Vehicle Safety Data: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Releases App For iOS, API’s Also Available

From a NHTSA Announcement:

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) [recently] announced a new iOS app for iPhones and iPod Touches that will provide real-time vehicle safety information to consumers from NHTSA’s SaferCar.gov site. NHTSA’s SaferCar app allows users to search its 5-Star Safety Ratings for vehicles by make and model, locate car seat installation help, file a vehicle safety complaint, find recall information and subscribe to automatic notices about vehicle recalls.
NHTSA will also give developers real-time access to the data that powers this app through an Application Programming Interface (API), enabling them to integrate these data into new and existing apps and empowering consumers with important safety information. Millions of consumers already rely on these data to inform their purchasing decisions on popular automobile review sites; now they’ll be able to access these data in real-time.
The new SaferCar app gives consumers immediate access to key safety information to help them make informed decisions, with features including:

• 5-Star Safety Ratings: Consumers considering vehicle purchases can look up crash test ratings and compare them across different makes and models.
• Recalls and Complaints: App users can stay on top of safety issues for vehicles they already own. Consumers can register their vehicles to be notified by NHTSA if a safety issue is discovered. The app also makes it simple to submit complaints to NHTSA regarding possible safety problems with a particular vehicle.
• Help Installing Child Seats: The app helps consumers ensure their most precious passengers ride safe. Users can quickly get driving directions to the nearest child seat inspection station and get assistance to properly install their car seats and boosters.
• Safety Headlines and Alerts: App users can receive important news and information from NHTSA, as well as recall notices and push notices on their recorded vehicles.

Direct to Safer Car App (via iTunes App Store)

Filed under: Data Files, News, Patrons and Users