The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 100000 fatiguerelated crashes occur each year many of which involve professional drivers in heavy commercial vehicles

Safety

NHTSA Launches Compliance Assistance Program for Highway Safety

March 1, 2018

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests and monitors vehicle components for safety features.

A new program from the NHTSA aims to help regulated entities, including vehicle and trailer manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, and dealers, comply with safety regulations as a means to promote safety on U.S. highways.

Regulated entities may not sell new vehicles or equipment that do not comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

"NHTSA seeks to promote safety through proactive and responsive engagement," said NHTSA Deputy Administrator Heidi King, in a statement. "In addition to vigilant enforcement, NHTSA also serves as a federal resource that small and large manufacturers can contact for guidance on federal regulations. A transparent partnership with manufacturers assures the development of safe, reliable vehicles and equipment."

NHTSA tests and monitors important vehicle components like brakes, tires, air bags, child seats, seat belts and headlights to ensure they are compliant with FMVSS. NHTSA's Office of the Chief Counsel issues interpretations on various legal issues. The new compliance assistance program will help NHTSA achieve the highest standards of excellence in motor vehicles by providing informal compliance guidance, to current and prospective manufacturers.

Entities can contact NHTSA for guidance on compliance issues at [email protected] and visit NHTSA’s website for details.

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.