Overall Traffic Fatalities Reach Record Low in 2008 |
The number of overall traffic fatalities reported in 2008 hit the lowest level since 1961 and fatalities in the first three months of 2009 continue to decrease. The fatality rate, which accounts for variables like fewer miles traveled, also reached the lowest level ever recorded. These encouraging numbers were announced by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on July 2. The '08 highway death count was 37,261, a drop of 9.7 percent from '07, while the '08 fatality rate was 1.27, about 7 percent below the rate of 1.36 for '07.
Read the News Release l 2008 Fatality Figures
Detailed 2008 State-by-State Data l Preliminary 2009 First-Quarter Estimates
|
Summary of Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program released |
 President Obama signed into law on June 24 a program NHTSA is calling the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS). This is a government program that helps consumers purchase a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle when they trade in a less fuel-efficient vehicle. NHTSA is charged with developing the rules for program implementation. As part of that process, the agency released on June 26 a "Summary of the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009 and notice of upcoming rulemaking proceeding."
Read the Summary l Visit cars.gov to Learn More
|
New Tire Fuel Efficiency Ratings Proposed |
A new, consumer-friendly replacement tire label which would include, for the first time, information about the tire’s impact on fuel economy and CO2 emission reductions was proposed by DOT on June 18. Properly inflated tires with lower rolling resistance can contribute to improved fuel economy. In addition, the proposal by NHTSA also would provide consumers with two other key pieces of tire performance information -- wet weather traction and tread wear. All three ratings would be prominently displayed on a removable label attached to the replacement tire at the point of sale.
News Release l Read the Proposal l Label Example
|
Consumer Advisory: Summer Heat Makes It Dangerous to Leave Children in Vehicles |
The risk of a serious injury or death during hot weather is heightened for children left alone in vehicles, NHTSA warned on June 9. New research shows that for children hyperthermia (heat-stroke) is the leading cause of non-crash vehicle deaths. Each year, 262 children under 14 die and 115,000 injured in not-in-traffic incidents on private roads, driveways and in parking lots according to a new NHTSA study. Of that number, 44 fatalities and 105,000 injuries are the result of non-crashes, which includes hyperthermia.
Read the Full Advisory, With Safety Tips to Prevent Hyperthermia
Read the NHTSA Study
|
Announcement of Grant Availability to Help States Upgrade 9-1-1 Services |
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced on June 5 the Notice of Funding Availability for more than $40 million in grants to help states and territories improve their 9-1-1 call centers. The grants were authorized by the “Ensuring Help Arrives Near Callers Employing 9-1-1 Act” (ENHANCE 911 Act).
Read the Full Announcement
|
Notice of Upcoming Joint Rulemaking to Establish Vehicle GHG Emissions and CAFE Standards |
A new proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation would toughen fuel economy standards and reduce greenhouse gas tailpipe emissions from passenger vehicles. The proposal, released May 19, would set a fuel economy standard of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016.
Read the Notice of Intent
|
DOT Doubles Roof Strength Standard for Light Vehicles, Sets First-Ever Standards for Heavier Vehicles |
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced tough, new roof standards that will significantly strengthen vehicle roof structures and improve rollover crash protection. “Rollovers are the deadliest crashes on our highways and today’s rule will help occupants survive these horrific events,” said LaHood on April 30. The new NHTSA regulation doubles the requirement for light vehicles weighing up to 6,000 pounds and specifies both driver and passenger sides of the roof must be capable of withstanding a force equal to three times the weight of the vehicle. Also, vehicles from 6,000 to 10,000 pounds, which have never been regulated, must now have both sides of the roof capable of withstanding a force equal to 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle.
Read the News Release l Read the Final Rule
|
DOT Orders Full Review of Motorcoach Safety |
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has ordered a full departmental review of motorcoach safety. A Departmental Motorcoach Safety Action Plan will be created from the review's findings. The plan will outline additional steps needed to improve motorcoach safety for the millions of Americans who rely on these vehicles for safe transportation. “Motorcoaches have been a safe form of transportation in the United States for many years, but even a single crash or accident is unacceptable” said LaHood on April 30. “We will continue our efforts to make them as safe as possible."
Read the News Release
|
DOT Announces New Consumer Program for Child Safety Seats |
The Department of Transportation will create a new consumer program to help parents and caregivers find a child seat that fits in their vehicle -- the result of a comprehensive review ordered by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to improve child passenger safety and Federal child seat standards. Sec. LaHood also ordered NHTSA to develop a new side impact safety standard for car seats. Side impact crashes account for one-third of all highway deaths among children under thirteen years old. “Infants and children are our most precious cargo,” said LaHood. “We need to constantly improve our track record and help parents to choose a child seat that fits in their vehicle.”
Read the News Release
|
