The mission of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is to save lives. The agency develops, promotes and implements educational, engineering, and enforcement programs aimed at preventing fatalities, injuries and reducing the economic costs associated with motor vehicle use and highway travel. As an integral part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the agency works to improve public health and enhance the quality of life in America’s communities by helping to make highway travel safer. NHTSA uses a multi-disciplinary approach that draws upon diverse fields, including epidemiology, engineering, biomechanics, social sciences, human factors, economics, education, law enforcement and communication science, to address one of the most complex and challenging public health problems facing our society. NHTSA collects and analyses motor vehicle crash data, and develops countermeasures to prevent and mitigate vehicle crashes, fatalities and injuries. The agency regulates motor vehicle and original equipment manufacturers through its safety standards program; performs and funds critical research to assess the safety impact of advanced technologies; spurs progress in harmonising international safety standards; and conducts innovative projects to improve traffic and motor vehicle safety. NHTSA incorporates multiple aspects of engineering, education, enforcement and evaluation into its programs, which are designed to address the challenges of crash and injury prevention involving people, vehicles, and the roadway environment. This report presents an in-depth look at impaired driving: a significant highway safety issue that impacts directly on the success of NHTSA’s mission. After discussing the safety problems caused by impaired drivers, the report details the agency’s strategies for reducing driver impairment and, thereby, saving lives. (Author/publisher)
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