Seat Belt Use Nationwide Reaches 84 percent |
A new report shows that seat belt use nationally has hit a record high of 84 percent. To view the new NHTSA research, click here.
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National Program to Improve Fuel Economy and Reduce Greenhouse Gases Proposed |
The Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency today jointly proposed a rule establishing a historic national program that would improve vehicle fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gases. Under the proposed program, which covers model years 2012 through 2016, automobile manufacturers would be able to build a single, light-duty national fleet that satisfies all federal requirements as well as the standards of California and other states.
News Release l Complete Details on NHTSA's CAFE Page
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DOT Sec. LaHood Launches Child Passenger Safety Week |
Secretary Ray LaHood kicked off Child Passenger Safety Week as new NHTSA research showed that while there is a high use of child safety seats nationwide, a majority of children were not properly secured. “Every year hundreds of young lives are lost to automobile crashes,” LaHood said Sept. 10. “Parents and caregivers need to make sure they learn how to properly install child safety seats so their kids will be safe whenever they’re on the road.” During CPS Week (Sept. 12-18) parents and caregivers can get child safety seats checked at one of thousands of free inspection stations across the country. Beginning with National Seat Check Saturday (12th) English- and Spanish-speaking technicians will answer questions and help with proper installation of child safety seats.
News Release l Read the Research
Locate a Seat Inspection Station Near You
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"Wildly Successful" Cash for Clunkers Wraps Up with Nearly 700,000 Car Sales, Increased Fuel Efficiency |
The CARS program closed with nearly 700,000 clunkers taken off the roads, replaced by far more fuel-efficient vehicles. Rebate applications worth $2.877 billion were submitted by the Aug. 25 deadline, under the $3 billion provided by Congress. Cars made in America topped the most-purchased list, from the Ford Focus to the Toyota Corolla to the Honda Civic. The program also was good for the environment. Eighty-four percent of consumers traded in trucks and 59% purchased passenger cars. The average fuel economy of trade-in vehicles was 15.8 mpg and the average of purchased vehicles is 24.9 mpg -– a 58% improvement. “American consumers and workers were the clear winners thanks to the cash for clunkers program,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Manufacturing plants have added shifts and recalled workers. Moribund showrooms were brought back to life and consumers bought fuel efficient cars that will save them money and improve the environment.”
News Release l CARS Program Statistics i Visit cars.gov to Learn More
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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.
News Release l 2008 Fatality Figures
Detailed 2008 State-by-State Data l Preliminary 2009 First-Quarter Estimates
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Tough New Braking Rules For Large Trucks Issued |
Stringent new braking standards were issued that will save lives by improving large truck stopping distance by 30 percent. NHTSA estimates that the new braking requirement will save 227 lives annually and will also prevent 300 serious injuries. It is estimated to reduce property damage costs by over $169 million annually.
News Release
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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
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