U.S. Senators Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and John D.  Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) have introduced legislation to improve the safety of drivers and their passengers who travel on our nation’s highways.  The Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2011 reauthorizes highway and vehicle safety programs under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The legislation will:

• Reauthorize, update, and consolidate highway safety programs: NHTSA programs include research within the agency as well as grants to states to conduct efforts to reduce drug and alcohol impaired driving and take other steps to improve safety.  The bill would update these programs, consolidate portions of them, and add in additional accountability measures.  It would also create a new grant program specifically targeting distracted driving and novice driver licensing.
• Enhance Safety Authorities:  Provides NHTSA with additional authorities to develop and enforce strong vehicle safety regulations, conduct motor vehicle safety research, and monitor the safety of vehicles and motor vehicle equipment imported into the country.
• Improve Transparency and Accountability:  Following last year’s Toyota investigation, this legislation establishes new requirements on NHTSA and the auto industry to increase transparency, and provide additional information to the public and to consumers about vehicle safety and pending safety recalls.
• Address Emerging Electronics and Technologies:  Requires NHTSA to focus research and rule-making efforts on electronics and other emerging technologies.