The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently unveiled a new initiative aimed at reducing traffic fatalities.
“At NHTSA, we’re leaning in to support new and enhanced steps to target and reduce bad driving behaviors that lead to serious crashes like speeding and impaired, unbelted, and distracted driving,” NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said.
The Pathways to Safer Streets: A National Traffic Safety Action Plan will implement eight strategies to target the leading causes of traffic fatalities. The strategies include:
NHTSA is assisting states to create Impaired Driving Tracking Systems to end the cycle of recidivism. It also is expanding toxicology support and advocating for oral fluid testing devices.
The Rural High Five program targets areas with low seatbelt use and pushes for more nighttime belt enforcement. NHTSA is partnering with the U.S. Army and Air Force to increase the proper installation of child car seats.
The agency supports increasing fines and jail time for speeders and the exploration of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeat offenders
NHTSA is emphasizing the Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign. It is researching how mobile telematics data can be used to identify and address distracted driving trends and other risky driving behaviors.