FMCSA’s Analysis Division provides the transportation industry and the public with analytical reports related to large truck and bus crashes and monitors data quality to guide the development of effective safety countermeasures.

The Data Analysis and Reports Team (DART) is one resource FMCSA uses to share critical safety data with stakeholders. Through the DART Data Requests online tool, FMCSA manages and responds to data requests from FMCSA Division Offices and other state partners to support the informed development of annual safety plans and other enforcement activities.

Authorized users, such as FMCSA personnel and state partners, can use the DART Data Requests online tool, housed within FMCSA’s Analysis and Information (A&I) platform, to view, manage, and respond to data requests. According to FMCSA, in fiscal year 2024, the DART program, consisting of three analysts, responded to 1,971 data requests, producing 1,661 reports for FMCSA users and state partners.

The U.S. DOT Volpe Center supports DART by assisting with data requests and offering usability suggestions, making the process of requesting custom reports and safety data easier for agency stakeholders.

Analysts and developers from the U.S. DOT Volpe Center implement changes to the DART Data Requests online tool, and coordinate with FMCSA’s Information Technology team to publish the changes. These modifications prioritize user experience, as well as enhance FMCSA’s ability to respond to the large volume of requests.

Recent updates to the tool include a personalized user dashboard view that allows users to easily see previously submitted requests, and monitor their status, as well as search other user requests. The DART team also made improvements to the submission form, allowing users to fill out request information, make note of any deadlines, and include any other relevant details.

The U.S. DOT Volpe Center team also provides the requested data extracts and performs additional data analysis upon request. If there are questions about the requested safety information, U.S. DOT Volpe Center analysts arrange meetings with the requestor to discuss the purpose of the request.

Through DART program support, the U.S. DOT Volpe Center enhances FMCSA’s ability to review and respond to requests for tailored data reports and analyses that are used to help FMCSA leaders and program managers focus enforcement efforts where they are needed most—targeting companies and drivers that pose the greatest risks to public safety.

About the U.S. DOT Volpe Center

Since 1970, the U.S. DOT Volpe Center has advanced transportation innovation for the public good, providing multimodal applied research, collaborating with federal, state, and industry partners, and multidisciplinary technical leadership and expertise to solve complex transportation challenges. Learn more at www.volpe.dot.gov.