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Johnson put his support behind congressional efforts to hold automakers responsible for making cars safer, and in 1966, he signed the act into law "to provide for a coordinated national safety program and establishment of safety standards for motor vehicles in interstate commerce to reduce traffic accidents and the deaths, injuries, and property damage which occur in such accidents." Creation of NHTSA The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was established by the Highway Safety Act of 1970 "to help reduce the number of deaths, injuries and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes on the Nation's highways." According to NHTSA, the agency is responsible for a number of functions: Carrying out programs relating to the safety performance of motor vehicles and related equipment Regulating the corporate average fuel economy program Investigating and prosecuting odometer fraud Carrying out the National Driver Register program to facilitate the exchange of state records on problem drivers Conducting studies and operating programs aimed at reducing economic losses in motor vehicle crashes and repairs Performing studies, conducting demonstrations and promoting programs to reduce impaired driving, increase seat belt use and reduce risky driver behaviors Issuing theft-prevention standards. 1970: In 2011, Obama announced an agreement with the state of California, the UAW and 13 automakers accounting for 90 percent of U.S new-vehicle sales to increase the fuel economy of light vehicles to an average of 54.5 mpg by the 2025 model year to cut emissions and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil.
Details
Safety programs;
Labor unions;
Automobiles;
Traffic safety;
Standards;
Light duty vehicles;
Theft;
Motor vehicles;
Air pollution;
Fuel economy;
Fuel consumption;
Economic impact;
Injuries;
Automobile dealers;
Property damage;
North American Free Trade Agreement;
Odometers;
Traffic accidents & safety;
Automobile industry;
Highway safety;
Seat belts;
Fatalities;
Interstate commerce