Office of Communication and Consumer Information (OCCI) Program Studies

The mission of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is to reduce deaths, injuries and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes on the Nation’s roads. In support of this mission, NHTSA’s Office of Communications and Consumer Information (OCCI) develops and produces countermeasures and educational campaigns to address risky driving behavior by the public. NHTSA’s communications activities are authorized by two different statutes.  Pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 403 Highway Safety Research and Development, NHTSA may perform behavioral research, including demonstration and education activities, to develop effective traffic safety countermeasures and communications. In addition, under 23 U.S.C. § 404, High Visibility Enforcement Program, NHTSA is mandated to conduct three countermeasure campaigns annually related to impaired driving and occupant protection. To carry out these behavioral research, education, communications and campaign activities, NHTSA contracts with multiple vendors to support a substantial portion of its development and campaign implementation. This Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) is being conducted because NHTSA’s contractors collect, process, and maintain Personally Identifiable Information (PII) on members of the public on behalf of NHTSA. NHTSA reviews and updates this document as required to provide up-to-date information and transparency to the public regarding the system operations.