Oregon Drivers Can Check Vehicle Safety Data Online
I recently read an article in a professional journal reporting on a data base service that provides information about auto defects. Data bases have become a big part of the every day life of lawyers. Of course, this service costs some money, and it is geared toward lawyers and engineers investigating safety problems in various cars and trucks.
There is an option for car owners and consumers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) maintains a similar site, called Safecar.gov, offering a searchable data base, and best of all, it's free. You can search for recalls, investigations, or even check out complaints made about any model of car.
The introductory page also lays out some sobering facts:
42,000 people die in traffic accidents each year.
Traffic crashes are the primary cause of debilitating injuries in the United States.
Traffic crashes are the number one killer of Americans under the age of 34.
Here are some other helpful links:
Crash Survivors Network offers safety crash ratings for cars.
MSN offers a similar data base to check out your car's safety rating.
About.com includes a question and answer page about child car seats.
