•
Research program is mission-oriented and
supports NHTSA and DOT goals.
• Specific goals and priorities for the next five years are
laid out in the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Rulemaking and
Research Priority Plan.
• NHTSA's research programs support regulatory actions and
other initiatives that prevent thousands of fatalities and serious injuries
each year.
• NHTSA research addresses clearly identified safety problems
and seeks new solutions that make maximum use of advanced technologies.
• Research programs often involve cooperative efforts with
foreign governmental agencies, the automotive industry, and other
vehicle-safety-related organizations.
Quality
•
NHTSA research findings are frequently presented
to other NHTSA offices, thus ensuring critical internal review.
• NHTSA research findings are frequently presented to the
public in a variety of formats, ensuring critical outside review.
• NHTSA research results are presented in international forums
and are often the basis of actions taken by international bodies.
• Investment decisions are based on competition and merit
review whenever possible.
Performance
•
Key research milestones are identified and
tracked in performance targets.
• The NHTSA research program provides input for cost-benefit
studies of alternative solutions to safety problems.