摘要: |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducts critical behavioral and vehicle programs, and provides grants to the States for the administration of highway traffic safety programs. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people in the United States ages 4 through 34. In 2005, motor vehicle crashes claimed 43,443 lives and accounted for over 95 percent of transportation-related deaths. The economic cost of motor vehicle crashes is estimated to be more than $231 billion annually. Emerging demographic trends include a continuing increase in the number of drivers, a significant growth in both older and teenage drivers, and a marked increase in motorcycle ridership and fatalities, particularly by older returning riders of large engine-size motorcycles. These trends pose increased traffic safety challenges that must be addressed. The FY 2008 budget request includes $833 million for NHTSA to carry out its mission and support Departmental efforts towards the achievement of its strategic goals and performance targets, specifically in new key focus areas: passenger vehicle occupants, non-occupants (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.), motorcycle riders, and large trucks and buses. |