The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) mission is to save lives, prevent
injuries and reduce traffic-related health care and other economic costs. The agency develops,
promotes and implements effective educational, engineering and enforcement programs with the
goal of ending vehicle crash tragedies and reducing economic costs associated with vehicle use and
highway travel. The Office of Vehicle Safety Research (VSR) conducts extensive research,
development, testing, crash investigation, and data collection and analysis activities to provide the
scientific basis needed to support the Agency's motor vehicle and traffic safety goals.

The Office of Vehicle Safety Research (VSR) is the primary organization within NHTSA
responsible for conducting research related to the improvement of motor vehicle performance to
enhance safety. VSR conducts research and development programs to develop and advance the
scientific knowledge to support NHTSA's mission.