NHTSA LAUNCHES SAFERCAR APP

The United States Department of Transportation recently announced the launch of a redesigned mobile app, Safercar, by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with an emphasis on safety and convenience for the public. It allows users to save their vehicles, car seats, equipment or tires, in a virtual garage on their smartphone, and it automatically checks whether a recall has been issued and alerts users when this occurs.

“In today’s world, smartphones are the tool of choice for many tasks, and the updated Safercar app is a new safety tool,” says NHTSA Deputy Administrator James Owens.

“The Safercar app allows you to store your information locally on your device and then the app goes to work to inform you of recalls as they occur, and owners can more quickly get their free recall repairs scheduled.” One in four vehicles on the road today has an unrepaired recall, and that’s a safety risk. Fifty-three million vehicles, car seats, tires and equipment were recalled in 2019.

If one of your vehicle’s has a recall, you’re going to want to know exactly what it is and what to do next. The Safercar app will keep consumers aware of the latest information that could directly impact their lives.

The same tools that power the NHTSA.GOV website, combined with the capabilities of a mobile app, enable an enhanced experience for mobile users to access critical safety information. Because each user’s information is stored only on their device, no personal information can be shared with NHTSA, ensuring a safe, secure and private user experience. Once the user sets up their virtual garage, the app checks for safety recalls every day, and will notify the user if an issue requires their attention.

The Safercar app is also more than just recalls, you can also access online tools, such as NHTSA’S 5-star safety ratings, the car seat finder, car seat inspections, and you can report a safety problem.