A new free mobile app released by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now available for iPhone and iPod Touch users. The app provides real-time information to help consumers “Buy Safe, Drive Safe, and Stay Safe.”

The SaferCar app  gives consumers on demand access to important safety information to help them make informed decisions. Features include:

• 5-Star Safety Ratings: Car shoppers can look up crash test ratings and compare them across different makes and models.
• Recalls and Complaints: Drivers can stay on top of safety issues for vehicles they own by registering their vehicles to be notified by NHTSA if a safety issue is discovered. The app also provides an easy way to submit complaints to NHTSA regarding potential safety issues with a particular vehicle.
• Child Seat Installation Assistance: The app helps users to readily access driving directions to the nearest child seat inspection station and get knowledgeable assistance in properly installing car seats and booster seats.
• Safety Headlines and Alerts: Users can receive essential news and information from NHTSA, as well as recall notices and push notices on their recorded vehicles.

For now, the SaferCar app is only available for iPhone and iPod Touch devices, and can be downloaded from Apple’s iTunes Store. Development is currently underway for an Android version of the SaferCar app.