BUDGET IN BRIEF

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Statement from the Administrator .......................................................... 1

Overview

Summary of Authorizing Legislation ......................................................... 3

Historical Funding Table ............................................................................ 4

Chart: Total FY 2003 NHTSA Request ..................................................... 5

Programs

Safety Performance Standards................................................................ 6-7

Safety Assurance .................................................................................... 8-9

Highway Safety .................................................................................. 10-11

Research and Analysis ........................................................................ 12-13

General Administration ...................................................................... 14-15

Highway Traffic Safety Grants .......................................................... 16-17

Miscellaneous

Distribution of Section 402 Highway Traffic Safety

 Grant Programs ................................................................................... 19

Organizational Chart ................................................................................ 21

NATIONAL

HIGHWAY TRAFFIC

SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

For a detailed presentation and explanation of NHTSA’s FY 2003 Budget Request, refer to

Budget Estimates Fiscal Year 2003, NHTSA: Submission to the Committees on Appropriations.

The information presented was compiled by the Office of Plans and Policy, Office of

Fiscal Services. For additional copies call Katherine Montgomery at (202) 366-1570 or

Arlene Whittington at (202) 366-2578.

1

A Statement from the Administrator

This Administration is dedicated to providing a citizen centered,

results oriented, and market based government. To that end,

the Department of Transportation has set priorities of safety

and security, growing transportation system capacity, and

fostering competition. Consistent with these values, the

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA)

FY 2003 Budget request of $430 million supports programs

that will improve the Nation’s safety on the highways – a

rapidly growing transportation sector. NHTSA’s vehicle and

behavioral programs are coordinated to reduce the numbers

of highway-related fatalities and injuries and associated trafficrelated health care and other economic costs to our citizens.

The agency mandate to protect Americans in the face of everincreasing motor vehicle traffic is carried out using national

programs in education, engineering, and enforcement directed

toward reducing the number and severity of crashes and

mitigating their consequences when they do occur.

NHTSA’s programs have proven to have a significant effect on decreasing highway traffic-related

injuries and their adverse economic impact. As a result, traffic fatalities decreased from 51,091 in

1980 to 41,821 in 2000, even as vehicle miles have increased by 80 percent over the same period.

Despite this track record, the decline in highway fatality and injury rates has slowed and the total

number of highway fatalities actually increased in 1999 and in 2000. In particular, motorcycle

fatalities have increased 15 percent since1999. Fortunately, seat belt use, one of the agency’s

top priorities has increased to a record level of 73 percent in 2001.

Much more needs to be done, and NHTSA is dedicated to meeting the challenges. The American

people expect the government to assure their safety on the highways. NHTSA is responding to the

public’s insistence on safer vehicle travel, and is taking the lead in developing programs and supporting proven programs. The FY 2003 budget request includes a strong commitment to restraint

use and sober driving, changing dangerous driver behaviors, improving vehicle crashworthiness,

and sustaining research activities to support the agency’s behavioral and vehicular programs.

Throughout FY 2003, NHTSA will continue partnerships with the States, the private sector, and

the American public to implement plans and coalitions in efforts to reduce impaired driving, pass

primary enforcement laws, increase enforcement of current laws, and expand public education on

the benefits of child safety seat and seat belt use.

We are confident that the FY 2003 performance-based, results-oriented budget will provide our

citizens with programs that will better meet the Nation’s priority of safe transportation.

Jeffrey W. Runge, M.D.
2 Budget in Brief
Overview 3

Overview

SUMMARY OF

AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was established as a separate

organization within the Department of Transportation (DOT) in March 1970 to administer the

Department’s motor vehicle and highway safety programs. NHTSA succeeded the Department’s

Federal Highway Administration’s National Highway Safety Bureau, which originally was charged

with administering these programs.

On June 9, 1998, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) (Pub. L. 105-178)

reauthorized all of NHTSA’s motor vehicle and highway safety programs and created several new

highway safety incentive grant programs that NHTSA administers.

On November 1, 2000, the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation

(TREAD) Act (Pub. L. 106-414), was enacted. The TREAD Act requires NHTSA to undertake

more than a dozen rulemaking actions within the next two years in the areas of tire safety

standards, rollover propensity, and improving child safety.

As amended, the NHTSA statutes are as follows:

Motor Vehicle Safety (chapter 301 of title 49, U.S. Code), provides for the

establishment and enforcement of safety standards and regulations for the

manufacture of new motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment, together with

supporting research.

Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings (part C of subtitle VI of title

49, U.S. Code), provides for the establishment of low-speed bumper protection

standards, consumer information activities, odometer regulations, fuel economy

standards, and motor vehicle theft prevention standards.

Highway Safety (chapter 4 of title 23, U.S. Code), provides for coordinated

national highway safety grant programs carried out by the states and local

communities (Section 402), supported by research and development programs

(Section 403). Highway safety incentive grant programs are provided to

encourage the states to enhance the effectiveness of: (1) occupant protection

programs and laws (Section 405); (2) alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures

and laws (Section 410); and (3) highway safety data improvement programs

(Section 411).

National Driver Register (chapter 303 of title 49 U.S. Code), provides for the

operation of the National Driver Register (NDR), which facilitates the interstate

transfer of driver licensing information concerning problem drivers whose

licenses to drive have been suspended or revoked for cause.
4 Budget in Brief

The FY 2003 Budget Request reflects the priority placed on highway safety programs by the

Secretary and the Administration. Motor vehicle crashes account for 94 percent of the deaths

and 99 percent of the injuries in U.S. transportation. The funding levels below include staffing,

administrative, and program costs.

NHTSA HISTORICAL FUNDING

(Dollars in Thousands)

 FY 2001* FY2002* FY2003* PROGRAMS Enacted Enacted Request +/– 02/03

Safety Performance Standards $18,812 $22,020 $25,085 +$3,065

Safety Assurance $31,611 $30,925 $32,252 +$1,327

Highway Safety $54,982 $58,577 $54,405 –$4,172

Research and Analysis $72,920 $74,377 $73,674 –$703

General Administration $10,902 $12,230 $12,665 +$435

Office of the Administrator $4,922 $6,556 $6,800 +$244

Subtotal, Operations $194,419 $204,685 $204,881 +$196 and Research

Section 402 State and

Community Grants $154,659 $160,000 $165,000 +$5,000

Section 410 Alcohol Driving

Countermeasures Grants $35,921 $38,000 $40,000 +$2,000

Section 405 Occupant Protection

Incentive Grants $12,971 $15,000 $20,000 +$5,000

Section 2003(b) Child Passenger

Protection Education Grants** [$7,500] [$7,500] $0 $0

Section 411 Safety Data $8,980 $10,000 $0 –$10,000

National Driver Register*** [$2,000] [$2,000] [$2,000] $0

Subtotal, Highway $212,531 $223,000 $225,000 +$2,000 Safety Grants

Total $406,680 $427,685 $429,881 +$2,196

* Funding includes CSRS/FEHB accruals.

** Transferred from FHWA

*** NDR funding is included in the Highway Safety program.

Overview
5

Highway Traffic Safety Grants

Operations and Research

TOTAL FY 2003 NHTSA REQUEST: $429,881

Dollars in Thousands

FY 2003 TOTAL REQUEST: $225,000

FY 2003 TOTAL REQUEST: $204,881

Overview

Overview
6 Budget in Brief

Program

SAFETY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

There are four programs in Safety Performance Standards. The Safety Standards Support Program

conducts tests, gathers data, and conducts analyses in support of regulatory and non-regulatory

alternatives to increase motor vehicle safety. The New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) conducts

tests to evaluate the comparative crashworthiness and crash avoidance characteristics of passenger

vehicles and to motivate vehicle manufacturers to provide higher levels of occupant protection by 

using market forces. The Fuel Economy Program monitors manufacturer progress in achieving

established passenger automobile and light truck fuel economy standards and sets annual standards

for light trucks as prescribed by law. The Theft Prevention Program establishes standards to reduce

the number of motor vehicle thefts and provides information to the public on theft and recovery of

passenger cars and light trucks.

SAFETY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS PROGRAM

CONTRACT PROGRAM SUMMARY

(Dollars in Thousands)

FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2003 PROGRAMS Enacted Enacted Request +/– 02/03

Safety Standards Support $1,700 $2,550 $2,042 –$508

New Car Assessment Program $5,531 $5,231 $7,300 +$2,069

Fuel Economy Program $60 $60 $1,000 +$940

Theft and Other Programs $50 $50 $51 +$1

Total $7,341 $7,891 $10,393 +$2,502
7

Program

FY 2003 HIGHLIGHTS

SAFETY STANDARDS SUPPORT

• Provide testing and analytical support for meeting the requirements of the Transportation Recall Enhancement,

Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act for enhanced crash protection for children in child restraint

systems, and for heavy truck tire safety.

• Conduct testing for new requirements for retread tires and tire pressure monitoring systems on commercial

vehicles, to upgrade standard 121 to accommodate electronic control braking systems, to upgrade standard 111

to accommodate cross view mirrors on commercial vehicles, to upgrade standard 108 to address issues related

to night time glare, and upgrade standard 122 to improve motorcycle braking performance.

• Perform tests to upgrade light vehicle and heavy truck braking standards, to accommodate new technologies and

for harmonization with global standards.

• Collect and assess data on non-crash fatalities and on adapted vehicles.

• Conduct performance demonstration tests for the development of headlighting performance information for

consumers.

• Assess upgrading crashworthiness standards for occupant protection in rear impacts, including seat strength

requirements, offset frontal crash protection, the next generation of occupant protection systems for school

buses, potential application of standards to motorcoaches, upgrading side impact safety standards for improved

head protection, and conducting cost and lead time studies on bus emergency exits and window retention/release

and rear impact protection.

• Continue technology assessments for the regulatory review of standards that have not had major updates since

the 1980’s.

• Develop and deliver vehicle safety information on tire safety, towing and trailering, antilock brakes and other

vehicle issues, as well as developing diversity initiatives and materials to better reach underserved populations.

NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

• Provide frontal and side impact test ratings covering about 80 percent of new vehicles, based on approximately

70 passenger vehicle tests.

• Measure the static stability factor (rollover resistance) for approximately 100 vehicles.

• Support TREAD requirements through implementation of programs for a child restraint ratings system and a

dynamic rollover rating program.

• Perform developmental testing on braking and headlighting performance tests.

• Support Consumer Information program activities to develop and deliver NCAP crash test results and safety

information through brochures, campaigns, web-site enhancements and marketing initiatives for on-going and

new NCAP information for rollover, braking and child safety seat ratings.

FUEL ECONOMY

• Maintain, update, and expand the CAFE database for analyses of CAFE changes.

• Conduct a study to determine the automobile manufacturers’ capability to improve fuel economy.

• Conduct a study of the technological practicability of automotive technologies.

• Conduct a study of the environmental implications of higher CAFE standards.

• Conduct a study of the economic impacts of revised fuel economy standards.

THEFT PREVENTION PROGRAM

• Conduct data analysis activities to compile and publish insurer reports on theft and recovery of motor vehicles,

comprehensive insurance coverage, and actions taken by insurers to reduce motor vehicle thefts.

Programs
8 Budget in Brief

SAFETY ASSURANCE

There are currently three programs in Safety Assurance. The Vehicle Safety Compliance

Program ensures that motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment sold in the U.S. provide the

safety benefits intended by federal safety standards. The Defects Investigation Program

identifies and removes motor vehicles found to contain safety-related defects from the Nation’s

highways. The Odometer Fraud Program enforces federal odometer laws and regulations and

encourages States to enforce their odometer laws aggressively.

SAFETY ASSURANCE PROGRAM

CONTRACT PROGRAM SUMMARY

(Dollars in Thousands)

FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2003 PROGRAMS Enacted Enacted Request +/– 02/03

Vehicle Safety Compliance $6,974 $6,974 $7,500 +$526

Defects Investigation1 $7,579 $7,940 $8,110 +$170

Auto Safety Hotline1 $1,232 $0 $0 $0

Odometer Fraud $150 $150 $150 $0

Total $15,935 $15,064 $15,760 +$696

1

Beginning in FY 2002, the Auto Safety Hotline’s operating costs are shown under Operating Expenses, while the

outreach portion is included in the Defects Investigation Program.

Program
Programs 9

Program

FY 2003 HIGHLIGHTS

VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLIANCE

• Conduct full-scale crash testing of new motor vehicles, including: 20 tests for verification of compliance with

the requirements of frontal occupant crash protection standards; 20 tests for verification of compliance with

dynamic side impact standards; 15 tests for verification of compliance with the requirements of upper interior

head protection standards using a head form; 20 tests for verification of compliance with dynamic rear and side

fuel system integrity requirements; and 4 dynamic side impact pole tests to assess the performance of new

technology for head protection.

• Continue to test motor vehicle equipment, with particular emphasis on child restraint systems and motorcycle

helmets, to assure compliance with safety standard requirements.

• Develop and test new procedures for proposed amendments to safety standards for fuel system integrity,

seating systems, and head restraints. Demonstration tests for these test procedures are also planned.

• Continue efforts to upgrade, repair, and calibrate a new family of adult and child crash test dummies for

measuring the enhanced dynamic performance requirements for advanced air bags.

• Execute maintenance and interagency agreements to operate and staff the tire testing facility at San Angelo,

Texas under the tire quality grading program, including traction testing of tires used on vehicles equipped with

conventional and ABS brake systems.

DEFECTS INVESTIGATION

• Implement new initiatives required by the TREAD Act, which include the development and acquisition of a

data warehouse that will incorporate the additional information to be received under the early warning

requirements. The new data warehouse will provide statisticians and analysts with automated tools to

promptly identify potential safety issues and concerns that should be investigated.

• Strengthen the Defects Investigation Program to enhance the following: screening of potential safety-related

issues; petition analysis; investigations, including more extensive examination of complaint vehicles and

equipment; site inspections of vehicle crashes; testing of vehicles and equipment; surveys of vehicle owners;

and intensified recall oversight to ensure that the scope of each recall is appropriate and the remedy and

completion rate are adequate.

• Expand the public’s access to ODI files through the Internet. Continue outreach programs to encourage the

reporting of safety-related problems in motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment, and promote utilization by

the public of the Auto Safety Hotline and the agency’s web site.

ODOMETER FRAUD

• Initiate new cooperative agreements with two States to supplement NHTSA’s Odometer Fraud Program

with State law enforcement agents and award funding to two additional States to initiate or enhance their

odometer fraud programs.
10 Budget in Brief

HIGHWAY SAFETY

There are three program offices in Traffic Safety Programs (TSP). The Office of Traffic Injury

Control Programs (OTICP) provides national leadership in planning and developing programs

directed at preventing and reducing highway crashes and resulting deaths, injuries, and economic

costs. OTICP develops, coordinates, and facilitates the execution of demonstration programs,

program development, technology development, technical assistance and information transfer

activities aimed at improving traffic injury programs throughout the country. The Office of

Communications and Outreach (OCO) is responsible for the development, marketing, and

promotion of public information campaigns and materials in support of TSP programs. OCO

develops programs implemented with public and private sector organizations, other federal

agencies, and elected officials in support of TSP’s goals and objectives. This office also supports

coalition-building activities at the National, State, and local levels. The Office of Research and

Traffic Records (ORTR) conducts research, demonstration, and evaluation programs supporting

traffic safety programs related to driver, passenger, pedestrian, and cyclist behavior. ORTR also

develops, tests, and evaluates countermeasures aimed at reducing or eliminating unsafe actions

and crash generating situations. The office also develops and coordinates a program of research

and demonstration, and also technology and information transfer related to traffic records, driver

licensing and driver education.

HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAM

CONTRACT PROGRAM SUMMARY

(Dollars in Thousands)

FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2003 PROGRAMS Enacted Enacted Request +/– 02/03

Impaired Driving $9,817 $12,317 $9,576 –$2,741

Ped/Bicycle/Pupil Transportation $1,295 $1,295 $1,263 –$32

Motorcycle $661 $661 $645 –$16

Drugs, Driving and Youth $1,196 $1,196 $1,167 –$29

National Occupant Protection $10,953 $12,953 $11,183 –$1,770

Traffic Law Enforcement $2,192 $2,192 $2,138 –$54

Emergency Medical Services $2,245 $2,245 $2,189 –$56

Records and Licensing $2,591 $2,591 $2,527 –$64

Highway Safety Research $7,277 $7,277 $7,098 –$179

New/Emerging/TEA-21 Issues $1,196 $1,196 $1,167 –$29

Share the Road $500 $500 $500 $ 0

NOPUS $600 $600 $600 $ 0

National Driver Register $1,110 $1,110 $1,100 $ 0

Total $41,633 $46,133 $41,163 –$4,970

Program
Programs 11

Program

FY 2003 HIGHLIGHTS

IMPAIRED DRIVING PREVENTION

• Analyze state enforcement project evaluations completed in five States, and complete enforcement demonstrations in two

additional States. Promote the best practices that these evaluations produced.

• Develop strong support for enforcement of impaired driving laws and for swift and severe sanctions for offenders, through

work with national organizations and the criminal justice system.

• Implement programs focusing on high risk groups: youth, 21-34 year olds, and repeat and high BAC offenders.

• Support State legislative initiatives to reduce impaired driving, such as 0.08 BAC and graduated licensing.

• Continue research, program implementation and training on drug-impaired driving.

OCCUPANT PROTECTION

Occupant protection activities are guided by the goals of increasing national seat belt use and reducing child-related fatalities.

• Implement incentive and innovative grant programs and promote “best practices” programs to States.

• Continue cooperative agreements with national organizations critical to the Buckle Up America campaign including

special outreach efforts to high-risk populations, and expand occupant protection initiatives with racially and ethnically

diverse populations.

• Conduct semiannual Operation ABC mobilizations; design and promote intensive enforcement programs to States

through partnerships with enforcement organizations.

• Conduct research and collect nationally representative data on the use of occupant protection devices to guide

development of occupant protection countermeasures.

• Implement the Booster Seat Education Plan as required by the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability,

and Documentation (TREAD) Act.

PEDESTRIAN, BICYCLE AND MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

• Reinvigorate the Partnership for a Walkable America and implement the National Strategies for Advancing Child

Pedestrian Safety.

• Collaborate with National Bicycle Safety Network partners and others to implement the National Strategies for

Advancing Bicycle Safety.

• Implement recommendations from the National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety in collaboration with diverse organizations.

TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT

• Implement recommendations from Traffic Safety in the Next Millennium: Law Enforcement Strategies, build support for

traffic safety in diverse communities, and emphasize general traffic enforcement approaches though law enforcement

in-service training to enhance traffic safety and improve domestic security.

• Continue speed setting and enforcement demonstration projects.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

• Promote the EMS Agenda for the Future to care for motor vehicle crash victims.

• Support national implementation of wireless E9-1-1.

• Demonstrate strategies for EMS and public health, specifically with regard to preparation for terrorism response.

HIGHWAY SAFETY RESEARCH

• Provide the scientific basis for NHTSA’s national leadership in highway safety through studies of driver, passenger, and

pedestrian and cyclist attitudes and behaviors, the circumstances and situations of crashes, and the most effective ways

they can be reduced.

• Determine the causes of crashes, identify target populations, acquire the research for developing countermeasures, and

evaluate the effectiveness of programs that will reduce traffic deaths, injuries, and associated costs.

EMERGING ISSUES

• Address emerging traffic safety issues such as older drivers, fatigue, distracted drivers and inattention, via public

education initiatives.

TRAFFIC RECORDS, DRIVER LICENSING & DRIVER EDUCATION

• Improve timeliness, accuracy, completeness, and accessibility of State Transportation Safety Information System data.

NATIONAL DRIVER REGISTER

• Maintain an index of individuals whose licenses to operate motor vehicles have been suspended or who have been

convicted of certain serious traffic offenses. State licensing officials and authorized users query the NDR to determine

license eligibility.
12 Budget in Brief

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

There are four major programs in Research and Analysis. The Crashworthiness Research

Program includes Crashworthiness and the National Transportation Biomechanics Research

Center. Together they promote transportation safety through continuing research on vehicle

safety, vehicle aggressivity and compatibility, human injury criteria, and by improving occupant

safety in crashes involving passenger cars, light trucks, and vans through developing advanced

air bags and other crash countermeasures and using a family of dummies for safety performance

evaluation. The Crash Avoidance Research Program focuses on passenger and commercial

vehicle research including visibility, directional control and braking, and rollover stability. The

program also includes use of advanced technologies under the Intelligent Vehicle Initiative (IVI)

of the Department’s Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) program. The agency also undertakes driver-vehicle safety research including human factors research to evaluate the safety potential and effectiveness of various collision avoidance countermeasures. The National Center for

Statistics and Analysis collects and analyzes high quality, large-scale vehicle crash databases

that are used by both public and private sectors to support critical highway traffic safety, vehicle

regulatory, and safety recall programs. The Vehicle Research and Test Center serves as NHTSA’s

in-house R&D test laboratory.

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS PROGRAM

CONTRACT PROGRAM SUMMARY

(Dollars in Thousands)

FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2003 PROGRAMS Enacted Enacted Request +/– 02/03

Crashworthiness/NTBRC $23,453 $23,038 $23,038 $0

Crash Avoidance $11,214 $10,990 $9,673 –$1,317

National Center for Statistics

 and Analysis $21,721 $22,320 $22,320 $0

Vehicle Research and Test Center $950 $990 $990 $0

Total $57,338 $57,338 $56,021 –$1,317

Program
Programs 13

Program

FY 2003 HIGHLIGHTS

CRASHWORTHINESS

• Conduct research in support of upgrading safety standards for frontal crash protection, side impact protection,

roof crush protection, ejection prevention, fuel system integrity, and child safety.

• Develop test devices and test procedures for compliance testing under the above standards.

• Conduct research to address the issue of vehicle compatibility by analyzing the crash data and fleet

characteristics, developing test procedures to evaluate a vehicle’s compatibility within the fleet, and by testing

and evaluating the effectiveness of developed countermeasures.

• Conduct research on advanced occupant protection systems utilizing promising new technologies and

state-of-the-art hardware developments.

NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION BIOMECHANICS RESEARCH CENTER

• Conduct research to develop suitable injury criteria for upgrades of existing safety standards or any future

standards in frontal crash protection, side crash protection, rollover protection, and improved child safety.

• Collect and analyze human injury data by conducting in-depth investigations of vehicle crashes and develop

injury measures and correlate them to the risk of injury in crashes.

• Develop, test and evaluate a family of dummies for safety evaluations of vehicles and federalize them for

incorporation into safety regulations.

CRASH AVOIDANCE RESEARCH

• Conduct analyses of crash data with the objective of identifying causal factors and for the development of

suitable countermeasures for crash prevention.

• Conduct research in support of upgrading standards to improve vehicle braking, directional and rollover stability,

tires, and vehicle lighting and signaling.

• Conduct driver-vehicle safety research related to driving performance, driver work load demands, driver

distraction issues, the safety impact of in-vehicle devices on safe driving, and driver behavioral research

including driver alertness, driver distraction, and driver work load management.

• Conduct research into the measurement of driver cognitive distraction while using a variety of in-vehicle

technologies and determine the consequences for driver behavior and performance.

• Conduct research using intelligent technologies (such as pre-crash sensors, and sensors for proximity and

relative speed for crash prevention) to develop countermeasures for enhancing crash avoidance capabilities of

light and heavy vehicles.

NATIONAL CENTER FOR STATISTICS AND ANALYSIS

• Collect data related to fatalities and injuries (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) in vehicle crashes and analyze

vital information related to automobile crashes, occupant injuries and injury mechanism (National Automotive

Sampling System), especially as they relate to newly introduced technologies, such as advanced occupant restraint

systems to minimize risks to out-of-position and small statured occupants, and identify crash causal factors.

• Collect data used extensively by other parts of NHTSA to develop overall policies and priorities, target risk

reduction programs, shape and support regulations, and investigate defects.

• Use Crash Outcome Data Evaluation Systems (CODES) grants to link crash and health care data to study

crash outcomes.

• Use the latest technologies to improve the efficiency in data collection and to improve the quality and quantity

of data collected.

• Maintain a national network of analysts and crash investigators, which allows NHTSA to mount special studies

quickly and cost-effectively.

• Collect, analyze, and report on all of the metrics used to track NHTSA’s performance under GPRA.
14 Budget in Brief

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

There are three programs in General Administration. The Program Evaluation Program determines

the effectiveness of vehicle regulations and highway safety programs. The Strategic Planning

Program develops, updates, and publishes the agency’s Strategic Plan and studies of emerging

problems as a basis for setting agency policy, in addition to providing a wide range of planning

support to agency programs. The Economic Analysis Program develops methods to quantify the

economic consequences of motor vehicle injuries in forms suitable for agency use in problem

identification and evaluation, regulatory analysis, priority setting, and policy analysis.

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM

CONTRACT PROGRAM SUMMARY

(Dollars in Thousands)

FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2003 PROGRAMS Enacted Enacted Request +/– 02/03

Program Evaluation $468 $468 $478 +$10

Strategic Planning $89 $89 $91 +$2

Economic Analysis $86 $86 $88 +$2

Total $643 $643 $657 +$14

Program
Programs 15

Program

FY 2003 HIGHLIGHTS

PROGRAM EVALUATION

Evaluations provide objective quantitative information to aid in making decisions on present and future rulemakings

and programs. This information helps to determine if the objectives of regulations and programs are being achieved,

and if not, the information can help identify changes in the rule or program that may result in the achievement of the

intended goals and objectives. To determine the cost effectiveness of regulations, as called for in Executive Order

12866, cost studies of motor vehicle equipment are performed. The following activities in FY 2003 contribute to the

evaluation of regulations and programs:

• Evaluate the public response to child passenger safety measures, including how people use Universal Child

Restraint Anchorages, and use of booster seats and belts by children age 5-9.

• Continue to measure the effects of changes to improve air bag technology and reduce their risks to children and

other occupants. Evaluate public awareness of air bag safety warnings.

• Continue to analyze the effectiveness of the antilock brake systems in reducing crashes of heavy trucks, and

the maintenance costs and durability of these systems.

• Continue to evaluate the effectiveness of rear-impact guards for truck trailers in reducing harm to passenger

vehicles that collide with the trailers.

• Analyze the cost of upper-interior head injury protection (FMVSS 201) and upper-interior air bags.

• Continue the evaluation of side impact protection upgrade (FMVSS 214).

STRATEGIC PLANNING

The role of Strategic Planning within NHTSA is to help set organizational direction, provide agency leadership

in cross-cutting program planning, and lead the agency in organizational improvement initiatives. For FY 2003,

Strategic Planning objectives are:

• Serve as the agency lead for coordinating and developing plans to support agency initiatives requiring total

agency participation.

• Study, recommend, and implement organizational improvement activities to improve agency efficiency.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

The Economic Analysis program develops and modifies scientifically sound methods for quantifying the economic

and social consequences of injury and fatality resulting from motor vehicle crashes. The Economic Analysis program

plans to conduct the following activities in FY 2003:

• Research and develop methods for quantifying economic and societal injury outcomes.

• Adapt findings from the updated report on the overall cost to society of motor vehicle injuries to focus on

determining the societal burden for specific traffic safety problems and issues.

• Streamline the complex economic calculations used to develop the societal burden report, so that estimates of

societal burden can be updated more frequently.
16 Budget in Brief

HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANTS

The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) authorized funding for numerous

highway safety grant programs for the States in FY 2003, including the following programs

under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: the Section 402 State and Community

Grant Program provides for a coordinated national highway safety program. All States, the

District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Trust Territories, and Indian Nations

are provided with formula grants to encourage and facilitate implementation of effective

programs to improve highway safety. The Section 405 Occupant Protection Incentive Grant

Program awards grants to States that adopt or demonstrate specific laws and programs, such as

primary safety belt use laws and special traffic enforcement programs, to increase seat belt and

child safety seat use. The Section 410 Alcohol-Impaired Driving Incentive Grant Program

encourages States to enact stiffer laws and implement stronger programs to detect and remove

impaired drivers from the roads. The Section 411 State Highway Safety Data Improvements

Incentive Grant Program encourages States to take effective actions to improve the timeliness,

accuracy, completeness, uniformity, and accessibility of their highway safety data.

HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANTS

PROGRAM SUMMARY

(Dollars in Thousands)

FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2003 PROGRAMS Enacted Enacted Request +/– 02/03

Section 402 State and Community

 Formula Grant Program $154,659 $160,000 $165,000 +$5,000

Section 405 Occupant Protection

 Incentive Grant Program $12,971 $15,000 $20,000 +$5,000

Section 410 Alcohol-Impaired

 Driving Incentive Grant Program $35,921 $38,000 $40,000 +$2,000

Section 411 State Highway Safety

 Data Improvements $8,980 $10,000 $0 –$10,000

Total $212,531 $223,000 $225,000 +$2,000

Program
Programs 17

Program

FY 2003 HIGHLIGHTS

SECTION 402

STATE AND COMMUNITY GRANTS

• Provide formula grants to support performance-based highway safety

programs in every State, territory, and the Indian Nations for the purpose

of reducing highway crashes, deaths, and injuries.

• Support programs, developed and managed by the States, to address their

highway safety goals, performance measures, and strategic plans.

• Support national priority programs, such as encouraging proper use of

occupant protection devices; reducing alcohol and drug-impaired driving;

reducing motorcycle crashes; improving police traffic services; improving

emergency medical services and trauma care systems; increasing

pedestrian and bicyclist safety; improving traffic record systems; and

improving roadway safety.

SECTION 405

OCCUPANT PROTECTION INCENTIVE GRANTS

• Provide grants that will encourage States to pass stronger laws and

implement effective measures to increase safety belt and child safety seat

use, such as passing primary enforcement laws; minimum fines or penalty

points for seat belt and child protection law violations; and stepped-up

police enforcement of occupant protection laws.

SECTION 410

ALCOHOL-IMPAIRED DRIVING INCENTIVE GRANTS

• Provide grants that will encourage States to pass stronger laws and

implement effective measures to reduce safety problems stemming from

driving while impaired by alcohol, such as administrative driver license

actions within stated time frames; graduated licensing systems; and young

adult drinking and driving prevention programs. Supplemental grants

are given for meeting additional criteria.
18 Budget in Brief
19

DISTRIBUTION OF NHTSA SECTION 402

HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANT PROGRAMS

(Dollars in Thousands)

Estimated

Obligations

FY 2003

STATE/TERRITORY NHTSA

ALABAMA .........................................................$2,668

ALASKA .................................................................. 784

AMERICAN SAMOA .............................................392

ARIZONA .............................................................2,570

ARKANSAS..........................................................1,992

CALIFORNIA .....................................................15,101

COLORADO .........................................................2,526

CONNECTICUT ...................................................1,556

DELAWARE ............................................................ 784

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ................................... 784

FLORIDA ..............................................................7,480

GEORGIA .............................................................4,353

GUAM ...................................................................... 392

HAWAII ...................................................................784

IDAHO .....................................................................957

ILLINOIS ..............................................................6,265

INDIANA ..............................................................3,313

IOWA ....................................................................2,242

KANSAS ...............................................................2,349

KENTUCKY .........................................................2,364

LOUISIANA .........................................................2,359

MAINE .....................................................................784

MARYLAND ........................................................2,401

MASSACHUSETTS .............................................2,867

MICHIGAN ...........................................................5,120

MINNESOTA........................................................3,216

MISSISSIPPI.........................................................1,832

MISSOURI ............................................................3,398

MONTANA ...........................................................1,020

Estimated

Obligations

FY 2003

STATE/TERRITORY NHTSA

NEBRASKA........................................................$1,563

NEVADA ..............................................................1,156

NEW HAMPSHIRE ................................................. 784

NEW JERSEY .......................................................3,697

NEW MEXICO .....................................................1,294

NEW YORK ..........................................................8,637

NORTH CAROLINA ............................................4,156

NORTH DAKOTA................................................1,078

N. MARIANAS ........................................................392

OHIO .....................................................................5,637

OKLAHOMA ........................................................2,445

OREGON ..............................................................1,999

PENNSYLVANIA ................................................6,032

PUERTO RICO .....................................................1,660

RHODE ISLAND ..................................................... 784

SEC. OF INTERIOR.............................................1,176

SOUTH CAROLINA ............................................2,216

SOUTH DAKOTA ................................................1,093

TENNESSEE .........................................................3,098

TEXAS ................................................................11,171

UTAH ....................................................................1,288

VERMONT ............................................................. 784

VIRGIN ISLANDS ..................................................392

VIRGINIA .............................................................3,490

WASHINGTON ....................................................3,111

WEST VIRGINIA .................................................1,075

WISCONSIN .........................................................3,205

WYOMING .............................................................. 784

UNDISTRIB: ADMIN. COSTS ......................... 8,150

TOTAL ...........................................................$165,000

Miscellaneous
20 Budget in Brief
Miscellaneous 21 Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance Office of Research and Traffic Records Office of Traffic Injury Control Programs Office of Crash Avoidance Standards Associate Administrator for State and Community Services Associate Administrator for Safety Performance Standards NSC-01 NPS-01 NTS-01 Associate Administrator for Safety Assurance NSA-01 Associate Administrator for Administration NAD-01 NPP-01 NRD-01 Associate Administrator for Traffic Safety Programs Associate Administrator for Research & Development Associate Administrator for Plans & Policy Regional Offices Office of Crashworthiness Standards Office of Communications and Outreach Office of Contract and Procurement Office of Technology and Information Management National Center for Statistics and Analysis Vehicle Research Test Center Office of Vehicle Safety Research Office of Fiscal Office of Services Regulatory Analysis and EvaluationNPP-10 NPS-10 NPS-20 NPS-30 NTS-10 NSA-10 NTS-20 NTS-30 NSA-30 NAD-20 NAD-30 NAD-40 NRD-10 NRD-20 NRD-30 NRD-50 NPP-20 NPP-30 Office of Defects Investigation Office of Human Resources Office of Strategic and Program Planning Office of Planning and Consumer Programs Office of Human Centered Research NOA-01 ADMINISTRATOR DEPUTY ADMINISTRATORNOA-02 Office of the Chief Counsel NOA-04 NCC-01 Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Office of Civil Rights Office of Public and Consumer Affairs NOA-40 NOA-20 Executive DirectorNOA-03 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of International Policy and Harmonization NPP-01