and restraint systems behave in different crash scenarios.

Company

Jessica Jermakian

"...I can't believe I get to go to one to the IHS and meet Jessica Jermakian for the second time..."

Jessica Jermakian is a person connected to IIHS. The host is saying they’re excited to meet her at the crash-testing event.

Term

AI and the tracking

"...Mazda, I reported on this a couple of weeks ago about, you know, just using the AI and the tracking and the..."

They’re talking about using computers to track what happens during the crash. That can include following the car’s movement and measuring how the test dummies respond.

Car

Mazda CX5

"And although I do think the CX5 is a little small, I'm excited to look at it from like a teen car perspective because just because it doesn't get rear facing car seats doesn't mean it's a bad car."

The Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV. The hosts are talking about whether it’s a good choice for a teen driver and how it fits family needs, including safety.

Term

rear facing car seats

"I'm excited to look at it from like a teen car perspective because just because it doesn't get rear facing car seats doesn't mean it's a bad car."

Rear-facing car seats are child safety seats installed so the child faces the back of the vehicle. They’re commonly used for infants and young toddlers because this orientation helps manage crash forces more safely than forward-facing setups.

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