NHTSA seeks input on linking crash records with medical data

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is seeking public comment on a proposed collection of information about how states and territories connect motor vehicle crash records with injury and medical surveillance systems. The agency must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget before collecting the information. The proposal covers links between crash data and records from emergency medical services, emergency departments, hospital inpatient systems, trauma registries and vital statistics. NHTSA plans to use virtual stakeholder meetings, an online survey and follow-up interviews with selected jurisdictions. The work is intended to document current practices, technical challenges and effective approaches to integrating crash and injury data. Public feedback will inform the agency before it submits the collection request for federal approval.