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Questions and Answers
What is the primary objective of the STARS / Traffic Crash Report Writing & Diagramming lesson?
What is the primary objective of the STARS / Traffic Crash Report Writing & Diagramming lesson?
What is the deadline for completion and submission of the Missouri Uniform Crash Report (MUCR)?
What is the deadline for completion and submission of the Missouri Uniform Crash Report (MUCR)?
How should the time and date format be written on the Missouri Uniform Crash Report (MUCR)?
How should the time and date format be written on the Missouri Uniform Crash Report (MUCR)?
What is the purpose of identifying the LATE DEATH criteria?
What is the purpose of identifying the LATE DEATH criteria?
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What is the proper lane numbering sequence involving multiple lanes running in the same direction?
What is the proper lane numbering sequence involving multiple lanes running in the same direction?
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What are the two types of evidence that require immediate measurement at the scene of a traffic crash?
What are the two types of evidence that require immediate measurement at the scene of a traffic crash?
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What type of evidence may last several hours or longer at a crash scene?
What type of evidence may last several hours or longer at a crash scene?
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Where would the location of damaged vehicles be recorded in a crash scene investigation?
Where would the location of damaged vehicles be recorded in a crash scene investigation?
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What is the primary purpose of instructional staff setting up a mock motor vehicle traffic crash scene?
What is the primary purpose of instructional staff setting up a mock motor vehicle traffic crash scene?
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At a crash scene, what type of evidence is typically found on the roadway or shoulder?
At a crash scene, what type of evidence is typically found on the roadway or shoulder?
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What is NOT considered a type of evidence at a crash scene?
What is NOT considered a type of evidence at a crash scene?
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What is the time limit for law enforcement officers to submit a crash report to the superintendent of the Missouri state highway patrol?
What is the time limit for law enforcement officers to submit a crash report to the superintendent of the Missouri state highway patrol?
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How should the date be written on a Missouri Uniform Crash Report form?
How should the date be written on a Missouri Uniform Crash Report form?
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What is a late death according to the Missouri Uniform Crash Report?
What is a late death according to the Missouri Uniform Crash Report?
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How should lane numbers be referred to on the diagram of a roadway with two or more lanes in the same direction?
How should lane numbers be referred to on the diagram of a roadway with two or more lanes in the same direction?
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Why are measurements taken of the results of a traffic crash?
Why are measurements taken of the results of a traffic crash?
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What is the method of measuring a scene that requires two measurements, or coordinates to locate each point?
What is the method of measuring a scene that requires two measurements, or coordinates to locate each point?
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What should be noted in the diagram when using the Coordinate Method?
What should be noted in the diagram when using the Coordinate Method?
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What is a common mistake among investigators when taking measurements of a crash scene?
What is a common mistake among investigators when taking measurements of a crash scene?
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What should be done upon learning of a late death?
What should be done upon learning of a late death?
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What is the purpose of submitting a crash report to the superintendent of the Missouri state highway patrol?
What is the purpose of submitting a crash report to the superintendent of the Missouri state highway patrol?
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What is the main limitation of using the triangulation method of measurement?
What is the main limitation of using the triangulation method of measurement?
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What should be recorded at the scene of a traffic crash for proper completion of the MUCR?
What should be recorded at the scene of a traffic crash for proper completion of the MUCR?
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Why is the coordinate method generally preferred over the triangulation method?
Why is the coordinate method generally preferred over the triangulation method?
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What type of evidence includes chips, chops, and grooves made by strong metal objects which displace the pavement?
What type of evidence includes chips, chops, and grooves made by strong metal objects which displace the pavement?
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Why is it important to measure the distances to objects and evidence at the scene of a traffic crash?
Why is it important to measure the distances to objects and evidence at the scene of a traffic crash?
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What type of evidence may be moved very quickly or only last for minutes?
What type of evidence may be moved very quickly or only last for minutes?
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What should be included in the diagram of the crash scene?
What should be included in the diagram of the crash scene?
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What is the purpose of recording the direction of NORTH on the diagram?
What is the purpose of recording the direction of NORTH on the diagram?
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Why should the investigator identify the person who completes the field sketch and/or takes the measurements?
Why should the investigator identify the person who completes the field sketch and/or takes the measurements?
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What type of evidence includes ruts or furrows along the roadside beyond the shoulder?
What type of evidence includes ruts or furrows along the roadside beyond the shoulder?
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Study Notes
STARS / Traffic Crash Report Writing & Diagramming
- The Statewide Traffic Accident Reporting System (S.T.A.R.S.) form is used to report motor vehicle traffic crashes, and includes the Missouri Uniform Crash Report (MUCR) and a diagram.
Objectives
- Identify the statutory deadline for completion and submission of the MUCR: within 10 days after the initial investigation.
- Identify the proper time and date format: Month-Day-Year (e.g. 01-03-2012) and 24-hour clock (military time, e.g. 1330 hours).
- Identify the LATE DEATH criteria: any death occurring within 30 days of the accident, with notification of the Traffic Records Division via MULES and submission of an updated crash report.
Measurements and Diagramming
- Measurements are the foundation for speed calculations and other conclusions about the crash.
- Two methods of measuring a scene: the COORDINATE METHOD and the TRIANGULATION METHOD.
- The coordinate method requires two measurements from a reference line, and is preferred due to ease of use and minimal equipment requirements.
- The triangulation method requires two measurements from two separate reference points, and is useful in situations where landmarks are not available.
- Elements to be recorded at the scene include:
- Location of the collision
- Time and date of the collision
- Names of persons taking measurements and preparing the field sketch
- Direction of North
- Names of streets, roads, or highways involved
- County and/or municipality where the crash occurred
Evidence to be Located
- Eight types of evidence to be located at the crash scene:
- Positions of vehicles at final rest
- Positions of pedestrians, motorcycle or bicycle riders, and ejected occupants
- Gouges (chips, chops, and grooves made by strong metal objects)
- Scratches and scrapes (surface marks made by vehicle parts)
- Location of tire marks
- Scars on the roadside (ruts or furrows)
- Debris (dislodged vehicle parts, liquid debris, and other objects)
- Contact to fixed objects (scars or marks on fixed objects near the road)
Immediate Measurement
- Two types of evidence that require immediate measurement:
- Temporary evidence (may be moved or disappear quickly)
- Short-lived evidence (may last several hours or longer)
- Temporary evidence (may be moved or disappear quickly)
- Examples of temporary evidence: skid mark shadows, tire prints, gasoline or water puddles, debris or rubbish, and locations of killed or injured persons.
- Examples of short-lived evidence: skid mark smears, gouges in the roadway, oil and blood stains, and damage to fixed objects.
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Description
Learn about the Statewide Traffic Accident Reporting System (STARS) form and Missouri Uniform Crash Report (MUCR) used for reporting motor vehicle traffic crashes, including deadline for completion and submission.