The National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) program was established in 1979 as part of a nationwide effort to reduce motor
vehicle crashes, injuries, and deaths on our nation's highways. NASS is operated
by the National Center for Statistics and
Analysis (NCSA), which is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), an agency of the U. S.
Department of Transportation.
NASS CDS has detailed data on a representative, random sample of thousands of
minor, serious, and fatal crashes. There are
24
field research teams that study about 5,000 crashes a year involving passenger
cars, light trucks, vans, and utility
vehicles.
Trained crash investigators obtain data from crash sites, studying evidence
such as skid marks, fluid spills, broken
glass, and bent guard rails. They locate the vehicles involved, photograph them,
measure the crash damage, and identify
interior locations that were struck by the occupants. These researchers follow up
on their on-site investigations by
interviewing crash victims and reviewing medical records to determine the nature
and severity of injuries.
Assessment of the overall state of traffic safety,
and identification of existing and
potential
traffic safety problems.Obtaining detailed data on the crash performance of passenger cars, light trucks, vans, and utility vehicles.Evaluation of vehicle safety systems and designs.
Increasing knowledge about the nature of crash
injuries, as well as the relationship between
the type and seriousness of a crash and the resultant injuries.Assessment of the effectiveness of motor vehicle and
traffic safety program standards.Evaluation of alcohol and safety belt use programs.
Evaluation of the effect of societal changes, such
as increased traffic flow and increased
large truck traffic.Click here to access the Electronic Cases page.
Please send any comments to: ncsaweb@nhtsa.dot.gov
If you are requesting data or other information, your including a fax number, phone number, or postal address will enable us to respond more quickly and thoroughly to your request. You can also phone in information requests to our automated answering system at 1-800-934-8517, or (202) 366-4198 locally in the Washington, DC area.