C1. Case Identifier

Definition:

The unique identifier within a given year that identifies a given crash within a state.

Attribute:

State Specific Identifier

Rationale:

Used to document a specific crash. If this identifier is available at the scene, it can also be recorded on the EMS record for linkage purposes. Enables subfiles to be created for analysis and linked back to the crash data file.

C2. Crash Date and Time

Definition:

The date (year, month, and day) and time (00:00-23:59) at which the crash occurred.

Element Attributes

Date and Time: (YYYYMMDDHHMM)

Time of Crash - Midnight is defined as 00:00 to represent the beginning of a new day. (12:00 is noon)
The attribute should represent the time the crash occurred not the time of notification of law enforcement or EMS.

Unknown

Example - Time Unknown (99:99) A fatal crash that occurs sometime during the night and is discovered and investigated the following morning where no involved persons are available to interview. This would not be used for crashes where a partial time is known.

Rationale:

Important for management/administration, evaluation, and linkage.

C3. Crash County

Definition:

The county or equivalent entity in which the crash occurred.

Element Attributes

Name of the County

Record the county or equivalent entity in which a crash occurred. If codes are used instead of name, use the GSA Geographic Locator Codes (GLC) that can be found on the Internet at: http://www.gsa.gov. If state-assigned codes are used, they should be convertible to the GSA/FIPS format.

Rationale:

Important for analyses of county area programs such as Safe Communities. Critical for linkage of the crash file to other state data files (EMS, hospital, roadway, etc.). Important for intrastate comparisons.

C4. Crash City/Place

Definition:

The city/place (political jurisdiction) in which the crash occurred.

Element Attributes:

Name of the Political Jurisdiction:

Record the name identifying the city/place in which the crash occurred. If codes are used instead of names, use the GSA Geographic Locator Codes (GLC) that can be found on the Internet at www.gsa.gov. If state-assigned codes are used, they should be convertible to the GSA/FIPS format.

Rationale:

Important for analyses of local area programs such as Safe Communities. Critical for linkage of the crash file to other state data files (EMS, hospital, roadway, etc.).

C5. Crash Location

Definition:

The exact location on the roadway to document where the first harmful event of the crash occurred.

Attributes

Latitude/Longitude Coordinates

The optimum definition of Crash Location is a route name and GPS (global positioning system)/GIS (geographic information system) locator, if a highway agency has a linear referencing system that can relate geographic coordinates to specific locations in road inventory, traffic, driver, and other files. The location information in a crash file must have the capability to be linked to location information in these other important files required to study site-specific safety issues. GPS/GIS provides the latitude/longitude coordinates indicating where the crash occurred.

Linear Referencing System (LRS)

An LRS can create complex overlays of multiple events or occurrences along a route to support corridor planning, pavement rehabilitation, or other complex analysis. An LRS permits users to share information maintained by different data providers across different data layers. An LRS is not created by the geographic information system (GIS), but is actually replicated to model what is in the field. All linear data (traffic volumes, pavement types, speed limit zones, etc.) and point data (crashes, signs, etc.) collection efforts need only specify the location or endpoint locations in terms of the LRS components.

Link Node System (not recommended)

Note: States with no system or a link node system should plan to develop or upgrade to a linear referencing system or one that documents latitude/longitude coordinates.

Rationale:

Critical for problem identification, prevention programs, engineering evaluations mapping, and linkage purposes.

C6. First Harmful Event

Definition:

The first injury or damage-producing event that characterizes the crash type.

Attributes:

Non-Collision

• Overturn / Rollover
• Fire / Explosion
• Immersion
• Jackknife
• Cargo/Equipment Loss or Shift
• Fell/Jumped From Motor Vehicle
• Thrown or Falling Object
• Other Non-Collision

Collision with Person, Motor Vehicle, or Non-Fixed Object

• Pedestrian
• Pedalcycle
• Railway Vehicle (train, engine)
• Animal
• Motor Vehicle in Transport
• Parked Motor Vehicle
• Struck by Falling/Shifting Cargo or Anything Set in Motion by a Motor Vehicle
• Work Zone / Maintenance Equipment
• Other Non-Fixed Object

Collision with Fixed Object

• Impact Attenuator / Crash Cushion
• Bridge Overhead Structure
• Bridge Pier or Support
• Bridge Rail
• Cable Barrier
• Culvert
• Curb
• Ditch
• Embankment
• Guardrail Face
• Guardrail End
• Concrete Traffic Barrier
• Other Traffic Barrier
• Tree (standing)
• Utility Pole / Light Support
• Traffic Sign Support
• Traffic Signal Support
• Other Post, Pole, or Support
• Fence
• Mailbox
• Other Fixed Object (wall, building, tunnel, etc.)
• Unknown

Rationale:

Needed for uniformity in reported motor vehicle crash statistics, understanding crash causation, and identifying possible crash avoidance countermeasures. For analytic purposes it may be desirable to collect and use information about subsequent events, some of which may be harmful. (See Sequence of Events V20)

Overturn / Rollover - a motor vehicle that has overturned at least 90 degrees to its side.

Fire / Explosion - a fire / explosion that was the cause or result of the crash.

Fire/ Explosion as a First Harmful Event would only occur as the first injury or damage producing event of the crash.

Jackknife - an uncontrolled articulation between a tractor and trailer(s) that occurs at any time during the crash sequence.

Jackknife as a First Harmful Event would only occur as the first injury or damage producing event of the crash.

Pedalcycle - Includes bicycle, tricycle, unicycle, pedal car, etc.

Pedalcycle (from ANSI D16): Nonmotorized vehicle propelled by pedaling.

Parked Motor Vehicle - A parked motor vehicle is a motor vehicle not in-transport, other than a working motor vehicle, that is not in motion and not located on the roadway.

In roadway lanes used for travel during some periods and for parking during other periods, a parked motor vehicle should be considered to be in-transport during periods when parking is forbidden.

Any stopped motor vehicle where the entirety of the vehicles primary outline as defined by the four sides of the vehicle (e.g., tires, bumpers, fenders) and load, if any, is not within the roadway is parked.

Work Zone / Maintenance Equipment - Equipment related to the work zone or roadway maintenance.

Clarification:
Crashes can be Work Zone Related (C18) if the first harmful event occurred outside the boundaries of the Work Zone, but the Work Zone or Equipment Related were involved in the sequence of events.

C7. Location of First Harmful Event Relative to the Trafficway

Definition:

The location of the First Harmful Event as it relates to its position within or outside the trafficway.

Clarification from State Police Instruction Manual:

The final resting place of the vehicle(s) is NOT a determining factor.

Element Attributes

• On Roadway
• Shoulder
• Median
• Roadside
• Gore
• Separator
• In Parking Lane or Zone
• Off Roadway, Location Unknown
• Outside Right-of-Way (trafficway)
• Unknown

Rationale:

Important to identify highway geometric deficiencies.

On Roadway - That part of the trafficway designed, improved, and ordinarily used for motor vehicle travel or, where various classes of motor vehicles are segregated, that part of a trafficway used by a particular class. Separate roadways may be provided for northbound and southbound traffic or for trucks and automobiles. Bridle paths, bicycle paths, and shoulders are not included in this definition.

C8. Manner of Crash / Collision Impact

Definition:

The identification of the manner in which two motor vehicles in transport initially came together without regard to the direction of force. This data element refers only to crashes where the first harmful event involves a collision between two motor vehicles in transport.

Element Attributes

• Front to Rear
• Front to Front
• Angle
• Sideswipe-Same Direction
• Sideswipe-Opposite Direction
• Rear to Side
• Rear to Rear
• Other
• Unknown

Rationale:

Important for evaluation of occupant injuries and structural defects. This data element can be used in conjunction with Motor Vehicle Maneuver/Action (V18) to describe the crash.

Front to Rear - The front end of one vehicle collides with the back of another vehicle, while the two vehicles are traveling in the same direction.

Front to Rear - INCLUDES Example Below

Front to Rear - EXCLUDES Example Below (This would be Rear to Side)

Front to Front: The front end of one vehicle collides with the front end of another vehicle, while the two vehicles are traveling in opposite directions.

Sideswipe Same Direction: Two vehicles traveling in the same direction impact one another where the initial engagement does not overlap the corner of either vehicle so that there is no significant involvement of the front or rear surface areas. The impact then swipes along the surface of the vehicle parallel to the direction of travel.

(Sideswipe Same Direction from FARS Coding Manual): is used when the initial engagement does not overlap the corner of either vehicle so that there is no significant involvement of the front or rear surface areas. There is no pocketing of the impact in the suspension areas as the impact swipes along the surface of the vehicle parallel to the direction of travel. There is a low retardation of force along the surface of the vehicle. This must be true for both vehicles involved in the collision.

Sideswipe Opposite Direction: Two vehicles traveling in the opposite direction impact one another where the initial engagement does not overlap the corner of either vehicle so that there is no significant involvement of the front or rear surface areas. The impact then swipes along the surface of the vehicle parallel to the direction of travel..

(Sideswipe Opposite Direction from FARS Coding Manual): is used when the initial engagement does not overlap the corner of either vehicle so that there is no significant involvement of the front or rear surface areas. There is no pocketing of the impact in the suspension areas as the impact swipes along the surface of the vehicle parallel to the direction of travel. There is a low retardation of force along the surface of the vehicle. This must be true for both vehicles involved in the collision.

Rear to Side: The rear of a vehicle, and not the front, makes contact with the side of another. This can happen when a vehicle backs up into the side of another vehicle.

Rear to Rear: The rear of a vehicle makes contact with the 'rearof another. This can happen when two vehicles are backing up.

This impact type could occur as in the first example below where the car loses control and spins 180 degrees impacting the rear of the truck.

Another possible scenario would be two vehicles backing from roadside parking and impacting rear-to-rear.

C9. Source of Information

Definition:

Affiliation of the person completing the crash report.

Element Attributes

Subfield 1 - Source of Information:

• Law Enforcement Agency Identifier
• Motorist

Note: The Law Enforcement Reporting Agency Identifier is a unique identifier for the law enforcement agency that provided information on the crash report.

Rationale:

Important for quality control and identification purposes. The law enforcement reporting agency identifier is critical to report SAFETYNET crashes.

C10: Weather Conditions

Definition:

The prevailing atmospheric conditions that existed at the time of the crash.

(From State Police Instruction Manuals): This element should be coded without regard to whether or not weather conditions contributed to the cause of the accident.

Element Attributes

This element is divided into Subfield 1 and Subfield 2. They share the same attributes for recording up to two applicable weather conditions.

Subfield 1 Weather Conditions:

1. Clear
2. Cloudy
3. Fog, Smog, Smoke
4. Rain
5. Sleet, Hail (freezing rain or drizzle)

Subfield 2 Weather Conditions:

1. Snow
2. Blowing Snow
3. Severe Crosswinds
4. Blowing Sand, Soil, Dirt
5. Other
6. Unknown

(From State Police Instruction Manuals): if the code "Other" is used it is recommended that it be explained in the narrative.

Rationale:

Important for management/administration and evaluation. Critical for prevention programs and engineering evaluations.

C11: Light Conditions

Definition:

The type/level of light that existed at the time of the motor vehicle crash.

Element Attributes

• Daylight
• Dawn
• Dusk
• Dark Lighted
• Dark Not Lighted
• Dark Unknown Lighting
• Other
• Unknown

(From State Police Instruction Manuals): if the code "Other" is used it is recommended that it be explained in the narrative.

Rationale:

Important for management/administration and evaluation. Critical for prevention programs and engineering evaluations.

C12: Roadway Surface Conditions

Definition:

The roadway surface condition at the time and place of a crash.

(From a State Police Instruction Manual): The intent of this data element is to best describe the condition of the roadway at the crash scene. It should be coded WITHOUT regard to whether or not road surface conditions contributed to causing the crash.

Element Attributes

• Dry
• Wet
• Snow
• Slush
• Ice/Frost
• Water (standing, moving)
• Sand
• Mud, Dirt, Gravel
• Oil
• Other
• Unknown

(From a State Police Instruction Manual): if the code "Other" is used it is recommended that it be explained in the narrative.

Note that the attributes recorded in Roadway Surface Condition in most cases should work in conjunction with Weather Conditions (C10) to describe the crash environment.

Rationale:

Important to identify and correct high wet-surface crash locations and provide information for setting coefficient of pavement friction standards. Critical for prevention programs and engineering evaluations.

C13: Contributing Circumstances, Environment

Definition:

Apparent environmental conditions which may have contributed to the crash.

Element Attributes

This element is divided into Subfield 1, Subfield 2, and Subfield 3. Each have the same attributes for recording up to 3 applicable environment contributing circumstances.

Environment Circumstances:

• None
• Weather Conditions
• Physical Obstruction(s)
• Glare
• Animal(s) in Roadway
• Other
• Unknown

Rationale:

Important to determine existence of unusual conditions that could be useful in determining the need for additional traffic control devices or geometric improvements. (Pedestrians and pedalcyclists are covered in traffic units.)

C14: Contributing Circumstances, Road

Definition:

Apparent condition of the road which may have contributed to the crash.

Element Attributes:

This element is divided into Subfield 1, Subfield 2, and Subfield 3. Each have the same attributes for recording up to 3 applicable roadway contributing circumstances.

Road Circumstances:

• None
• Road Surface Condition (wet, icy, snow, slush, etc.)
• Debris
• Rut, Holes, Bumps
• Work Zone (construction / maintenance / utility)
• Worn, Travel-Polished Surface
• Obstruction in Roadway
• Traffic Control Device Inoperative, Missing or Obscured
• Shoulders (none, low, soft, high)
• Non-Highway Work
• Other
• Unknown

Rationale:

Important to determine highway maintenance and possible engineering needs.

C15: Relation to Junction

Definition:

The location of the First Harmful Event in relation to a junction.

Element Attributes

Attributes: Subfield 1:

• Non-Junction
• Intersection
• Intersection-Related
• Entrance / Exit Ramp
• Railway Grade Crossing
• Crossover-Related
• Driveway Access Related
• Shared-Use Path or Trail
• Acceleration / Deceleration Lane
• Through Roadway
• Other location not listed above within an interchange area (median, shoulder, and roadside)
• Unknown

Subfield 2:

Within Interchange Area:

• No
• Yes
• Unknown

Rationale:

Important for site-specific safety studies to identify locations with actual or potential problems.

Intersection - An area which 1) contains a crossing or connection of two or more roadways not classified as driveway access and 2) is embraced within the prolongation of the lateral curb lines, or if none, the lateral boundary lines of the roadways. Where the distance along a roadway between two areas meeting these criteria is less than 10m (33ft.), the two areas and the roadway connecting them are considered to be parts of a single intersection.

Intersection-Related - A traffic accident in which the first harmful event (1) occurs on an approach to or exit from an intersection and (2) results from an activity, behavior or control related to the movement of traffic units through the intersection.

Driveway Access-Related – A traffic accident that (l) occurs adjacent to a driveway*, (2) is not a driveway access accident, and (3) results from an activity, behavior, or control related to the movement of traffic units onto or out of a driveway.

*Note - Driveway – A driveway is a private way which provides vehicular access to the public from a trafficway to property, parking, or loading areas outside the boundaries of the trafficway, but is considered to be not open to the public for transportation purposes as a trafficway. A driveway is outside the trafficway and is typically not provided an official identification name or number.

Shared-Use Path or Trail - A bikeway physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier and either within the highway right of way or an independent right of way. Shared use paths will also be used by pedestrians, skaters, wheelchairs, joggers and other non-motorized users.

Crashes which occur within the shaded areas of the diagram are Interchange Crashes.

Interchange – a system of interconnecting roadways in conjunction with one or more grade separations, providing for the movement of traffic between two or more roadway on different levels.

C16: Type of Intersection

Definition:

An intersection consists of two or more roadways that intersect at the same level.

Type of Intersection is used to record and allow separation of various intersection types such as; four-way and t-type intersections.

Intersection - An area which 1) contains a crossing or connection of two or more roadways not classified as driveway access and 2) is embraced within the prolongation of the lateral curb lines, or if none, the lateral boundary lines of the roadways. Where the distance along a roadway between two areas meeting these criteria is less than 10m (33ft.), the two areas and the roadway connecting them are considered to be parts of a single intersection.

Element Attributes

• Not an Intersection
• Four-Way Intersection
• T-Intersection
• Y-Intersection
• Traffic Circle
• Roundabout
• Five-Point, or More

Rationale:

Important for site-specific safety studies to identify actual or potential safety problem locations.

C17: School Bus-Related

Definition:

Indicates if a school bus or motor vehicle functioning as a school bus for a school-related purpose is involved in the crash. The school bus, with or without a passenger on board, must be directly involved as a contact motor vehicle or indirectly involved as a non-contact motor vehicle (children struck when boarding or alighting from the school bus, two vehicles colliding as a result of the stopped school bus, etc.)

Element Attributes

• No
• Yes, School Bus Directly Involved
• Yes, School Bus Indirectly Involved

Rationale:

Important in determining where and how school children are at the greatest risk of injury when being transported by school bus and the extent to which school bus operations affect overall traffic safety.

C18: Work Zone - Related

Definition:

A crash that occurs in or related to a construction, maintenance, or utility work zone, whether or not workers were actually present at the time of the crash. 'Work zone-related' crashes may also include those involving motor vehicles slowed or stopped because of the work zone, even if the first harmful event occurred before the first warning sign.

Element Attributes:

Subfield 1 - Was there a crash in or near a construction, maintenance or utility work zone?

• Yes (complete Subfields 2-5)
• No
• Unknown

Subfield 2 - Location of the Crash:

• Before the First Work Zone Warning Sign
• Advance Warning Area
• Transition Area
• Activity Area
• Termination Area

Subfield 3 - Type of Work Zone:

• Lane Closure
• Lane Shift / Crossover
• Work on Shoulder orMedian
• Intermittent or Moving Work
• Other

Subfield 4 - Workers Present:

• Yes
• No
• Unknown

Subfield 5 - Law Enforcement Present:

• No
• Officer Present
• Law Enforcement Vehicle Only Present

Rationale:

Important to assess the impact on traffic safety of various types of on-highway work activity, to evaluate Traffic Control Plans used at work zones, and to make adjustments to the Traffic Control Plans for the safety of workers and the traveling public. This data element needs to be collected at the scene because work zones are relatively short term or moving operations that are not recorded in permanent road inventory files.

V1: Vehicle Identification Number

Definition:

A unique combination of alphanumeric or numeric characters assigned to a specific motor vehicle that is designated by the manufacturer.

Element Attributes:

Motor Vehicle Identification Number

Manufacturer assigned number (permanently affixed to the motor vehicle).

(From State Police Instruction Manuals): Enter the VIN from the vehicle, usually available from the driver's side dashboard near the windshield. The VIN should have 17 alphanumeric characters for vehicles manufactured after 1980. Do NOT copy the VIN from the vehicle registration; typographical errors may exist, or the plates may be on the wrong vehicle.

Rationale:

Important to identify specific motor vehicle design characteristics and occupant protection systems for effectiveness evaluations.

Common VIN Locations

V2: Motor Vehicle Type

Definition:

Motor vehicle unit type and number assigned to uniquely identify each motor vehicle involved in the crash. This number is not assigned to pedestrians or bicyclists. (See Non-Motorist Number (P21).)

Element Attributes

Subfield 1 - Type:

• Motor Vehicle In Transport
• Parked Motor Vehicle
• Working Vehicle / Equipment

Subfield 2 - Number:

• Sequential number

Rationale:

Uniquely identifies each motor vehicle unit involved in the crash. Permits occupants to be assigned to the appropriate motor vehicle.

Parked Motor Vehicle - A parked motor vehicle is a motor vehicle not in-transport, other than a working motor vehicle, that is not in motion and not located on the roadway. In roadway lanes used for travel during some periods and for parking during other periods, a parked motor vehicle should be considered to be in-transport during periods when parking is forbidden. Any stopped motor vehicle where the entirety of the vehicle’s primary outline as defined by the four sides of the vehicle (e.g., tires, bumpers, fenders) and load, if any, is not within the roadway is parked.

Parked Motor Vehicle (from a State Police Instruction Manual) - a transport motor vehicle outside the area designated as the roadway and not moving. If any portion of the motor vehicle is on a roadway it is not parked.

Working Vehicle / Equipment - A motor vehicle in the act of performing construction, maintenance, or utility work related to the trafficway. This “work” may be located within open or closed portions of the trafficway and motor vehicles performing these activities can be within or outside of the trafficway boundaries.

Motor Vehicle Used as Equipment (from a State Police Instruction Manual) - an example is a snowplow plowing snow or salting/sanding highways. Others are gravel trucks while dumping their load, pavement packers while packing, etc. When these motor vehicles are not being used as equipment and are being used only as transport vehicles moving persons and property from one place to another, they are "motor vehicles in transport".

V3. Motor Vehicle Registration State and Year

Definition:

The state, commonwealth, territory, Indian Nation, U.S. Government, foreign country, etc., issuing the registration plate and the year of registration as indicated on the registration plate displayed on the motor vehicle. For foreign countries, MMUCC requires only the name of the country. Border states may want to collect the name of individual Canadian provinces or Mexican states.

Element Attribute

Motor Vehicle Registration State and Year:

1. State Identifier (State, foreign country, U.S. Government, Indian Nation, etc. See Appendix G.)
2. Year of Motor Vehicle Registration (YYYY)

Rationale:

This element is critical in providing linkage between the crash and motor vehicle registration files to access the motor vehicle identification number.

V4: Motor Vehicle License Plate Number

Definition:

The alphanumeric identifier or other characters, exactly as displayed, on the registration plate or tag affixed to the motor vehicle. For combination trucks, motor vehicle plate number is obtained from the power unit or tractor.

Element Attribute

Motor Vehicle License Plate Number

Alphanumeric Identifier (Assigned by the state, foreign country, U.S. Government, or Indian Nation)

Rationale:

Critical for linkage between the crash and motor vehicle registration files.

V5. Motor Vehicle Make

Definition:

The distinctive (coded) name applied to a group of motor vehicles by a manufacturer.

Element Attributes

Name

Assigned by motor vehicle manufacturer.
See Appendix M for current National Crime Information Center (NCIC) standard.

Rationale:

Important for use in identifying motor vehicle make, for evaluation, research and crash comparison purposes.

V6: Motor Vehicle Model Year

Definition:

The year which is assigned to a motor vehicle by the manufacturer.

Element Attributes

Model Year

YYYY as assigned by motor vehicle manufacturer.
(obtain from the vehicle registration)

Rationale:

Important for use in identifying motor vehicle model year for evaluation, research, and crash comparison purposes.

V7. Motor Vehicle Model

Definition:

The manufacturer-assigned code denoting a family of motor vehicles (within a make) that have a degree of similarity in construction, such as body, chassis, etc.

Element Attributes

Code for model

Assigned by motor vehicle manufacturer
(obtain from the vehicle registration)

Rationale:

Important for use in identifying the motor vehicle model for evaluation, research, and crash comparison purposes.

V8: Motor Vehicle Body Type Category

Definition:

The category indicating the general configuration or shape of a motor vehicle distinguished by characteristics such as number of doors, rows of seats, windows, or roof line.

Element Attributes

• Passenger Car
• (Sport) Utility Vehicle
• Passenger Van
• Cargo Van (10,000 lbs. Or less)
• Pickup
• Motor Home
• School Bus
• Transit Bus
• Motor Coach
• Other Bus
• Motorcycle
• Moped
• Low Speed Vehicle
• All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
• Snowmobile
• Other Light Trucks (10,000 lbs. Or less)
• Medium/Heavy Trucks (more than 10,000 lbs.)
• Other (e.g., farm equipment, heavy machinery)

Rationale:

Important to identify the specific type of motor vehicle involved in the crash for evaluation and comparison purposes.

Passenger Car/Vehicle - Motor vehicles used primarily for carrying passengers.

Automobile (from ANSI D-16.1) - An automobile is a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, utility vehicle or low speed vehicle consisting of a transport device typically designed for carrying eight or fewer persons. Automobiles may be classified by size or weight, or both. Size classification is based on wheelbase. Weight classification is based on curb weight, the weight of an automobile with standard equipment and a full complement of fuel and other fluids, but with no load of persons or property. Before classification, wheelbase should be rounded to the nearest inch and curb weight should be rounded to the nearest 100 pounds.

Passenger Car Body Types (from FARS Coding Manual):

• Convertible (excludes sun-roof, t-bar)
• 2-door sedan, hardtop, coupe
• 3-door/2-door hatchback
• 4-door sedan, hardtop
• 5-door/4-door hatchback
• Station wagon (excluding van and truck based)

Automobile Derivatives:

• Auto-based pickup (includes El Camino, Caballero, Ranchero, Chevrolet - SSR; Subaru - Brat, Baha; Volkswagen - Rabbit Pickup)
• Auto-based panel (cargo station wagon, auto-based ambulance or hearse)
• Large limousine - more than four side doors or stretch chasis
• Three-wheel automobile or automobile derivative

Sport Utility Vehicle any utility vehicle other than a pickup body style.

(Sport) Utility Vehicle (from ANSI D-16.1): - A utility vehicle is a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle or large bus consisting primarily of a transport device designed for carrying persons, and generally considered a multi-purpose vehicle that is designed to have off-road capabilities. These vehicles are generally four-wheel-drive (4 x 4) and have increased ground clearance. A utility vehicle typically has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less. Utility vehicles with wheelbases greater than 88 inches are classified by overall width. The wheelbase and overall width should be rounded to the nearest inch.

Sport Utility Vehicle Examples:

• Small: GMC Jimmy
• Midsize: Jeep Cherokee
• Full Size: Chevy Suburban
• Large: Hummer

Passenger Van a van body style that is configured to carry people.

Clarification: Van (from ANSI D-16.1): A van is a motor vehicle consisting primarily of a transport device which has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less and is basically a “box on wheels” that is identifiable by its enclosed passenger and/or cargo area, step-up floor, and relatively short (or non-existent) hood. Vans are classified by size based on frame type and overall vehicle body width. Before classification, vehicle width should be rounded to the nearest inch.

Clarification: Passenger Van (from ANSI D-16.1): A passenger van is any van where the area behind the driver or cab is designed for carrying passengers.

Passenger Van Used as School Bus

Diagram of express seating configuration

Cargo Van (10, 000 lbs. or less) – A cargo van is any van where the area behind the driver or cab is designed for transporting cargo or operated for general commercial use.

Important Note - Vans with a GVWR greater than 10,000 lbs. would be classified as Medium/Heavy Trucks (see attribute list).

The actual GVWR of the vehicle in the photo is between 16,000 – 19,000 lbs. This will be picked up under Cargo Body Type as Van/Enclosed Box.

Pickups - any utility vehicle identifiable by a body style consisting of an open cargo area bed behind the cab.

Utility Vehicle (from ANSI D-16.1): - A utility vehicle is a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle or large bus consisting primarily of a transport device designed for carrying persons, and generally considered a multi-purpose vehicle that is designed to have off-road capabilities. These vehicles are generally four-wheel-drive (4 x 4) and have increased ground clearance. A utility vehicle typically has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less. Utility vehicles with wheelbases greater than 88 inches are classified by overall width. The wheelbase and overall width should be rounded to the nearest inch.

Pickup - Examples:

• Small: Chevy S-10
• Midsize: Nissan Frontier
• Full Size: Ford F350
• Large: Ford F450 Super Duty

Motor Home A van where a frame-mounted recreational unit is added behind the driver or cab area or mounted on a bus/truck chassis that is suitable to live in and drive across the country.

Transit Bus a bus body type designed for public transportation typically within a city.

Motor Coach bus designed to travel long distances between cities.

Bus (as related to FMCSA Elements see: Vehicle Configuration, Cargo Body Type) a motor vehicle consisting primarily of a transport device designed for carrying more than eight persons per the regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Other Bus - a vehicle designed/converted to carry eight or more people with a body type other than that of a school bus, motor coach, or transit bus. Includes vehicles such as: Vans specially configured as bus body type such as; Cab-chassis seating greater than 8 people, specially configured buses (tour buses).

Motorcycle - A two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle designed to transport one or two people. Included are motor scooters, mini-bikes, and mopeds.

Moped (from ANSI D-16.1) a speed-limited motor-driven cycle (motorcycle) which may be propelled by pedaling.

Low Speed Vehicle – A low speed vehicle (LSV) is a motor vehicle with four or more wheels whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per hour, but not greater than 25 miles per hour. LSVs are required to be equipped with basic items of safety equipment: headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, tail lamps, reflex reflectors, parking brake, windshields of either type AS-1 or type AS-5 glazing, rearview mirrors, seat belts and vehicle identification numbers (VINs).

Low Speed Vehicle (from NHTSA) - a vehicle having a top speed of 20 to 25 mph. Any golf cart or other four-wheeled motorized vehicle with a top speed in that range qualifies for the class.

Excluded from Low Speed Vehicle are Pedestrian Conveyances (See P3 Person Type) such as: motorized wheelchairs, motorized skateboards, motorized handicapped scooters, and personal devices such as the Segway.

All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)

Snowmobile

Medium/Heavy Trucks - trucks greater than 10,000 lbs.

(GVWR of the Single Unit Truck and the Power Unit of Single Unit Truck pulling a trailer (Truck/Trailer)

Other would apply to body styles that do not fit any of the other attributes such as; farm equipment or heavy machinery.

V9. Total Occupants in Motor Vehicle

Definition:

The total number of injured and uninjured occupants in this motor vehicle involved in the crash, including persons in or on the motor vehicle at the time of the crash.

Element Attribute:

Total number of injured and uninjured occupants including the driver.

Rationale:

Important for the officer at the scene to indicate how many people (injured and uninjured) are involved for reporting purposes. Useful for evaluating the effectiveness of countermeasures that prevent or reduce injury and injury severity.

V10. Special Function of Motor Vehicle in Transport

Definition:

The type of special function being served by this vehicle regardless of whether the function is marked on the vehicle.

Element Attributes:

• No Special Function
• Taxi
• Vehicle Used as School Bus
• Vehicle Used as Other Bus
• Military
• Police
• Ambulance
• Fire Truck
• Unknown

Rationale:

Important to evaluate the outcome of vehicles used for special uses that are involved in crashes.

V11. Emergency Motor Vehicle Use

Definition:

Indicates operation of any motor vehicle that is legally authorized by a government authority to respond to emergencies with or without the use of emergency warning equipment, such as a police vehicle, fire truck, or ambulance while actually engaged in such response.

Select “Yes” only if the motor vehicle involved in the crash was on an emergency response, regardless of whether the emergency warning equipment was in use.

Element Attributes

No

Is used if the motor vehicle was not on an emergency response.

Yes

Is used if the motor vehicle was on an emergency response, regardless of whether the emergency equipment was actuated.

Unknown

Is used if it cannot be determined that the vehicle was responding to an emergency at the time of the accident.

Rationale:

Driver behavior related to emergency vehicle response is an emerging national issue. This is true for both operators of emergency vehicles and operators of vehicles in the vicinity of an emergency vehicle engaged in a response. It is the intent of this element to gather information that will guide development of training or other countermeasures to reduce the number of crashes involving emergency vehicle response.

V12: Motor Vehicle Posted/Statutory Speed Limit

Definition:

The posted/statutory speed limit for the motor vehicle at the time of the crash. The authorization may be indicated by the posted speed limit, blinking sign at construction zones, etc.

Element Attributes

• Posted/Statutory Value (miles per hour)
• Not Applicable
• Unknown

Rationale:

Important for evaluation purposes (even though the speed of the motor vehicle at the time of the crash may differ significantly from the authorized speed limit).

Not Applicable (From State Police Instruction Manuals):

This attribute applies only when there is no posted speed limit and no law that governs the maximum speed that you can drive. (e.g. Dirt Roads, Private roads open to the public)

This is not used for roadways with a posted advisory speed where the statutory limit is in effect but not posted. (e.g. Interchange Ramps)

V13: Direction of Travel Before Crash

Definition:

The direction of a motor vehicle’s travel on the roadway before the crash. Notice that this is not a compass direction, but a direction consistent with the designated direction of the road. For example, the direction of a state designated North-South highway must be either Northbound or Southbound even though a motor vehicle may have been traveling due east as a result of a short segment of the highway having an East-West orientation.

Element Attributes

• Northbound
• Southbound
• Eastbound
• Westbound
• Not on Roadway
• Unknown

Rationale:

Important to indicate direction the motor vehicle was traveling before the crash for evaluation purposes.

(From a State Police Instruction Manual): When a collision occurs while a vehicle is making a turn at an intersection and the location of the collision is within the intersection, the direction of travel is the direction of the vehicle prior to the turning movement. In the example, V#1 is making a left hand turn in a westerly direction but would be recorded as NORTHBOUND. V#2 would be recorded as EASTBOUND.

In the example, U.S. 99 is designated a North-South highway. Although the motor vehicles were traveling due east/west as a result of a short segment of the highway having an East-West orientation and they had the collision in that portion of the highway, the proper recording of direction of travel would be NORTHBOUND for V#1 and SOUTHBOUND for V#2 .

In the example, Interstate 95 is a designated N/S route and U.S. 10 is E/W. Vehicle (1) strikes vehicle (2) on the ramp from I-95 to Eastbound U.S 10. Although both intended to go Eastbound on U.S. 10, the Direction of Travel for vehicles on ramps and connector roads should be determined by assuming that the route direction of the parent highway is the true direction. Thus, both would be recorded as Northbound on U.S. 95.

V14: Trafficway Description

Definition:

Indication of whether or not the trafficway for this vehicle is divided and whether it serves one-way or two-way traffic. (A divided trafficway is one on which roadways for travel in opposite directions are physically separated by a median.)

Element Attributes

• Two-Way, Not Divided
• Two-Way, Not Divided, with a Continuous Left Turn Lane
• Two-Way, Divided, Unprotected (painted > 4 feet) Median
• Two-Way, Divided, Positive Median Barrier
• One-Way Trafficway
• Unknown

Rationale:

Used in classifying crashes as well as identifying the environment of a particular crash. Note that the data must be in a road inventory file or collected by the reporting officer at the scene. It is not readily derived from other road data such as classification or route. Important to guide future trafficway design and traffic control.

Two-Way, Not Divided

Two-Way, Not Divided w/ a Continuous Left Turn Lane

Two-Way, Divided, Unprotected (painted > 4ft.) Median

Two-Way, Divided, Positive Median Barrier

V15. Total Lanes in Roadway

Definition:

Total number of lanes in the roadway on which this motor vehicle was traveling.

Element Attributes:

For undivided highways:

Enter the total through lanes in both directions, excluding designated turn lanes.

For divided highways:

Enter the total through lanes for the roadway on which the motor vehicle under consideration was traveling. See Appendix E for diagram of the trafficway.

Rationale:

Used in studying roadway safety issues as well as identifying the environment of a particular crash.

V16: Roadway Alignment and Grade

Definition:

The geometric or layout and inclination characteristics of the roadway in the direction of travel for this vehicle.

Element Attributes

Subfield 1 - Horizontal Alignment:

• Straight
• Curve Left
• Curve Right

Subfield 2 - Grade:

• Level
• Hillcrest
• Uphill
• Downhill
• Sag (bottom)

Rationale:

Important to document the horizontal alignment and grade of the roadway as it relates to this specific vehicle involved in the crash for the purpose of evaluating vehicles that run-off-road, rollover, or are runaways.

Attribute Diagram

V27: Gross Vehicle Weight / Gross Combination Weight

Definition:

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the amount recommended by the manufacturer as the upper limit to the operational weight for a motor vehicle and any cargo (human or other) to be carried.

The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the sum of all GVWRs for each unit in a combination-unit motor vehicle. Thus, for single-unit trucks there is no difference between the GVWR and the GCWR. For combination trucks (truck tractors pulling a single semi-trailer, truck tractors pulling double or triple trailers, trucks pulling trailers, and trucks pulling other motor vehicles) the GCWR is the total of the GVWRs of all units in the combination. (See Example).

(From a State Police Instruction Manual): GVWR and GCWR are manufacturer designated weight ratings, not the loaded weights from the bill of lading or the scaled weight of the vehicle.

(See ANSI'D16, 7th Edition for additional definitions)

Element Attributes:

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the power unit of a combination-unit truck or a single-unit straight truck:
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the power unit and towed units of a combination-unit truck:

• Not Applicable
• 10,000 lbs. or less
• 10,001 - 26,000 lbs.
• More than 26,000 lbs.

Rationale:

(**Required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration CFR 350.201.) The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes certain regulations on all single or combination-unit trucks that have a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of more than 10,000 lbs. Additional regulations are imposed on all motor vehicles with GCWRs of more than 26,000 lbs. This data element is collected at the scene because FMCSA requires reporting within 90 days.

V17. Traffic Control Device Type

Definition:

The type of traffic control device (TCD) applicable to this motor vehicle at the crash location.

Element Attributes:

Subfield 1 - Type TCD:

• No Controls
• Person (including flagger, law enforcement, crossing guard, etc.)
• Traffic Control Signal
• Flashing Traffic Control Signal
• School Zone Sign/Device
• Stop Sign
• Yield Sign
• Warning Sign
• Railway Crossing Device
• Other
• Unknown

Subfield 2 - Inoperative/Missing?

• Yes
• No
• Unknown

Rationale:

This element needs to be collected at the scene because the presence of specific devices is better verified at the time of the crash. It is also important for ascertaining the relationship between the use of various traffic control devices (TCD) and crashes and identifying the need for upgraded TCDs at specific crash locations.

V18. Motor Vehicle Maneuver/Action

Definition:

The controlled maneuver for this motor vehicle prior to the beginning of the sequence of events.

Element Attributes:

• Movements Essentially Straight Ahead
• Backing
• Changing Lanes
• Overtaking/Passing
• Turning Right
• Turning Left
• Making U-Turn
• Leaving Traffic Lane
• Entering Traffic Lane
• Slowing
• Negotiating a Curve
• Parked
• Stopped in Traffic
• Other
• Unknown

Rationale:

Important for evaluation purposes, particularly when combined with sequence of events.

V19. Area(s) of Impact

Definition:

The area of the motor vehicle that received the initial impact and the area that was most damaged in a crash.

Element Attributes:

Subfield 1 - Area of Initial Impact:

• Non-Collision
• 12-point Clock Diagram (Appendix J)
• Top (roof)
• Undercarriage
• Unknown

Subfield 2 - Most Damaged Area:

See attributes in Subfield 1

Rationale:

Important for use in evaluating injury severity in relation to motor vehicle impact and crash severity.

V20. Sequence of Events

Definition:

The events in sequence related to this motor vehicle, including both non-
collision as well as collision events. For examples, refer to Appendix L.

Element Attributes:

Subfield 1 - First Event

Non-Collision:

• Overturn/Rollover
• Fire/Explosion
• Immersion
• Jackknife
• Cargo/Equipment Loss or Shift
• Equipment Failure (blown tire, brake failure, etc.)
• Separation of Units
• Ran Off Roadway Right
• Ran Off Roadway Left
• Cross Median
• Cross Centerline
• Downhill Runaway
• Fell/Jumped From Motor Vehicle
• Reentering Roadway
• Thrown or Falling Object
• Other Non-Collision

Collision With Person, Motor Vehicle, or Non-Fixed Object:

• Pedestrian
• Pedalcycle
• Railway Vehicle (train, engine)
• Animal
• Motor Vehicle In Transport
• Parked Motor Vehicle
• Struck By Falling, Shifting Cargo or Anything Set in Motion By Motor Vehicle
• Work Zone/Maintenance Equipment
• Other Non-Fixed Object

Collision With Fixed Object:

• Impact Attenuator/Crash Cushion
• Bridge Overhead Structure
• Bridge Pier or Support
• Bridge Rail
• Cable Barrier
• Culvert
• Curb
• Ditch
• Embankment
• Guardrail Face
• Guardrail End
• Concrete Traffic Barrier
• Other Traffic Barrier
• Tree (standing)
• Utility Pole/Light Support
• Traffic Sign Support
• Traffic Signal Support
• Other Post, Pole, or Support
• Fence
• Mailbox
• Other Fixed Object (wall, building, tunnel, etc.)
• Unknown

Subfield 2 - Second Event

See attributes in Subfield 1

Subfield 3 - Third Event

See attributes in Subfield 1

Subfield 4 - Fourth Event

See attributes in Subfield 1

Rationale:

Important for use in conjunction with most harmful event and motor vehicle maneuver to generate complete information about the crash.

V21. Most Harmful Event for this Motor Vehicle

Definition:

Event that resulted in the most severe injury or, if no injury, the greatest property damage involving this motor vehicle.

Element Attributes:

Non-Collision:

• Overturn/Rollover
• Fire/Explosion
• Immersion
• Jackknife
• Cargo/Equipment Loss or Shift
• Fell/Jumped From Motor Vehicle
• Thrown or Falling Object
• Other Non-Collision

Collision With Person, Motor Vehicle, or Non-Fixed Object:

• Pedestrian
• Pedalcycle
• Railway Vehicle (train, engine)
• Animal
• Motor Vehicle in Transport
• Parked Motor Vehicle
• Struck by Falling, Shifting Cargo or Anything Set in Motion by Motor Vehicle
• Work Zone / Maintenance Equipment
• Other Non-Fixed Object

Collision With Fixed Object:

• Impact Attenuator/Crash Cushion
• Bridge Overhead Structure
• Bridge Pier or Support
• Bridge Rail
• Cable Barrier
• Culvert
• Curb
• Ditch
• Embankment
• Guardrail Face
• Guardrail End
• Concrete Traffic Barrier
• Other Traffic Barrier
• Tree (standing)
• Utility Pole/Light Support
• Traffic Sign Support
• Traffic Signal Support
• Fence
• Mailbox
• Other Post, Pole, or Support
• Other Fixed Object (wall, building, tunnel, etc.)

Unknown

Rationale:

Important for use in conjunction with the Sequence of Events (V20) to generate complete information about the crash.

V22. Bus Use

Definition:

This element describes the common type of bus service this vehicle was being used as at the time of the crash. Buses are any motor vehicle with seats to transport nine (9) or more people, including the driver’s seat. This element does not include vans which are owned and operated for personal use. Refer to the Glossary for attribute definitions.

Element Attributes:

• Not a Bus
• School
• Transit/Commuter
• Intercity
• Charter/Tour
• Shuttle

Rationale:

This data element provides additional information to evaluate the outcome of motor vehicles used as buses that are involved in crashes.

V23. Hit and Run

Definition:

Refers to cases where the vehicle, or the driver of the vehicle, in transport is a contact vehicle in the crash and departs the scene without stopping to render aid or report the crash.

Element Attributes:

• No, Did Not Leave Scene
• Yes, Driver or Car and Driver Left Scene

Rationale:

Important for uniformity, quality control and identification purposes in reported motor vehicle crash statistics.

V24. Extent of Damage / Removal

Definition:

Estimation of total damage to motor vehicle from crash. Disabling damage implies damage to the motor vehicle that is sufficient to require the motor vehicle to be towed or carried from the scene. Towed Due to Disabling Damage identifies whether a vehicle involved in a crash is removed from the scene. “Yes” is used for vehicles towed due to disabling damage in the crash. “No” is used for those that are driven from the scene or towed for other reasons (i.e., the driver is arrested or without required license, vehicle is placed out of service because it is unsafe to drive or impounded, etc.). Towing assistance without removal of the vehicle from the scene, such as pulling a vehicle out of a ditch, is not considered to be “towed” for the purposes of this element.

NOTE: For states requiring a more detailed set of damage description
attributes on the crash report (e.g.; moderate/severe, severe, very severe), Towed Due to Disabling Damage is important to specifically identify if the vehicle was towed due to disabling vehicle damage.

Element Attributes:

Subfield 1 - Extent of Damage

• No Damage
• Minor Damage
• Functional Damage
• Disabling Damage
• Unknown

Subfield 2 - Towed Due to Disabling Damage

• Yes
• No

Rationale:

Standardizing the extent of damage a motor vehicle sustains in a crash is essential to consistent collection of crash data. Towed Due to Disabling Damage is important to identifying non-injury, “tow-away” crashes involving any vehicle towed due to damage sustained in the crash. This information is vital to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in their selection criteria for truck and bus crashes.

V25. Contributing Circumstances, Motor Vehicle

Definition:

Pre-existing motor vehicle defects or maintenance conditions that may have contributed to the crash.

Element Attributes:

None

Subfield 1 - Motor Vehicle Circumstance 1:

• Brakes
• Exhaust System
• Body, Doors
• Steering
• Power Train
• Suspension
• Tires
• Wheels
• Lights (head, signal, tail)
• Windows/Windshield
• Mirrors
• Wipers
• Truck Coupling / Trailer Hitch / Safety Chains
• Other
• Unknown

Subfield 2 - Motor Vehicle Circumstance 2

See attributes in Subfield 1

Rationale:

Important for determining the significance of pre-existing problems, including equipment and operation, in motor vehicles involved in crashes that could be useful in determining the need for improvements in manufacturing and consumer alerts.

V26. Motor Carrier Identification

Definition:

The identification number, name and address of an individual, partnership or corporation responsible for the transportation of persons or property as indicated on the shipping manifest.

Element Attributes:

Subfield 1:

US DOT Number (7 digits, right justified)

Subfield 2:

If no US DOT Number, State Issued Identification Number and State name

Subfield 3:

Name

Subfield 4:

Street Address

• Street or P.O. Box
• City
• State (two-letter code)
• Zip Code
• Country

Subfield 5:

Commercial/Non-Commercial

• Interstate Carrier
• Intrastate Carrier
• Not in Commerce/Government
• Not in Commerce/Other Truck

Rationale:

(**Required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration CFR 350.201.) The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has the authority to fine and sanction unsafe interstate (and some intrastate) truck and bus companies. A key way to identify potentially unsafe motor carriers is to collect crash data by the identification number, name, and address of the company. The street address allows FMCSA to visit carriers to conduct review of compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and provides a crosscheck for the correct identity of the carrier. The identification number (found on the power unit, and assigned by the U.S. DOT or by a State) is a key element for carrier identification in the FMCSA databases for crashes and other carrier information. This data element is collected at the scene to meet FMCSA 90 day reporting requirements.

V28. Vehicle Configuration

Definition:

Indicates the general configuration of this motor vehicle. (Refer to Appendix K for chart displaying types of truck configurations.)

Element Attributes:

• Vehicle 10,000 pounds or less placarded for hazardous materials
• Single-Unit Truck (2-axle and GVWR more than10,000 lbs)
• Single-Unit Truck (3 or more axles)
• Truck Pulling Trailer(s)
• Truck Tractor (bobtail)
• Truck Tractor/Semi-Trailer
• Truck Tractor/Double
• Truck Tractor/Triple
• Truck More Than 10,000 lbs, Cannot Classify
• Bus/Large Van (seats for 9-15 occupants, including driver)
• Bus (seats for more than 15 occupants, including driver)
• Unknown

Rationale:

(**Required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration CFR 350.201.) This data element provides information about the general configuration of the motor vehicle that is important to evaluate the types of motor vehicles that have the most crashes and the effectiveness of various safety countermeasures. This data element is collected at the scene because FMCSA requires reporting within 90 days.

V29. Cargo Body Type

Definition:

The type of body for buses and trucks more than 10,000 lbs GVWR.

Element Attributes:

• No Cargo Body – (bobtail, light motor vehicle with hazardous materials [HM] placard, etc.)
• Bus
• Van/Enclosed Box
• Grain/chips/gravel
• Pole-Trailer
• Cargo Tank
• Log
• Intermodal Container Chassis
• Vehicle Towing Another Vehicle
• Flatbed
• Dump
• Concrete Mixer
• Auto Transporter
• Garbage/Refuse
• Other
• Not Applicable – (motor vehicle 10,000 lbs or less not displaying HM placard)
• Unknown

Rationale:

(**Required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration CFR 350.201.) This data element provides additional information about the motor vehicle, including all major cargo body types. The information it provides can be important in helping FMCSA make decisions on regulatory strategies for different types of motor vehicles. This data element is collected at the scene because FMCSA requires reporting within 90 days.

V30. Hazardous Materials (Cargo Only)

Definition:

Indication of whether or not the motor vehicle had a hazardous materials placard as required by Federal/State regulations, and whether or not harzardous materials were released.

Element Attributes:

Subfield 1 - Did this motor vehicle display a hazardous materials (HM) placard?

• Yes (go to Subfield 2)
• No
• Not Applicable

Subfield 2 - If Subfield 1 answer is “Yes,” record from the hazardous materials placard:

1. 4-digit Hazardous Materials ID number or name taken from the middle of the diamond or from the rectangular box; and
2. 1-digit Class number from bottom of diamond

Subfield 3 - Release of hazardous materials from the package (cargo compartment):

Hazardous materials that were released from the package (cargo compartment) should be documented whether or not the motor vehicle displayed a placard.

• Yes
• No
• Not Applicable

Rationale:

(**currently required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration CFR 350.201.) FMCSA devotes special attention to motor carriers that transport hazardous materials (HM), including calculating risk assessments, determining response methods, imposing tighter regulations and conducting compliance reviews on a higher percentage of HM carriers. Getting good data on crashes involving trucks carrying HM and whether HM are spilled during the crashes helps FMCSA focus law enforcement efforts. This data element is collected at the scene because FMCSA requires reporting within 90 days.

P1: Date of Birth

Definition:

The year, month, and day of birth (or age to be used only when date of birth cannot be obtained) of the person involved in a crash.

Element Attributes

Subfield 1: Date of Birth

• YYYMMDD
• Unknown

Subfield 2: Age

• AAA

(From a State Police Instruction Manual): Record the date of birth exactly as it appears on the driver's license. Note that unborn fetuses are not considered persons for the purposes of crash reporting.

Rationale:

Accurate reporting of date of birth is used to assess the effectiveness of occupant protection systems for specific age groups, and to identify the need for safety programs directed toward them. This element is also critical in providing linkage between the crash, EMS, and hospital records.

P2. Sex

Definition:

The sex of the person involved in the crash.

Element Attributes:

• Male
• Female
• Unknown

Rationale:

Necessary, for example, to evaluate the effect of sex of the person involved on occupant protection systems and motor vehicle design characteristics.

P3: Person Type

Definition:

Type of person involved in a crash.

Element Attributes

Motorist (occupant of vehicle in transport):

• Driver
• Passenger

Non-Motorist (non-occupant of vehicle in transport):

• Pedestrian
• Other Pedestrian (wheelchair, person in a building, skater, pedestrian conveyance)
• Bicyclist
• Other Cyclist
• Occupant of Motor Vehicle Not in Transport (parked, etc.)
• Occupant of a Non-Motor Vehicle Transportation Device
• Unknown type of Non- Motorist
• Unknown

Rationale:

Need to know person type for classification purposes to evaluate specific countermeasures designed for specific people.
Note regarding Person Type (from the FARS Coding Manual): An involved person in a crash should maintain Person Type during the crash. Once the unstabilized situation begins, a driver, passenger or non-motorist should not change Person Type until the crash stabilizes. If a person is entering or exiting a vehicle before the unstabilized situation begins, try to determine if the person has successfully changed type before control is lost. (i.e., a pedestrian getting into an automobile that begins to move, a passenger stepping off of a bus as it begins to pull away, etc.).

P4: Injury Status

Definition:

The injury severity level for a person involved in a crash.

Element Attributes

KABCO Severity Scale (From most severe to least)

• Fatal Injury (K)
• Nonfatal Injury:
• Incapacitating (A)
• Non-Incapacitating (B)
• Possible (C)
• No Injury (O)
• Unknown

Rationale:

Necessary for injury outcome analysis and evaluation. It is also critical in providing linkage between the crash, EMS, and hospital records.

P5: Occupant's Motor Vehicle Unit Number

Definition:

The unique number assigned for this crash to the motor vehicle in which this person was an occupant.

Element Attribute:

Number to indicate in which motor vehicle the occupant was located.

Rationale:

Important to link occupants back to motor vehicles in which they were riding. Necessary, for example, to evaluate the effect motor vehicle type and specific make/model have on occupant protection effectiveness and injury status.

P6: Seating Position

Definition:

The location for this occupant in, on, or outside of the motor vehicle prior to the first event in the Sequence of Events. See Example Diagram.

(From a State Police Instruction Manual): Note - More than one person may have the same seating position. Example, a child being held in the lap of another occupant or a person sitting in front of the driver of a motorcycle.

Element Attributes

Subfield 1 - Row:

• Front
• Second
• Third
• Fourth
• Other Row (bus, 15 passenger van, etc.)
• Unknown

Subfield 2 - Seat:

• Left (usually the motor vehicle or motorcycle driver except for postal vehicles and some foreign vehicles)
• Middle
• Right
• Other
• Unknown

Subfield 3 - Other Location:

• Not Applicable
• Sleeper Section of Cab (Truck)
• Other Enclosed Cargo Area
• Unenclosed Cargo Area
• Trailing Unit
• Riding on Motor Vehicle Exterior (non-trailing unit)
• Unknown

Other Seat (in any row) (from FARS Coding Manual) - persons lying across the seat or when there are two or more people seated in the middle.

Rationale:

Without known seating position of each person in the motor vehicle, it is not possible to fully evaluate, for example, the effect of occupant protection programs.

P7: Restraint Systems Use / Helmet Use

Definition:

The restraint equipment in use by the occupant, or the helmet use by a motorcyclist, at the time of the crash.

Element Attributes

Subfield 1: Restraint Systems

• Not Applicable
• None Used-Motor Vehicle Occupant
• Shoulder and Lap Belt Used
• Shoulder Belt Only Used
• Lap Belt Only Used
• Restraint Used Type Unknown
• Child Restraint System Forward Facing
• Child Restraint System Rear Facing
• Booster Seat
• Child Restraint Type Unknown
• Other
• Unknown

Subfield 2: Helmet Use

• DOT-Compliant Motorcycle Helmet
• Other Helmet
• No Helmet

Rationale:

Proper classification of the use of available occupant restraint systems and helmet use is vital to evaluating the effectiveness of such equipment.

P8: Air Bag Deployed

Definition:

Deployment status of an air bag relative to the position in the vehicle for this occupant.

Element Attributes

• Not Applicable
• Not Deployed
• Deployed: Front
• Deployed: Side
• Deployed: Other (knee, air belt, etc.)
• Deployed: Combination
• Deployed: Curtain
• Deployment Unknown

Rationale:

Necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of air bags and other occupant protection equipment, especially at a time when air bags are becoming standard equipment.

P9: Ejection

Definition:

Occupant completely or partially thrown from the interior of the motor vehicle, excluding motorcycles, as a result of a crash.

Element Attributes

• Not Ejected
• Ejected, Partially
• Ejected, Totally
• Not Applicable
• Unknown

Note regarding ejected persons: any occupant including the driver ejected from the interior of the vehicle during the crash (unless stabilization occurs) should be considered an occupant of the motor vehicle from which they were ejected when counting Total Occupants in Motor Vehicle V9.

Rationale:

Occupant protection systems prevent or mitigate ejections to various degrees. Analyses of the effectiveness of safety belts depend on information from this data element.

Occupant (from ANSI D16) - an occupant is any person who is part of a transport vehicle.

P10: Driver License Jurisdiction

Definition:

The geographic or political entity issuing a driver license. Includes the States of the United States (including the District of Columbia and outlying areas), Indian Nations, U.S. Government, Canadian Provinces, and Mexican States (including the Distrito Federal), as well as other jurisdictions.

Element Attributes

• Not Applicable
• Not Licensed
• State
• Indian Nation
• U.S. Government
• Canadian Province
• Mexican State
• International License (other than Mexico, Canada)
• Unknown

Use this Link to See the FIPS Codes (This link will open a new bowser window)

Rationale:

Necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of various licensing laws. This element is also critical in providing linkage between the crash and driver license files at the state level.

P11: Driver License Number, Class, CDL, Endorsements

Definition:

A unique set of alphanumeric characters assigned by the authorizing agent issuing a driver license to the individual.

Element Attributes

Subfield 1: License Number

Alphanumeric identifier assigned by the authorizing jurisdiction (State, foreign country, U.S. Government, Indian Nation, etc.)

Subfield 2: Class

This indicates the type of driver's license issued by the State and the type of motor vehicle the driver is qualified to drive.

• None
• Not Applicable
• Class A - details
• Class B - details
• Class C - details
• Regular Driver's License Class - details
• Class M - details

Subfield 3: Commercial Driver License (CDL)

This indicates whether the driver's license is a commercial driver license (CDL). Also, this information is important to separate the non-commercial licenses included by some States in Class C with the commercial licenses.

• No
• Yes

Subfield 4: Endorsements

This indicates any endorsements to the driver's license, both commercial and non-commercial.

• None / Not Applicable
• T - Double/Triple Trailers (Applies to Class A)
• P - Passenger (Applies to transportation of 16 or more people including the driver)
• N - Tank Vehicle (Required on any A, B, or C for transporting liquid or gaseous material with a tank attached to the vehicle)
• H - Hazardous Materials (Required on any A, B, or C for transporting hazardous material requiring placarding)
• X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials
• S - School
• Other non-commercial license endorsements (e.g.; motorcycle, etc.)

Endorsements: Issued to drivers after successfully completing a specialized test that qualifies them to operate that specific type of vehicle.

Rationale:

This element is critical in providing linkage between the crash and driver license files at the state level. This information is mandated by FMCSA for commercial drivers.

P12: Driver Name

Definition:

The full name of the individual driver.

Element Attributes

Name

The length and type of a name field is 35 alphanumeric symbols (ANS).

Guidance: (Source: Based on Driver History Record Data Dictionary, May 22, 1990, pages B5-B6.

Names of Persons - There are four subfields within the name field and each ends in a spacer ("@") except for the final field. SUFFIX. Spacers must be used to differentiate the name subfields. From left to right, the code is composed of LAST NAME, @, FIRST NAME, @ MIDDLE NAMES SEPARATED BY SPACES, @, SUFFIX. A spacer must follow every subfield except for SUFFIX, even when the subfields contain no data.

Rationale:

This data element should be collected to corroborate the driver license number and to facilitate linkage when names are available in the health and insurance files. When possible, obtain this information from the driver license (via a bar code or smart license or via on-line linkage).

P13: Driver Actions at Time of Crash

Definition:

The actions by the driver that may have contributed to the crash. This data element is based on the judgment of the law enforcement officer investigating the crash and need not match Violation Codes (P14).

Element Attributes:

This element is divided into 4 Subfields. Each have the same attributes for recording up to 4 applicable driver actions.

Driver Actions (Subfields 1-4):

• No Contributing Action
• Ran Off Roadway
• Failed to Yield Right-of-Way
• Ran Red Light
• Ran Stop Sign
• Disregarded Other Traffic Sign
• Disregarded Other Road Markings
• Exceeded Posted Speed Limit
• Drove Too Fast For Conditions
• Improper Turn
• Improper Backing
• Improper Passing
• Wrong Side or Wrong Way
• Followed Too Closely
• Failed to Keep in Proper Lane
• Operated Motor Vehicle in Erratic, Reckless, Careless, Negligent or Aggressive Manner
• Swerved or Avoided Due to Wind, Slippery Surface, Motor Vehicle, Object, Non-Motorist in Roadway, etc.
• Over-Correcting/Over-Steering
• Other Contributing Action
• Unknown

Rationale:

Important for evaluating the effect that dangerous driver behavior has on crashes.

P14: Violation Codes

Definition:

All motor vehicle-related violation codes, if any, which apply to this driver.

Element Attributes

The element is divided into two subfields for recording up to 2 violations.

Subfield 1, Subfield 2:

• No Violation
• (Violation Code)
• Unknown

From the FARS 2002 Coding Manual
Note: AAMVAnet Code Dictionary (ACD) of violation codes can be accessed at www.aamva.org

Rationale:

Important for evaluation of safety laws and enforcement practices. This information is not available from the driver license file.

P15: Driver Distracted By

Definition:

Distractions which may have influenced the driver performance. The distractions can be inside the motor vehicle (internal) or outside the motor vehicle (external).

Element Attributes:

• Not Distracted
• Electronic Communication Device
• Other Electronic Device (navigation device, DVD player, etc.)
• Other Inside the Vehicle
• External Distraction (outside the vehicle)
• Unknown

Rationale:

Important for evaluating the effect that driver behavior has on crashes.

P16: Condition at Time of Crash

Definition:

Any relevant condition of the individual (motorist or non-motorist) that is directly related to the crash.

Element Attributes:

1. Apparently Normal
2. Physically Impaired
3. Emotional (depressed, angry, disturbed, etc.)
4. Ill (sick), Fainted
5. Asleep or Fatigued
6. Under the Influence of Medications/Drugs/Alcohol
7. Other
8. Unknown

Rationale:

Important for evaluating the effect that fatigue, medications/alcohol/drugs/other conditions have on the crash.

P17: Law Enforcement Suspects Alcohol Use

Definition:

Driver or non-motorist involved in the crash suspected by law enforcement to have used alcohol.

Element Attributes

• No
• Yes
• Unknown

Unknown (from FARS Coding Manual): unable to take a position as to involvement (officer still may order an evidential test)

Rationale:

Alcohol - related crashes remain a serious traffic safety problem. Identifying crashes in which alcohol may have been involved will help evaluate the effectiveness of programs to decrease the incidence of drunk driving or to identify problem areas.

This element is used in part to develop the crash derived element Alcohol Involvement (CD7).

P18: Alcohol Test

Definition:

Indication of the presence of alcohol by test, type and result.

Element Attributes:

Subfield 1 - Test Status:

• Test Not Given
• Test Refused
• Test Given
• Unknown if Tested

Subfield 2 - Type of Test:

• Blood
• Breath
• Urine

Subfield 3 - BAC Test Result:

• Value
• Pending
• Unknown
• Other

Rationale:

Alcohol remains the most prevalent drug involved in motor vehicle crashes. Capturing alcohol concentration whenever a driver or non-motorist is tested will provide an accurate assessment of the role of alcohol involvement. The type of test used to obtain the alcohol concentration also is important information to collect.

P19: Law Enforcement Suspects Drug Use

Definition:

Driver or non-motorist involved in the crash suspected by law enforcement to have used drugs.

Element Attributes:

• No
• Yes
• Unknown

Unknown (from FARS Coding Manual): unable to take a position as to involvement (still may order an evidential test)

Rationale:

Drug-related crashes remain a serious traffic safety problem. Identifying crashes in which drugs may have been involved will help evaluate the effectiveness of programs to decrease the incidence of driving while under the influence of drugs.

This element is used in part to develop the crash derived element Drug Involvement (CD8).

P20: Drug Test

Definition:

Indication of the presence of drug test, type and result. Excludes drugs administered post-crash. See Drug Test Result (PL3) to document drug name and value.

An example of drugs administered post-crash would be pain killers such as lidocaine.

Element Attributes

Subfield 1: Test Status

• Test Not Given
• Test Refused
• Test Given
• Unknown if Tested

Subfield 2: Type of Test

• Blood
• Urine
• Other

Subfield 3: Drug Test Result

• Negative
• Positive
• Unknown

Rationale:

Identifying drug-related crashes helps to develop and evaluate programs directed at reducing their involvement. Whenever evidence of other drug use is available, it should be captured.

P21: Non-Motorist Number

Definition:

The unique number assigned to the non-motorist involved in the crash.

Rationale:

Important for management/administration and evaluation. Needed to determine number and type of non-motorists involved in crash. Needed to track non-motorist action before the crash as well as injuries sustained.

Attribute:

Sequential Number (uniquely identifying the non-motorist involved in the crash)

P22: Non-Motorist Action/Circumstance Prior to Crash

Definition:

The action of the non-motorist immediately prior to the crash and an indication of whether the non-motorist was walking/cycling to/from school.

Non-motorist - any person other than an occupant of a motor vehicle in transport. This includes pedestrians, bicyclists, other cyclists, occupants of other motor vehicles not in transport, and occupants of transport vehicles other than motor vehicles.

Element Attributes

• Crossing Roadway
• Waiting to Cross Roadway
• Walking/Cycling Along Roadway with Traffic (In or Adjacent to Travel Lane)
• Walking/Cycling Along Roadway Against Traffic (In or Adjacent to Travel Lane)
• Walking/Cycling on Sidewalk
• In Roadway - Other (Working, Playing, etc.)
• Adjacent to Roadway (e.g., Shoulder, Median)
• Going to or from School (K-12)
• Working in Trafficway (Incident Response)
• Other
• None
• Unknown

*Note - The attributes "Going to or from School (K-12)" and "Working in Trafficway (Incident Response)" take precedence when more than one attribute is applicable.

Rationale:

The development of effective roadway design and operation, education, and enforcement measures to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists and prevent crashes with motor vehicles is enhanced by the collection of the actions and circumstances prior to the crash.

Useful in combination with Element P23 Non-Motorist Actions/Circumstances at Time of Crash to develop a complete picture of a person's contribution to a crash.

P23: Non-Motorist Actions/Circumstances at Time of Crash

Definition:

The actions/circumstances of the non-motorist that may have contributed to the crash. This data element is based on the judgment of the law enforcement officer investigating the crash.

Non-motorist - any person other than an occupant of a motor vehicle in transport. This includes pedestrians, bicyclists, other cyclists, occupants of other motor vehicles not in transport, and occupants of transport vehicles other than motor vehicles.

Element Attributes

This element is divided into Subfields 1 and 2 for recording up to 2 attributes.

Subfield 1:

• No Improper Action
• Dart/Dash
• Failure to Yield Right-Of-Way
• Failure to Obey Traffic Signs, Signals, or Officer
• In Roadway Improperly (Standing, Lying, Working, Playing)
• Disabled Vehicle Related (Working on, Pushing, Leaving/Approaching)
• Entering/Exiting Parked/Standing Vehicle

Subfield 2:

• Inattentive (talking, eating, etc.)
• Not Visible (Dark Clothing, No Lighting, etc.)
• Improper Turn/Merge
• Improper Passing
• Wrong-Way Riding or Walking
• Other
• Unknown

Rationale:

The development of effective roadway design and operation, education, and enforcement measures to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists and prevent crashes with motor vehicles is enhanced by the collection of the actions and circumstances at the time of the crash..

Useful in combination with Element P22 Non-Motorist Action/Cricumstance Prior to Crash to develop a complete picture of a person's contribution to a crash.

P24: Non- Motorist Location at Time of Crash

Definition:

The location of the non-motorist with respect to the roadway at the time of the crash.

This element provides detail for non-motorist crashes beyond the crash level element C7 Location of First Harmful Event.

Element Attributes

• Intersection - Marked Crosswalk
• Intersection - Unmarked Crosswalk
• Intersection - Other
• Midblock - Marked Crosswalk
• Travel Lane - Other Location
• Bicycle Lane
• Shoulder/Roadside
• Sidewalk
• Median/Crossing Island
• Driveway Access
• Shared-Use Path or Trail
• Non-Trafficway Area
• Other
• Unknown

Rationale:

The development of effective roadway design and operation, education, and enforcement measures to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists and prevent crashes with motor vehicles is enhanced by the collection of the location of the non-motorist at the time of crash.

This element provides a complete picture of the non-motorist's role in the crash when examined with Non-motorist Actions P22 (Prior) & P23 (at Time of Crash).

Midblock - Marked Crosswalk - A portion of the roadway, not at an intersection, that is distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface of the roadway.

Bicycle Lane - Any road, path, or way which is specifically designated as being open to bicycle travel regardless of whether such facilities are designated for the exclusive use of bicycles (Dedicated Bike Lane).

Driveway Access (from D16, 7th Edition) - A driveway access is a portion of the trafficway at the end of a driveway providing access to property adjacent to a trafficway.

Driveway - A driveway is a private way which provides vehicular access to the public from a trafficway to property, parking, or loading areas outside the boundaries of the trafficway, but is considered to be not open to the public for transportation purposes as a trafficway. A driveway is outside the trafficway and is typically not provided an official identification name or number.

Shared-Use Path or Trial - A bikeway physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier and either within the highway right-of-way or an independent right-of-way. Shared use paths will also be used by pedestrians, skaters, wheelchairs, joggers and other non-motorized users.

P25: Non-Motorist Safety Equipment

Definition:

The safety equipment(s) used by the non-motorist.

Element Attributes

This element is divided into to Subfields 1 and 2 for recording up to 2 attributes.

Safety Equipment Used by Non-Motorist (Subfield 1 and Subfield 2):

• None
• Helmet
• Protective Pads Used (elbows, knees, shins, etc.)
• Reflective Clothing (jacket, backpack, etc.)
• Lighting
• Other
• Not Applicable
• Unknown

Rationale:

Used to evaluate effectiveness of non-motorist safety equipment. Important to calculate usage statistics for the development and evaluation of the effectiveness of educational countermeasures. The use of two sub-fields allows for the recording of two types of safety equipment, such as a helmet and reflective clothing.

P26: Unit Number of Motor Vehicle Striking Non-Motorist

Definition:

Number assigned to identify the motor vehicle that struck the non-motorist in the crash.

Element Attribute:

Unit number of motor vehicle that was the first motor vehicle to strike the non-motorist.

Rationale:

Used for tracking. Important when multiple motor vehicles are involved in the crash.

P27: Transported to Medical Facility By

Definition:

Type and identity of unit providing transport to the medical facility receiving the patient.

Element Attributes

Subfield 1: Source of Transport

• Not Transported
• EMS Air
• EMS Ground
• Law Enforcement
• Other
• Unknown

Subfield 2:

EMS Response Agency Identifier ID for EMS Agency That Responds

Subfield 3:

EMS Response Run Number

Subfield 4

Name or number of medical facility receiving patient

Rationale:

Important to trace victim from the scene of crash through the health care system. Facilitates linkage of injured crash victims with Emergency Medical Services data files.

RL1: Bridge/Structure Identification Number

Definition:

A unique federal inspection/inventory identifier assigned to a bridge, underpass, overpass, or tunnel bridge/structure that is also linkable to the national bridge inventory.

Source: Obtained by linking Crash Location (C5) to the Roadway Inventory data.

Attribute:

Number as described in Recording and Coding Guide for the Structure Inventory and Appraisal of the Nation’s Bridges, December 1988, Federal Highway Administration, item 8 and HPMS/90, item 77.

Rationale:

Important to link specific geometric data describing the bridge for problem identification analysis and for determining the relationship between bridge structure characteristics and crashes.

RL2: Roadway Curvature

Definition:

The measurement of the curvature in the roadway expressed in terms of its radius, length, and superelevation. The unit of measurement is feet.

Source: Obtained by linking Crash Location (C5) to the Roadway Inventory data. See Roadway Alignment and Grade (V16).

Element Attributes:

Not Applicable

Subfield 1:

Curve: Radius

Subfield 2:

Length

Subfield 3:

Superelevation

Rationale:

Curve data is used in searching for and diagnosing high-crash locations. Important for determining relationship between horizontal alignment-related crashes to guide future highway design, speed limits, and driver skill training
(motorcycle curve entering speed, etc.).

RL3. Grade

Definition:

The inclination of the roadway, expressed in the rate of rise or fall in feet per 100 feet of horizontal distance.

Source: Obtained by linking Crash Location (C5) to the Roadway Inventory data. See Roadway Alignment and Grade (V16).

Element Attributes:

Subfield 1 - Direction of Slope:

Up (+) or Down (-)

Subfield 2 - Percent of Slope:

Nearest Percent of Slope

Rationale:

Used to identify possible causes and countermeasures for a high crash site.

RL4. Part of National Highway System

Definition:

Designation as part of the National Highway System.

Source: Obtained by linking Crash Location (C5) to the Roadway Inventory data.

Element Attributes:

RL5. Roadway Functional Class

Definition:

The character of service or function of streets or highways. The classification of rural and urban is determined by State and local officials in cooperation with each other and approved by the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation.

Source: Obtained by linking Crash Location (C5) to the Roadway Inventory data.

Element Attributes:

Rural:

• Principal Arterial-Interstate
• Principal Arterial-Other
• Minor Arterial
• Major Collector
• Minor Collector
• Local
• Unknown Rural

Urban:

• Principal Arterial-Interstate
• Principal Arterial-Other Freeway or Expressway
• Principal Arterial-Other
• Minor Arterial
• Collector
• Local
• Unknown Urban

Unknown

Rationale:

Important for comparing crash rates/safety experience of highways of similar design characteristics so as to identify those highways or highway sections that have abnormal rates/experience for future improvements as well as generalized study of the highways in a region or State. Knowledge of the land use is needed in analyzing crashes as part of a network analysis.

RL6. Annual Average Daily Traffic

Definition:

The average number of motor vehicles passing a point on a trafficway in a day,
for all days of the year, during a specified calendar year.
Source: Obtained by linking Crash Location (C5) to the Roadway Inventory data.

Element Attributes:

• Subfield 1 - AADT Year
• Subfield 2 - AADT
• Subfield 3 - Truck (over 10,000 lbs.) Percentage
• Subfield 4 - Motorcycle Percentage

Rationale:

Important to normalize crash data to account for exposure.

RL7. Widths of Lane(s) and Shoulder(s)

Definition:

Widths (in feet) of the lane(s) and of the shoulder(s) where crash occurred.

Source: Obtained by linking Crash Location (C5) to the Roadway Inventory data.

Element Attributes:

• Subfield 1 - Lane Width
• Subfield 2 - Right Shoulder Width
• Subfield 3 - Left Shoulder Width

Rationale:

Important to monitor the association of lane/shoulder widths and the frequency of crashes.

RL8. Width of Median

Definition:

Width from travel lane edge to travel lane edge of the portion of divided highway separating the road for traffic in opposing directions where the crash occurred. If a crash occurs at a mid-block section, the median width is based on the mid-block section. If the crash occurs at an intersection, the median width is based on the median widths at the intersection.

Source: Obtained by linking Crash Location (C5) to the Roadway Inventory data.

Element Attribute:

Width of Median

Rationale:

Important to monitor the need for medians to protect motorists from oncoming traffic.

RL9. Access Control

Definition:

The degree that access to abutting land is fully, partially, or not controlled by a public authority. Full access control provides access only at interchanges (interstate, etc.). Partial access control provides no private access. No access control permits private access (driveway, etc.).

Source: Obtained by linking Crash Location (C5) to the Roadway Inventory data.

Element Attributes:

• Full Access Control
• Partial access Control
• No Access Control

Rationale:

Highly correlated with crash rates and, therefore, useful in identifying high hazard locations. Important to guide future highway design and traffic control.

RL10. Railway Crossing ID

Definition:

A unique US DOT/AAR number assigned for identification purposes to a railroad crossing by a state highway agency in cooperation with the Federal Railroad Administration.

Source: Obtained by linking Crash Location (C5) to State or Federal Railway Administration data.

Element Attribute:

State specific number assigned by a State in cooperation with the American Association of Railroads.

Rationale:

The data are used in high crash locations as well as high-risk corridors.
Important for determining the need for additional controls and evaluating the
efficacy of various types of controls.

RL11. Roadway Lighting

Definition:

Type of roadway illumination.

Source: Obtained by linking Crash Location (C5) to the Roadway Inventory data.

Element Attributes:

• No Lighting
• Spot Illumination on One Side
• Spot Illumination on Both Sides
• Continuous Lighting on One Side
• Continuous Lighting on Both Sides

Rationale:

Recognized as having a benefit to safe highway operations. Information about the presence of lighting is an important element in analysis of a spot location, a section of highway, or a network analysis. Important for determining the affects of highway illumination on nighttime crashes to guide future installations.

RL12. Pavement Markings, Longitudinal

Definition:

The longitudinal markings (paint, plastic, or other) used on the roadway surface to guide or control the path followed by drivers.

Element Attributes:

Subfield 1 - Edgeline Presence/Type

• No Marked Edgeline
• Standard Width Edgeline
• Wide Edgeline
• Other

Subfield 2 - Centerline Presence/Type

• No Marked Centerline
• Standard Centerline Markings
• Centerline With Centerline Rumble Strip

Subfield 3 - Lane Line Markings

• No Lane Markings
• Standard Lane Line
• Wide Lane Line

Rationale:

Important to know about the existence of pavement markings for the analysis of crash data. Useful for determining the effects of various types of longitudinal markings on various types of crashes to guide future applications.

RL13. Presence/Type of Bicycle Facility

Definition:

Any road, path, or way which is specifically designated as being open to bicycle travel, regardless of whether such facilities are designated for the exclusive use of bicycles or are to be shared with other transportation modes.

Source: Obtained by linking Crash Location (C5) to the Roadway Inventory data.

Attributes:

Subfield 1 - Facility

• None
• Wide Curb Lane
• Marked Bicycle Lane
• Unmarked Paved Shoulder
• Separate Bicycle Path/Trail
• Unknown

Subfield 2 - Signed Bicycle Route

• Yes
• No
• Unknown
• Not Applicable

Rationale:

Needed to determine usage and safety of bicycle facilities. Needed to determine the location of bicycle crashes in relation to a bicycle facility. Important for ascertaining the relative safety performance of various types/ classes of bike paths to guide future design/operation decisions.

RL14. Traffic Control Type at Intersection

Definition:

Type of traffic control device at intersection where crash occurred.

Source: Obtained by linking Crash Location (C5) to the Roadway Inventory data.

Element Attributes:

• No Control
• Stop Signs on Cross Street Only
• All-Way Stop Signs
• All-Way Flasher (red on cross street)
• All-Way Flasher (red on all legs)
• Yield Signs on Cross Street Only
• Signals Pre-Timed (2 Phase)
• Signals Pre-Timed (multi-phase)
• Signals Semi-Actuated (2 Phase)
• Signals Semi-Actuated (multi-phase)
• Signals Fully Actuated (2 Phase)
• Signals Fully Actuated (multi-phase)
• Other
• Unknown

Rationale:

Important to understand the relationship between crashes at intersections and the type of traffic control device present.

RL15. Mainline Number of Lanes at Intersection

Definition:

Number of through lanes on the mainline approaches of an intersection, including all lanes with through movement (through and left-turn, or through and right-turn) but not exclusive turn lanes.

Source: Obtained by linking Crash Location (C5) to the Roadway Inventory data.

Element Attributes:

• One Lane
• Two Lanes
• Three Lanes
• Four to Six Lanes
• Seven or More Lanes
• Unknown

Rationale:

Important to describe the intersection.

RL16. Side-Road Number of Lanes at Intersection

Definition:

Number of through lanes on the side-road approaches at intersection including all lanes with through movement (through and left-turn, or through and right- turn) but not exclusive turn lanes.

Source: Obtained by linking Crash Location (C5) to the Roadway Inventory data.

Element Attributes:

• One Lane
• Two Lanes
• Three Lanes
• Four to Six Lanes
• Seven or More Lanes
• Unknown

Rationale:

Important to describe the intersection.

RL17. Total Volume of Entering Vehicles

Definition:

Total entering vehicles for all approaches of an intersection.

Source: Obtained by linking Crash Location (C5) to the Roadway Inventory data.

Element Attributes:

• Subfield 1 - AADT Year
• Subfield 2 - AADT

Rationale:

Important to understand volume of crashes as a measure of exposure for the mainline approaches.