Safety, fuel-efficiency on display at 2013 Washington Auto Show

With the recent Presidential Inauguration and the initial sessions of the 113th Congress, this is a season for new developments here in Washington, DC. But area automotive fans know that the real destination for seeing the most exciting new developments is the Washington Auto Show.

Featuring more than 700 new vehicles from the world's top car and truck manufacturers, it's a real treat for the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected to come through the doors during the 10-day show. And while the show is chock-full of eye-catching designs that are sure to get people excited about what's coming on the market, I couldn't help noticing the many safety and sustainability innovations on display.

The cars we're seeing today are safer and more fuel-efficient than ever. From more precise steering control to improved airbag technology, today's vehicles are designed to keep drivers and passengers safe from crashes and safe during a crash. They're also designed to help you save more of your hard-earned money instead of spending it on fuel.

I have been particularly impressed lately by the developments in driver alert technology. Many of today's models feature lane departure and forward collision warning systems, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-view back-up cameras. All of these innovations will help drivers make better decisions and help us keep drivers and passengers on America's roadways safer from harm.

In addition to the vehicle manufacturers displaying their latest models, the Washington Auto Show also features an exhibit from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Behind every vehicle sold in America stands an agency--NHTSA--designed to ensure that the car, truck, van, or SUV you purchase is as safe as it can be.

The NHTSA booth features a 1973 Chevy Impala--the first Chevrolet to offer air bags as a standard feature. The Impala is branded with NHTSA's SaferCar.gov logo and features NTHSA safety videos and information about our 5-Star Safety Ratings program. 

It all adds up to one thing: From safety standards to defect investigations, for the professionals at NHTSA, your protection is the number one priority.

Advanced technology is also improving sustainability through increased fuel-economy. From fuel-sipping, combustion engines to hybrid, gas-electric drive systems to all-electric, plug-in vehicles, the fuel-efficiency of today's vehicles has improved dramatically from just four years ago.

Thanks in part to the Obama Administration's historic fuel economy standards, carmakers are working hard to save you money at the pump. And today's vehicles are well on their way toward meeting these standards. In fact from 2011 to 2012, average fuel-economy of vehicles sold in the U.S. increased by more than four miles per gallon from 29 mpg to 33.8 mpg.

So much goes into the new vehicle you buy. Creative design, innovative passenger protection, and advanced fuel-economy technology. And no matter what company made your new car, standing behind it is a safety agency--NHTSA--that is always thinking about you and your passengers.