Fatality Analysis Reporting System ( FARS )

The program collects data for analysis of traffic safety crashes to identify problems, and evaluate countermeasures leading to reducing injuries and property damage resulting from motor vehicle crashes. The FARS dataset contains descriptions, in standard format, of each fatal crash reported. To qualify for inclusion, a crash must involve a motor vehicle traveling a traffic-way customarily open to the public and resulting in the death of a person (occupant of a vehicle or a non-motorist) within 30 days of the crash. Each crash has more than 100 coded data elements that characterize the crash, the vehicles, and the people involved. The specific data elements may be changed slightly each year to conform to the changing user needs, vehicle characteristics and highway safety emphasis areas. The type of information that FARS, a major application, processes is therefore motor vehicle crash data.