2013 World Traffic Safety Achievement Awards Announced -- NEW YORK, April 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- NEW YORK, April 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Dedicated to bringing automobile manufacturers, public and private organizations, and the media together to share information and discuss ways to make vehicles and roadways safer for drivers and pedestrians, the World Traffic Safety Symposium announced the 2013 Traffic Safety Achievement Awards last week at the New York International Auto Show. The Honorable David L. Strickland, Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) delivered the event's keynote address, and a panel of highly regarded traffic safety experts conducted a panel discussion on autonomous driving and the future of the driverless car. Each year, the World Traffic Safety Symposium addresses important traffic safety issues in order to minimize injuries and fatalities on America's roadways. Through its annual Traffic Safety Achievement Awards, the Symposium recognizes organizations and individuals that are creating a safer environment for motorists and pedestrians. Toyota For its contributions to teen driver education and safety Toyota committed $50 million to launch the Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) two years ago in Ann Arbor. The CSRC partners on collaborative research with top universities, hospitals, research centers and federal agencies across North America to help reduce traffic deaths and injuries. Initial areas of focus include reducing the risk of driver distraction and protecting vulnerable traffic populations, particularly children, teens, seniors and pedestrians. Consumer Reports For its comprehensive traffic safety research, testing and reporting Safety remains a top concern for new car shoppers, and Consumer Reports continues delivering overall safety coverage to help consumers make informed decisions. Whether its in-vehicle safety features, safe driving advice, child car safety, teen driving, or older drivers, CR is dedicated to making our roadways safer. Google For its vision and dedication to advancing the driverless car The Google driverless car is a project by Google that involves developing technology for driverless cars, a technology that, if perfected, would prevent about 35,000 deaths per year in the United States and 1.2 million deaths per year worldwide. Notes to Editors The World Traffic Safety Symposium, founded in 1990 was formed to address the growing concern of traffic injuries and fatalities on roadways. Now celebrating its 24th year, the Symposium is dedicated to bringing automobile manufacturers, law enforcement officials, public and private organizations, and the media together to share information and discuss innovative ways to make traveling safer for drivers and pedestrians. Each year, the group gathers research and data from around the globe to create a presentation of the most interesting and innovative advancements in traffic safety. Industry experts, journalists, and manufacturers are invited to attend this showcase of the most cutting-edge, life-saving safety features available in vehicles today. SOURCE New York International Auto Show