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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation[i].  NHTSA was established by the Highway Safety Act of 1970 to carry out safety programs previously administered by the National Highway Safety Bureau.  The mission of NHTSA is to ‘save lives, prevent injuries and reduce economic costs due to road traffic crashes, through education, research, safety standards and enforcement activity.’  In addition, NHTSA strives to achieve:

  • the highest standards of excellence in motor vehicle and highway safety; and
  • the expectations of its customers through its core values of integrity, service, and leadership.

 

The functions of NHTSA are:

  • to reduce deaths, injuries, and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes;
  • to investigate safety defects in motor vehicles;
  • to set and enforce fuel economy standards;
  • to help states and local communities to reduce the threat of drunk drivers;
  • to promote the use of safety belts, child safety seats, and air bags;
  • to investigate odometer fraud;
  • to establish and enforce vehicle anti-theft regulations;
  • to provide consumer information on motor vehicle safety topics;
  • to conduct research on driver behavior and traffic safety; and
  • to develop the most efficient and effective means of bringing about safety improvements.

 

The head of NHTSA is the administrator, who is appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the senate.  NHTSA also has a deputy administrator who is appointed by the secretary of transportation, with the approval of the President.

The duties of administrator of NHTSA are:

  • to assist and cooperate with other federal departments and agencies, state and local governments, private industry, and other interested parties to increase highway safety;
  • to prescribe motor vehicle safety standards for motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment in interstate commerce;
  • to carry out needed safety research and development;
  • to consult with the Federal Highway Administrator on all matters related to the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of highways.

 

 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[i] 49 USCS § 105.


Inside National Highway Traffic Safety Administration