NHTSA is officially
established by the Highway Safety Act. NHTSA is responsible for reducing
deaths, injuries and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes.
This is accomplished by setting and enforcing safety performance standards
for motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment, and through grants to State
and local governments to enable them to conduct effective local highway
safety programs.
In addition, NHTSA investigates safety defects in motor
vehicles, sets and enforces fuel economy standards, helps States and local
communities reduce the threat of drunk drivers, promotes the use of seat
belts, child safety seats and air bags, investigates odometer fraud,
establishes and enforces vehicle anti-theft regulations and provides
consumer information on motor vehicle safety topics.
