Instructions:

Indicate the actions made by the vulnerable user just prior to the crash based on verbal or physical evidence, but not on speculation alone.

Definition:

The action of the vulnerable user immediately prior to the crash and an indication of whether the vulnerable user was walking/cycling to/from school.

Rationale:

By collecting the actions and circumstances prior to the crash, this element is important for developing more effective roadway design and operation, education, and enforcement measures to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists and prevent crashes with motor vehicles.

CodeAttributeDefinitionExample
1Entering or Crossing LocationIndicates the vulnerable user was entering or crossing the crash location when the crash
occurred.
2Walking, Running, or CyclingIndicates the vulnerable user was walking, running or cycling in the crash location when the
crash occurred.
3WorkingIndicates the vulnerable user was working in the crash location when the crash occurred.
4Pushing VehicleIndicates the vulnerable user was pushing a vehicle in the crash location when the crash
occurred.
5Approaching or Leaving VehicleIndicates the vulnerable user was approaching, entering or exiting a vehicle in the crash
location when the crash occurred.
6Working on VehicleIndicates the vulnerable user was working on or providing maintenance to a vehicle within the
crash location when the crash occurred.
7StandingIndicates the vulnerable user was standing within the crash location when the crashed
occurred (and not ‘walking, running or cycling’, ‘entering or crossing location’, ‘working’,
‘pushing vehicle’, ‘approaching or leaving vehicle’).
97OtherThis attribute is used for a variable that is not addressed by the previous attribute
options.   If this attribute is used, explanation in the narrative is recommended.
99UnknownIf this attribute is used, explanation in the narrative is recommended.

FAQ

What if ‘walking, running, or cycling’ and ‘entering or crossing location’ both apply?

‘Entering or crossing location’ takes precedent because this value helps to illustrate the scenario.

Accuracy Checks

  • If this field is completed, confirm the non-motorist check box is also indicated.

Data Quality Audit Results

Report TypeAcceptableInconsistentInvalidEmpty
Local Police (electronic)1473.7%210.5%315.8%
Local Police (paper)857.1%17.1%535.7%
State Police (electronic)3100.0%
Total2569.4%38.3%822.2%

For the Vulnerable User Action field, the percentage of acceptable completions was 69 percent (25 of 36). While the reports submitted by the State Police were acceptable 100 percent of the time (3 of 3), paper submissions by local police were acceptable just over 57 percent (8 of 13) of the time. The issue with most of these unacceptable reports was that the officer left the field empty 22 percent (8 of 36) of the time.