(a) The Governor shall do all things necessary or convenient, on behalf of the state, to secure all benefits available to the state under the federal Highway Safety Act of 1966, as amended from time to time. The Governor shall designate the Department of Transportation to administer the highway safety program and coordinate highway safety activities within the state. The Governor shall communicate with the federal government with respect to the state highway safety program.

(b) The Governor, or a person within the Department of Transportation designated by the Governor, is authorized to establish standards and procedures for the content, coordination, submission and approval of highway safety programs, including, but not limited to, highway safety education and the integration and coordination of safety efforts at the state and local levels, with the goal of reducing highway deaths and injuries. The Department of Transportation, with the approval of the Governor, may adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 to implement such highway safety programs.