Which agency is responsible for overseeing national highway traffic safety?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the agency responsible for overseeing national highway traffic safety. This organization’s primary mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce road traffic crashes by promoting safe driving practices, enforcing safety regulations, and implementing educational programs.

NHTSA develops and enforces vehicle performance standards and regulations to ensure vehicles are safe for public road use. Additionally, the agency conducts research and analysis related to traffic safety, evaluates vehicle safety technology, and works on initiatives to improve road safety, such as promoting the use of seat belts and addressing driving under the influence issues.

In contrast, the Department of Transportation primarily focuses on the overall transportation systems and infrastructure rather than specifically on traffic safety. The Environmental Protection Agency deals with environmental protection and regulation, not traffic safety. The Federal Communications Commission regulates communications, including radio, television, and telecommunications, without a direct role in highway traffic safety oversight.