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New NHTSA car safety rating system app unveiled

Michael James

Consumers interested in quick access to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) 5-Star Safety Ratings can now get the information via a new iOS appplication for iPhones and iPod touches.

The NHTSA real-time vehicle safety information is available to consumers from SaferCar.gov site. It 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.

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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 NHTSA safety app
The New NHTSA safety app

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.
“Timely, accurate, and accessible safety data is the lifeblood of our agency’s work,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “The new SaferCar app literally puts the latest in vehicle safety information directly in the hands of consumers so they can make the appropriate purchasing and other decisions for themselves and their families.”

The application coincides with the release of the NHTSA Application Programming Interface (API), – a new way to provide these important safety data. The APIs will provide developers with better, more flexible access to the data for analysis and integration into creative, consumer-friendly web and mobile apps.

Article Last Updated: March 17, 2014.

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