The data elements are classified into four major categories--crash, vehicle, person, and
roadway--and organized into three sections according to whether the data are obtained at
the scene, derived, or linked. Data collected by the police at the scene are recorded
directly onto the crash report. Data derived by the data managers at the state level are
generated from data elements that have already been collected and computerized.
Linked data are generated after the crash data file has been linked to other data files such
as injury, licensing, registration, or roadway inventory.
Note: One of the values listed under many of the elements to be collected at the scene is
"not reported." This value is not collected at the scene but is to be coded on an
analytic file created from crash reports. It signifies that no value was reported for
that element, even though one may have been expected. It differs form the value
"Unknown" which is recorded by the police officer when he/she is unable to
ascertain the correct coding for that element.
Each type of data element has a unique identifier. Crash data element numbers are
preceded with a "C"; Vehicle data element numbers are preceded with a "V"; Person data
element numbers are preceded with a "P", and Roadway data elements are preceded with
a "R". When the data element is derived, the letter "D" is added. When the data element
is linked, the letter "L" is added.
Some data elements are marked with a double asterisk **. These data elements currently
are mandated by the Office of Motor Carriers for crashes involving commercial vehicles
under their regulation.
Some data element values are marked with a number in a parenthesis (#.#.#). The
numbers refer to the location of the same data element value in ANSI D16.1-1996 Manual
on Classification of Motor Vehicle Traffic Accidents.
Each data element is presented using the following format:
| (C,V,P,or R)(D or L)# Data Element Name | |
| Definition: | Definition of the data element (#.#.#) |
| Code: | Attributes (#.#.#) |
| Rationale: | Justification for including the data element |