The NHTSA and What They Do
Author: bgiles | Posted: 08.08.2012The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (commonly abbreviated NHTSA) is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and is the most important automotive safety service in America. All car models sold in the United States require valuation by the NHTSA, and safety ratings need to be displayed in windshields in the form of a sticker.
The NHTSA was founded in 1970 as part of the Highway Safety Act, and its primary roles continue to be the preservation of life and prevention of injuries associated with driving, as well as reducing the economic costs of health care and road incidents. The NHTSA has a number of duties, but for most Americans it's best known for its crash tests and other safety tests for vehicles. These comprehensive crash tests cover front and side impacts as well as rollovers for larger vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks. The vehicles are graded on a five-point star system to inform consumers of their comparative safety.
Another of the NHTSA's duties is the establishment and monitoring of fuel economy standards in America - an increasingly important issue due to the rising cost of fuel and growing environmental concerns. The NHTSA investigates any suspected defects in vehicles and their components, which can sometimes lead to the creation of new bills and legislation.
The NHTSA also has a strong focus on education, specifically making drivers and pedestrians more aware of safety issues. It does this by carrying out research and disclosing their findings on injury statistics from speeding, alcohol abuse and other causes. NHTSA studies are among the most thorough automotive research programs in the world, and the organization's findings form the basis of all official records of American driving and crash statistics.
Another aspect of research is car equipment and safety technologies, with everything from child booster seats to windshield replacement glass being subject to in-depth testing for its safety. The organization also funds other research projects carried out in multiple states, with both the NHTSA and DOT providing grants to the University of Iowa and other education establishments for carrying out driving-related research activities.
Thus, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration carries out valuable services to help protect the lives and safety of American drivers and passengers throughout the country. NHTSA accreditation is a legal requirement and can also serve to give motorists peace of mind when buying a new car by allowing them to see its safety credentials at a glance.
About Author:
Bruce Giles windshield replacementwrites for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
Bruce Giles windshield replacementwrites for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
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