Large Truck & Bus Crash Reporting Reference Cards
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) State Safety Data Quality (SSDQ) Program has created five reference cards to assist law enforcement when reporting a large truck or bus crash.
Crash Reporting Is for More Than Insurance
Contrary to the misconception that data pulled from crash reports is only used for private insurance purposes, crash report data is essential for the implementation and evaluation of effective traffic safety programming and targeted enforcement efforts. Crash report data helps decision-makers understand the nature, causes, and injury outcomes of crashes, which provides context for the design of strategies and interventions that will reduce crashes and their consequences.
Keeping Dangerous Drivers Off the Road Using the CJIS Fatal Accident Preliminary (FAP) Program for License Suspension or Revocation
State and local law enforcement are required to notify the RMV of fatal crashes (MGL Ch. 90 Section 29) using the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). These notifications should include the particulars of the crash in the remarks section, as well as the names of the drivers involved to ensure timely action is taken.
Expanding the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Crash Report E-Manual
The Massachusetts Law Enforcement Crash Report E-Manual is an online resource for law enforcement and other users of transportation safety data. The goal of the E-Manual is to provide detailed information about the entire process of crash reporting by gathering relevant information into one central location. We are currently in the process of expanding the E-Manual based on the excellent feedback we’ve received from law enforcement and other crash data users.
A Quick and Easy Guide for Completing Crash Report Narratives
The purpose of a crash narrative is to describe what happened prior to, during, and after the crash. With guidance from the RMV and MSP, and technical assistance from the RMV law enforcement liaison, UMassSafe created a guide for what information to include and omit on the crash report narrative.
The Massachusetts Hands-Free Driving Law
In February 2020, Massachusetts implemented a Hands-Free Driving Law, making it illegal for those operating a motor vehicle to compose or read text messages or emails, engage with social media, or watch videos or use the camera functions on their phone. This law also completely restricts phone use for drivers under the age of 18.