Staying safe on the road means more than driving at the speed limit and practicing defensive driving — it also means knowing your car. Proper tire inflation and regular oil changes are good, but how do you know if your car has been recalled for a serious defect? 

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants you to have that information at your fingertips, and now you can. 

In March, the NHTSA unveiled its SaferCar app. Currently available only for iPhone and the iPod Touch, the SaferCar app is free from iTunes. Development of a version for Android devices is underway. 

For the consumer, downloading the SaferCar app means access to the following types of information: 

• Recalls: Do you drive a Suzuki motorcycle or a Nissan Pathfinder? If so, you should check out the app for recent recall advice. Consumers who register their vehicles receive information on their smartphone as soon as a recall is posted. If you have a problem with your car, the app makes initiating a complaint easy.
• Headlines: Announcements and safety news posted by the NHTSA are provided to keep consumers up to date on issues that may affect their safety on the road.
• Ratings: Thinking about buying, leasing or renting a car? The SaferCar app provides access to the five-star safety rating system maintained by the NHTSA. Find out about known problems with certain cars before you buy.
• Car seats: For parents of young children, or those who care for children, the app provides instructions for installing car seats and the address of a location near you to assist with installation of the seat if needed. 

Do what you can to keep yourself and your family and friends safe on the road. If an accident occurs and you are injured, obtain seasoned advice from a reputable injury attorney in New Jersey.