52 Questions
How should the year be entered in a report?
In four characters
What is the purpose of using a reference line in the coordinate method of measurement?
To provide a visible, permanent line from which to measure
What is the primary purpose of taking measurements at a crash scene?
To create a scale diagram
What is the benefit of using the coordinate method of measurement?
It is a simpler method that requires minimal equipment
How should the time of an accident be recorded?
In 24-hour clock
What is meant by 'late death' in the context of a traffic crash?
A death that occurs due to an injury sustained in the accident
Why should the point or area of impact not be used as a reference point in the coordinate method?
It is not a suitable landmark
What is required when reporting a late death?
The date, time, and location of death
How should lane numbers be assigned on a roadway with multiple lanes?
Starting from the inside lane
What is the purpose of the triangulation method of measurement?
To locate a point when a natural reference line is not available
Within what timeframe must a law enforcement officer forward a report of a vehicle accident to the superintendent of the Missouri state highway patrol?
10 days
What is the minimum amount of total property damage required for a law enforcement officer to file an accident report?
$500
What must be reported immediately to the Patrol Records Division via MULES?
Fatal crashes
Who approves alternative reporting times and formats for accident reports?
The superintendent of the Missouri state highway patrol
Who is responsible for filing accident reports with the patrol?
Law enforcement officers
Where should crash reports be submitted to?
MOCARS
What information should be included in the narrative portion of the MUCR?
The names of the persons taking measurements and preparing the field sketch
What is the purpose of recording the direction of NORTH in the diagram?
To provide a reference point for the diagram
What type of evidence may be present along the roadside beyond the shoulder?
Ruts or furrows
What is included in the category of 'debris' in the crash scene investigation?
Various types of debris including dislodged vehicle parts, liquid debris, and other objects
When should measurements be made to locate objects and evidence related to the traffic crash?
During the at-scene investigation
What type of evidence may be moved or disappear soon after the collision?
All types of evidence
What is the purpose of marking the location of objects prior to removal?
To allow for measurements to be completed later
What is an example of a 'temporary' type of evidence?
Skid mark shadows
Why is it important to record the location of damaged vehicles in the traveled portion of the road?
To document the location of the vehicles for diagramming purposes
What is the purpose of documenting the location of other vehicles or objects that may be view obstructions?
To document potential hazards or obstacles
What is the timeframe for a law enforcement officer to forward a report of a vehicle accident to the superintendent of the Missouri state highway patrol?
10 days
What is the minimum amount of total property damage required for a law enforcement officer to file an accident report?
Five hundred dollars
Who approves alternative reporting times and formats for accident reports?
The superintendent of the Missouri state highway patrol
What type of accident requires immediate reporting to the Patrol Records Division via MULES?
Fatal crashes
Where should a law enforcement officer submit a crash report?
MOCARS
What happens to the completed crash report after a fatal crash is reported to the Patrol Records Division via MULES?
It is submitted to MOCARS
When recording the time of an accident in a report, what format should be used?
24-hour clock
What is the primary purpose of using the coordinate method of measurement?
To locate points on a scene with minimal equipment
Why is it important to record measurements at a crash scene?
To provide the foundation for any speed calculations and other conclusions
What is required when submitting a report of a late death?
An updated crash report or supplement must be submitted
What is the purpose of numbering roadway lanes?
To facilitate lane numbering on roadways with two or more lanes in the same direction
What is the advantage of using the coordinate method over the triangulation method?
It is faster and requires less time
What is the common mistake among investigators when using the coordinate method?
Using the point or area of impact as the reference point
What should be done when there is no natural reference line in the triangulation method?
Use an imaginary extension of the roadway edge
What should be included in the report when reporting a late death?
The date, time, and location of death
What is the purpose of the reference line in the coordinate method?
To provide a visible, permanent line from which to measure
What information should be included in the location of the collision?
The name of the street, road, or highway on which the crash occurred
What type of evidence may be present along the roadside?
Scars on the roadside
What should be recorded when measuring the location of objects and evidence?
The time and date of the measurement
What type of evidence requires immediate measurement?
Temporary evidence such as tire prints
What should be included in the diagram of the crash scene?
The direction of NORTH
Why is it important to locate and document evidence at the crash scene?
To locate and document evidence that may be moved or destroyed
What type of evidence may be present on the pavement?
Scratches and scrapes made by vehicle parts
What is the purpose of marking the location of objects prior to removal?
To allow for measurements to be taken later
What type of evidence may be present beyond the shoulder of the road?
Scars on the roadside
What should be recorded when documenting the location of objects and evidence?
The time and date of the measurement
Study Notes
Missouri Uniform Crash Report Preparation
- Every law enforcement officer who investigates a vehicle accident resulting in injury or death, or total property damage of $500 or more, must file an accident report with the superintendent of the Missouri state highway patrol within 10 days after the investigation.
Reporting Fatal Crashes
- Fatal crashes must be reported immediately to the Patrol Records Division via MULES, followed by the completed crash report as soon as possible.
Date and Time
- Date format: Month-Day-Year (e.g., 01-03-2024)
- Time format: 24-hour clock (military time) (e.g., 1:30 p.m. is 1330 hours)
Late Death Reporting
- Any death occurring within 30 days of the accident, as a result of an injury sustained from the accident, must be reported to the Patrol Records Division via MULES.
- An updated crash report or supplement with the date, time, and location of death must be submitted.
Roadway Lane Numbering
- Lane numbering on roadways with two or more lanes in the same direction begins on the inside of the roadway next to the median or barrier and progresses to the outside lanes.
Measuring Crash Scene
- Measurements taken at the crash scene are the foundation for speed calculations and understanding how the crash occurred.
- There are two methods of measuring a scene: the Coordinate Method and the Triangulation Method.
Coordinate Method
- Requires two measurements to locate each point using a reference line and a reference point.
- The reference line can be a real or imaginary line, and the reference point must be noted in the diagram.
Triangulation Method
- Requires two measurements from two separate reference points, forming a triangle with the measured point.
- The distance between the two reference points must also be measured.
Crash Scene Elements
- Elements to record at the crash scene include:
- Location of the collision
- Time and date of the collision
- Names of persons taking measurements and preparing the field sketch (if different from the investigating officer)
- Direction of North
Crash Scene Evidence
- Eight types of evidence to locate at the crash scene:
- Positions of vehicles at final rest
- Positions of pedestrians, motorcycle or bicycle riders, and ejected occupants
- Gouges on the pavement
- Scratches and scrapes on the pavement
- Location of tire marks
- Scars on the roadside
- Debris (vehicle parts, liquid debris, and other objects)
Measuring Crash Scene Evidence
- Measurements should be made to locate objects and evidence related to the traffic crash for diagramming purposes.
- Temporary evidence (e.g., skid mark shadows, gasoline or water puddles) and short-lived evidence (e.g., gouges in the roadway, oil and blood stains) require immediate measurement.
Missouri Uniform Crash Report Preparation
- Every law enforcement officer who investigates a vehicle accident resulting in injury or death, or total property damage of $500 or more, must file an accident report with the superintendent of the Missouri state highway patrol within 10 days after the investigation.
Reporting Fatal Crashes
- Fatal crashes must be reported immediately to the Patrol Records Division via MULES, followed by the completed crash report as soon as possible.
Date and Time
- Date format: Month-Day-Year (e.g., 01-03-2024)
- Time format: 24-hour clock (military time) (e.g., 1:30 p.m. is 1330 hours)
Late Death Reporting
- Any death occurring within 30 days of the accident, as a result of an injury sustained from the accident, must be reported to the Patrol Records Division via MULES.
- An updated crash report or supplement with the date, time, and location of death must be submitted.
Roadway Lane Numbering
- Lane numbering on roadways with two or more lanes in the same direction begins on the inside of the roadway next to the median or barrier and progresses to the outside lanes.
Measuring Crash Scene
- Measurements taken at the crash scene are the foundation for speed calculations and understanding how the crash occurred.
- There are two methods of measuring a scene: the Coordinate Method and the Triangulation Method.
Coordinate Method
- Requires two measurements to locate each point using a reference line and a reference point.
- The reference line can be a real or imaginary line, and the reference point must be noted in the diagram.
Triangulation Method
- Requires two measurements from two separate reference points, forming a triangle with the measured point.
- The distance between the two reference points must also be measured.
Crash Scene Elements
- Elements to record at the crash scene include:
- Location of the collision
- Time and date of the collision
- Names of persons taking measurements and preparing the field sketch (if different from the investigating officer)
- Direction of North
Crash Scene Evidence
- Eight types of evidence to locate at the crash scene:
- Positions of vehicles at final rest
- Positions of pedestrians, motorcycle or bicycle riders, and ejected occupants
- Gouges on the pavement
- Scratches and scrapes on the pavement
- Location of tire marks
- Scars on the roadside
- Debris (vehicle parts, liquid debris, and other objects)
Measuring Crash Scene Evidence
- Measurements should be made to locate objects and evidence related to the traffic crash for diagramming purposes.
- Temporary evidence (e.g., skid mark shadows, gasoline or water puddles) and short-lived evidence (e.g., gouges in the roadway, oil and blood stains) require immediate measurement.
This quiz covers the procedures and guidelines for law enforcement officers to prepare and file accident reports in Missouri, based on the 2024 Missouri Uniform Crash Report Preparation Manual and other relevant resources.
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