Truck Safety: NHTSA Seeking to Expand Data Collection

NHTSA Requests Input on Truck Safety Data Collection Plans

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is asking for public comment on plans to continue and update how it collects crash data across the United States. The notice explains how the agency gathers information about crashes, injuries, and related events tied to truck safety and overall road safety.

The proposal is listed under docket number NHTSA-2026-0463. It is part of a process required before the agency can continue collecting certain types of data. NHTSA must receive approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) before moving forward.

Truck Safety Data Systems Explained

The notice focuses on three main data systems used by NHTSA:

• Crash Report Sampling System
• Non-Traffic Surveillance
• Special study data collections

These systems collect data from police reports. The reports include crashes involving all types of vehicles, including commercial motor vehicles. This makes them a key part of how the federal government studies truck safety.

The Crash Report Sampling System uses a national sample of police-reported crashes. Each year, there are an estimated six million such crashes in the United States. NHTSA selects a portion of these crashes for detailed review.

Why Safety Data Is Collected

NHTSA uses this data to study safety on U.S. roads. The goal is to reduce crashes, injuries, and deaths, including those involving large trucks.

The agency uses the data to:

• Find safety problems
• Study crash causes
• Support safety programs
• Review the results of past efforts

After review, the data is shared with the public. Researchers and safety groups can use it to study trends tied to truck safety and other risks.

How Truck Safety Data Is Collected

The data comes from state and local agencies. These agencies provide police crash reports to NHTSA. Participation is voluntary.

Some states send data through electronic systems. These systems allow faster transfers and easier access.

Other areas still use manual methods. This may include copying reports or sending files through secure systems.

NHTSA says more states now use electronic systems. This has helped reduce the time and effort needed to collect data used in truck safety research.

Changes to Data Collection

The notice includes updates to how data will be collected in the future.

One major change is a lower estimate of the time required for data collection. The total annual burden is expected to drop from 42,680 hours to 18,167 hours.

This drop is due to improved systems and the removal of one special study.

Another part of the plan is to continue a study that reviews police jurisdictions. This helps make sure crash data remains accurate for truck safety analysis and other research.

Truck Safety Data Expands Beyond Roadway Crashes

The Non-Traffic Surveillance system collects more than just roadway crashes. It also tracks events that happen off public roads.

These include:

• Crashes in parking lots or private areas
• Incidents that do not involve a crash

Some examples include exposure-related injuries linked to vehicles.

This broader approach gives NHTSA a more complete view of truck safety, including risks that occur outside of highways and interstates.

What This Means for Truck Drivers

The notice does not create new rules. It does not add new requirements for truck drivers. However, it still matters for the trucking industry and truck safety efforts.

Truck Safety Data Includes Commercial Vehicles

Crash reports involving commercial motor vehicles are included in the system. This means truck-related crashes are part of federal safety research.

Data May Shape Future Rules

NHTSA uses this data to guide safety decisions. Over time, this can lead to new rules or updates. These may affect truck drivers and carriers.

Safety Focus Expands to More Locations

The inclusion of non-traffic incidents means more situations are studied. This includes areas like truck stops, yards, and loading zones.

Faster Reporting

More electronic reporting means faster access to crash data. This can help agencies respond more quickly to safety concerns tied to trucking.

Who Supports Truck Safety Data Reporting

The data collection work is handled by government agencies. These include:

• State agencies
• Local police departments
• Other public offices involved in crash reporting

NHTSA estimates that 1,367 groups will take part in this effort. The total yearly workload is estimated at 18,167 hours.

There are no direct reporting requirements for individual truck drivers under this proposal.

Public Comment Period for Truck Safety Data

NHTSA is asking for public feedback before final approval is requested.

The agency is seeking comments on:

• Whether the data collection is useful
• Whether the time estimates are accurate
• Ways to improve data quality
• Ways to reduce the workload

Comments must be submitted within 60 days of the notice being published.