Searching for information about car safety rules, regulations, and recommendations, whether driving here or abroad? Our list can start you in the right direction!
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Choose your topic of interest from the menu. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), under the U.S. Department of Transportation, sets and enforces safety performance standards for motor vehicles and investigates safety defects. NHTSA also conducts research on driver behavior and traffic safety.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
The NTSB website has information on safety advocacy, child and youth transportation safety and other information. Its Transportation Disaster Assistance section provides information to family members following the accident. While on scene, TDA Specialists conduct briefings and provide updates on the investigation to family members. Once the on-scene phase of the investigation is over, TDA serves as the primary resource for information for family members as the investigation proceeds.
The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent U.S. Federal agency that investigates every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in the other modes of transportation, conducts special investigations and safety studies, and issues safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.
Car Care Council
The Car Care Council site has links for tips on service schedules, videos and car care resources. The Car Care Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating motorists about the importance of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair through its “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
Find out about the safety test results for your vehicles or vehicles you are thinking of buying. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a nonprofit research and communications organization funded by auto insurers.
Since 1969 when it was reinvented as an independent research organization, the IIHS has been a leader in finding out what works and doesn’t work to prevent motor vehicle crashes in the first place and reduce injuries in the crashes that still occur.
National Safety Council
Click on the Road Safety tab for information about safe driving. The National Safety Council is a nonprofit, nongovernmental, international public service organization dedicated to protecting life and promoting health.
National Travel and Road Closure Information
Simply choose a state and you’ll get a directory of helpful real-time traffic sites and road travel tips. Click here for 511 Travel Information Telephone Services.
National Weather Service (NWS)
Current weather conditions, weather warnings and forecasts. Input your destination’s city, state or ZIP code or that of area’s you’ll be traveling to get the local forecast. The National Weather Service is a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA conducts research and gathers data about the global oceans, atmosphere, space and sun, and applies this knowledge to science and service that touch the lives of all Americans.
USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services
Learn how to get or renew your driver’s license, register your car, or access other motor vehicle services. Choose your state or territory and you’ll be directed to your state’s website.
American Automobile Association (AAA)
A not-for-profit organization with more than 57 million members, AAA is known primarily for providing emergency road service, maps and travel publications. AAA also has a broad range of travel services, member-benefit programs and public service activities.
Travel.State.gov – Driving and Road Safety Abroad
Information about road conditions, laws, and driving norms in other countries, as well as how to get an International Driving Permit.
Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) – Driving Overseas: Best Practices
This page has an overview on renting and driving cars overseas. The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) was created in 1985 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to promote security cooperation between American private sector interests worldwide and the U.S. Department of State. The OSAC “Council” is comprised of 34 private and public sector member organizations that represent specific industries or agencies operating abroad.
WHN TIP – Insurance: Your U.S. auto insurance policy does not cover you abroad, although it may cover you in Canada and Mexico. Check with your insurance company before you go and find out about auto insurance when driving overseas.
WHN TIP – Be sure to carry updated medical information for all members of your party. Download the free My Personal Medication Record pdf from the AARP in English or Spanish.
Photo Credit: Attapon Thana