When was the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) established?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was established in 1970 as part of the Department of Transportation. Its main purpose is to save lives and prevent injuries on the road by promoting safe and efficient transportation. This includes setting vehicle performance standards, conducting research on traffic safety, and enforcing vehicle safety regulations. The establishment of NHTSA marked a significant step in the federal government’s involvement in promoting highway safety, particularly in response to the rising number of traffic-related fatalities during that time. This context is critical for understanding the agency’s ongoing mission and the impact it has had on road safety since its inception in 1970.