National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Agency

1. Department of Transportation agency charged with reducing deaths, injuries, and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes by setting and enforcing safety standards and by providing grants enabling state and local governments to conduct effective local highway safety programs. The responsibilities of the NHTSA include investigating safety defects in motor vehicles; establishing and enforcing fuel economy standards; assisting states and local communities in reducing the threat of drunk drivers and distracted drivers; promoting the use of safety belts, child safety seats, and air bags; investigating odometer fraud; establishing and enforcing regulations concerning vehicular theft; and providing information on motor vehicle safety topics to consumers.