NCSA is responsible for managing and operating FARS. FARS data is utilized
extensively throughout NHTSA; and information requests are received
from State and local governments, research organizations, private citizens,
the auto and insurance industries, Congress, and media. NCSA responds
to over 20,000 information requests and sends out hundreds of CD’s
of FARS data each year.
Examples of specific FARS data uses include the evaluation of:
- Alcohol-related Legislation
- Motorcycle Helmet Legislation
- Repeat Offenders
- Restraint Usage Legislation
- Speed Limit Laws
- Vehicle Safety Designs
- Large Truck Safety
- Air bag Effectiveness
FARS data can be used to answer a multitude of
questions concerning the safety of vehicles, drivers, traffic situations,
roadways, and environmental conditions. FARS data is also utilized at
the State level by the FARS Analyst to respond to State safety issues.
| What
is the availability of FARS data? |
FARS data is available for every year since FARS
was established in 1975. Users can obtain FARS data in two ways:
- You can request specific data from NCSA, and
there is no charge for most requests. You can generally expect an
answer within two weeks, but more time may be required for more complex
or lengthy requests.
- You can obtain a file on computer tape or
CD ROM in one of several formats amenable to analysis. This will enable
you to process the data using your own computer system. Information
on acquiring the tapes is available by contacting NCSA at the address
listed at the end of the next section. FARS data can also be obtained
from the FARS Website at: http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/
Summaries of FARS data are published in various
fact sheets and included in an annual report, which are available in
hardcopy by request, and from NCSA’s Website.
The annual report contains a comprehensive analysis of the year’s
data and includes some past years’ data with comparative analyses.
| How
is personal information in FARS data protected? |
FARS data released to the public does not include
any personal identifying information such as names, addresses, or social
security numbers, and Vehicle Identification Numbers are truncated in
public access files over the Internet. Thus any data kept in FARS files
and available to the public fully conform with Privacy Act laws.
Requests for tapes, reports and information should
be sent to:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
National Center for Statistics and Analysis
Information Services Branch, NPO-101
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20590
or contact us at: www.nhtsa.dot.gov
or call us at: 1-800-934-8517
|