DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAM OF THE UNITED STATES

Several significant facts necessary to the understanding of the highway safety problem in the U.S. are discussed, and recommendations which emerged from a conference to study the future of the National Highway Safety Program are presented. The nationwide spot improvement program instituted in 1964, the establishment of a National Driver Records Clearance Center and the Highway Safety Board to coordinate all Highway Safety programs are noted. The 1966 Highway Safety Act required that each state have a highway safety program which was in accordance with uniform standards in various areas, and designated the governor of each state as the responsible official. The national maximum speed limit of 88 km/h (55 mph) imposed in 1974 to conserve energy appears to have contributed to the reduction in severity of traffic accidents. It is noted that vehicle defects also contribute to accidents. As part of the evaluation of the Act of 1966, a conference was convened which offered recommendations relating to: highway safety standards; state governors' responsiblity; federal government reliance on states to aid safety efforts of cities; federal government help in the dissemination and implementation of research results; and the need for cooperation between government and the private sector in highway safety programs.