Road Safety in the US: Has it Improved?

Since road safety in the US was first managed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 1970, auto deaths in the US have declined dramatically. The main goal of the NHTSA is to offer safety measures and to reduce motor vehicle accidents, and some of the main developments of it include: reduced fatalities from crashes, public awareness on safe use of roads, maintenance of standard safety records and regulate manufacturer’s safety measures.

However, we wondered precisely how much safer driving in America is today when compared to the 1970s, and set out to explore it in this Ground Report.

NHTSA carries out its safety programs covering the following areas:

• Driver licenses
• Motorcycle safety
• Manufacturer’s parameters-Recalls, fuel consumption, odometers
• Emergency medical services
• Compromised driving and speed limits
• Pedestrian and school children safety

Licensing

NHTSA in collaboration with state agencies controls and check issuance of driver’s licenses. With technological advancement, there has been a reduction in fraud of personal identification and license acquisition. In the case of a serious traffic offense, law enforcement agencies employ stern action-suspension of driver or revoking of driver’s licenses.

Licensing officers controls issuance of driver’s licenses only to individual that meet state conditions. In te US the minimum age to acquire a driver’s license is 16 years, and this age group has the highest rate of accidents out of any age group.

Motorcycle safety

Safety precautions in motorcycle department focuses on prevention of fatal crashes, reduction of crash- related injuries and serious injuries. NHTSA offers a comprehensive quick medical service for the injured. Programs that promote safety to reduce motor cycle accidents include: responsible cycling, improved licensing skills, effect of drug-related accidents, responsible road usage with other road users. NHTSA encourages motor cyclists to use protective gear– helmets, and offer rider support training. Motorcyclist crashes are often fatal, responsible cycling is advised at all cost. Stern action is taken for anyone who violates traffic rules.

Manufacturer’s parameters

Some accidents occur as a result of manufacturer defects. NTHSA ensures policy made by the state on vehicle types are adhered to the latter. All new vehicles sold in the US must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Standards. In case a defect is identified, an investigation is launched, research on the defect is carried out to determine the effect on the vehicle users. Measures to solve the problem are put in place and if possible a recall is conducted. The manufacturer is contacted to validate the claims and all vehicle specifications are availed. Through the agency engineers, the manufacturer is allowed to defend the accusation prompting closure or forward research on the claim. In case the claim is forwarded, the manufacturer is allowed to modify the defect and all vehicles affected are recalled back and modified for free. In case the problem is unsolvable the manufacturer buys back all the vehicles. The public is informed on the safety defect.

The agency enforces fuel consumption average rate per every level of vehicle. It checks compliance with NHTSA annually. The vehicles are categorized into high fuel vehicle or low fuel vehicle.  Odometers are state owned gadgets that keep in check the value of vehicle to avoid inflation of prices -consumer protection.

Emergency Comprehensive Services

The agency has a comprehensive medical care that covers first aid emergency care in case of a crash. The care involves handling of the casualty with care to avoid further injuries while being transported to a health facility. The state ensures qualified medical practitioners that specialize in such cases.

Compromised Driving and Speed Limits

NTHSA ensures speed limits are enforced in high risk areas. In cases of impaired driving, safety programs are in place through print and broadcast media campaigns to avoid under age driving, occupant use of safety belts and child safety seats.

Older driving safety programs for senior citizens are focused on medical and social service providers. Training of professionals to handle such is advised. A special program for their families on ways of discussing safety or possible transport options is also considered.

Pedestrian and School Children Safety

Research and safety promotion measures are in place to reduce pedestrian and bicycle crashes, public awareness, technical training and support, law enforcement and safe traffic engineering. All these programs are aimed to improve and accommodate all roads users with minimal crashes.

School children safety is key and measures to achieve this are non-compromised. Safety standards for vehicles that offer transport for school children are set, for example, special construction requirements, high standards of protection just in case of a crash, safety while boarding and alighting. The programs target school bus owners, school bus drivers and motorists. Aspects covered in the program are: driver training, illegal passing of school bus, motorist and safety restrains while approaching a school bus, an pre-school children safety.

Globally, road safety is the US is ranked the best among the developed nations. Traffic rules and regulations are followed to the latter, any violation leads to hefty fines and even conviction. Law enforcers follow the policy to the latter. With its slogan “people saving people” the agency factors all aspects of road usage. All road users-pedestrians, school children, cyclist, motorcyclist, young and old drivers. The agency launches programs to target a specific group. Mass advertisement of the campaigns ensures it reaches the mass. Just in case of any crashes, the emergency care program is efficient and effective to keep fatalities at minimum. It is mandatory for all vehicles to be fitted with anti-theft devices, if not manufacturers are advised to mark every part of the vehicle to aid in tracking of a stolen vehicle. The agency ensures everyone is on check.