Jim Litherland

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries, and property damage from motor vehicle crashes. The non-profit company is based in Arlington, VA. IIHS conducts research, vehicle evaluations, and education targeting consumers, policymakers, and safety professionals. It operates the Vehicle Research Center, where it performs crash tests and assesses vehicle safety features, issuing safety ratings. The affiliated Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) analyzes insurance data on losses from vehicle ownership and operation, publishing insurance loss results by vehicle make and model. IIHS research covers crashworthiness, crash avoidance technologies, human factors, and roadway design improvements, addressing issues such as distracted driving, alcohol and drugs, large trucks, pedestrians, and speed. The organization promotes advanced safety features including electronic stability control and automatic emergency braking, and leads initiatives to reduce motor vehicle fatalities through collaborative efforts.