Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)
Back to all collectionsSummary
The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) is a nationwide census providing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Congress and the American public yearly data regarding fatal injuries suffered in motor vehicle traffic crashes.
| Agency | DOT, NHTSA |
|---|---|
| Data Checkup |
Historical Data Availability
No Known Issue
Future Data Availability
No Known Issue
Data Quality
No Known Issue
Statutory Context
High Risk
Statutory authorization is vague.
Staffing and Funding
Moderate Risk
From FY2024 to FY2026, the DOT National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lost more than 30% of its workforce.
Policy
High Risk
In March 2025, in response to Executive Order 14168, the ICR submission renamed the "Sex/Gender" variable to "Sex," removed the "Other" response category (e.g., non-binary or X) by recoding it as "Not Reported," and retained "Reported as Unknown" for cases where sex information is unavailable. The revised "Sex" variable includes the categories "Male," "Female," "Not Reported," and "Reported as Unknown."
Last updated: 2026-08-13
Details
| OMB Control Number | 2127-0006 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authorizing Statutes | 23 USC 402, 23 USC 403, 23 USC 405, 49 USC 30182, Pub.L. 110 - 189 3 | |||
| Related ICRs |
| Reference Number | Title | Agency | Status | Request Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 202512-2127-003 | Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) | DOT/NHTSA | Received in OIRA | Reinstatement without change of a previously approved collection |
| 202503-2127-008 | Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) | DOT/NHTSA | Historical Active | No material or nonsubstantive change to a currently approved collection |