More tips for reporting on trucking accidents:

This article provides journalists with key web resources and databases for reporting on trucking accidents, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's crash data, the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation reports, and industry sources.

There are great Web sites for trucking stories. Start with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at www.fmcsa.dot.gov. One useful feature is the crash profiles online, where you can query Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data to get detailed information about fatal traffic accidents.

In March, the administration released a detailed report about big-truck crashes to Congress and found legal drugs were a big factor. See www.fmcsa.dot.gov/facts-research/research-technology/report/ltccs-2006.htm.

The administration's Web site also has state accident-comparison tables at http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/CrashProfile/NationalCrashProfileMain.asp#statereports. State-by-state summary data on enforcement activities can be found at: http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/ProgramMeasures/Intro/ProgramMeasuresMain.asp.

The National Transportation Safety Board Web site has accident investigation reports and other documents online at www.ntsb.gov.

The American Trucking Association is the largest trade association representing the trucking industry. Its Web site (http://truckline.com) has industry news and legislative and regulatory information.

For more detailed guidance, see "Investigating Trucking" (Tipsheet No. 2) by David Barnes, director of public affairs for the U.S. DOT's Office of Inspector General. IRE members