The Fatality Analysis reporting system (FARS) contains data on a census of fatal motor vehicle traffic crashes within the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Crashes are included in FARS if they involve a motor vehicle traveling on a trafficway customarily open to the public and must result in the death of a vehicle occupant or a nonoccupant within 30 days of the crash. Data are obtained from police crash reports and crash report supplements; state vehicle registration files, driver records, and roadway classification data; death certificates; toxicology reports; and emergency medical service reports.

Specific data elements may be modified slightly each year to conform to changing user needs, vehicle characteristics, highway safety emphasis areas, as well as aligning to the latest version of the Model Minimum Crash Criteria (MMUCC). The data collected within FARS does not include any personal identifying information, such as names, addresses, or social security numbers.