Instructions:
Indicate the type of traffic control device present in the vicinity of the crash and/or relevant to this crash, regardless whether it is functioning or missing.
Definition:
The type of traffic control device (TCD) applicable to this motor vehicle at the crash location.
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.
| Code | Attribute | Definition | Example |
| 1 | No Controls | This should be used only in situations when no traffic controls are present. This excludes situations where existing controls are knocked down, obscured, or malfunctioning. That is recorded in Subfield 2. For example, a Stop Sign that is knocked down or obscured would still be recorded as present in Subfield 1 and that it was not operating properly would be recorded in Subfield 2. | |
| 2 | Stop Signs | An eight-sided red sign with “STOP” on it, requiring motor vehicles to come to a full stop and look for on-coming traffic before proceeding with caution. |  |
| 3 | Traffic Control Signal | Controls traffic movements by illuminating systematically, a green, yellow, or red light or by flashing a single color light. |  |
| 4 | Flashing Traffic Control Signal | A traffic control signal that is flashing or a single light flashing red or yellow. |  |
| 5 | Yield Signs | Three-sided signs that require motor vehicles to give way to other vehicles. |  |
| 6 | School Zone Sign | Signs or devices which change the speed limit on road adjacent to schools on school days, signs which give advance warning of school and signs which warn of children crossing the road. |  |
| 7 | Warning Signs | A sign intended to warn traffic of existing or potentially hazardous conditions on or adjacent to a road. |  |
| 8 | Railroad Crossing Device | Any sign, signal, or gate that warns of on-coming trains or train tracks crossing the roadway. |  |
| 99 | Unknown | If this attribute is used, it is recommended to be explained in the narrative. |
Accuracy Checks
- If the value of Traffic Control Device Type is ‘no controls’, then the Traffic Device Functioning Code should be left empty.
- If the value for Traffic Control Device Type is recorded as ‘no controls’, Road Contributing Circumstances cannot be ‘traffic control device inoperative, missing, or obscured’.
Other Related Fields
Data Quality Audit Results
| RePort Type | Acceptable | Inconsistent | Invalid | Empty | ||||
| Local Police (electronic) | 342 | 97.2% | 7 | 2.0% | – | – | 3 | 0.9% |
| Local Police (paper) | 344 | 95.8% | 6 | 1.7% | 2 | 0.6% | 7 | 1.9% |
| State Police (electronic) | 327 | 97.9% | 3 | 0.9% | – | – | 4 | 1.2% |
| Total | 1013 | 96.9% | 16 | 1.5% | 2 | 0.2% | 14 | 1.3% |