31 Questions
What is the primary objective of the STARS / Traffic Crash Report Writing & Diagramming lesson?
To provide an explanation of the methods and means of motor vehicle traffic crash reporting
What is the deadline for completion and submission of the Missouri Uniform Crash Report (MUCR)?
The deadline is not specified in the lesson plan
How should the time and date format be written on the Missouri Uniform Crash Report (MUCR)?
The format is not specified in the lesson plan
What is the purpose of identifying the LATE DEATH criteria?
To update fatal crash reports and notify the Missouri State Highway Patrol Traffic Records Division
What is the proper lane numbering sequence involving multiple lanes running in the same direction?
The sequence is not specified in the lesson plan
What are the two types of evidence that require immediate measurement at the scene of a traffic crash?
The specific types of evidence are not specified in the lesson plan
What type of evidence may last several hours or longer at a crash scene?
Skid marks and tire prints
Where would the location of damaged vehicles be recorded in a crash scene investigation?
Off the traveled portion of the road
What is the primary purpose of instructional staff setting up a mock motor vehicle traffic crash scene?
To teach students how to complete a Missouri Uniform Crash Report
At a crash scene, what type of evidence is typically found on the roadway or shoulder?
Skid marks and tire prints
What is NOT considered a type of evidence at a crash scene?
Instructional staff
What is the time limit for law enforcement officers to submit a crash report to the superintendent of the Missouri state highway patrol?
10 days
How should the date be written on a Missouri Uniform Crash Report form?
Month-Day-Year
What is a late death according to the Missouri Uniform Crash Report?
Any death occurring on a date other than the date of the accident, within 30 days
How should lane numbers be referred to on the diagram of a roadway with two or more lanes in the same direction?
Begin on the inside of the roadway next to the median or barrier and progress to the outside lanes
Why are measurements taken of the results of a traffic crash?
The measurements are the foundation for any speed calculations and other conclusions as to how the crash occurred
What is the method of measuring a scene that requires two measurements, or coordinates to locate each point?
The Coordinate Method
What should be noted in the diagram when using the Coordinate Method?
The direction of North
What is a common mistake among investigators when taking measurements of a crash scene?
Using the point or area of impact as the reference point
What should be done upon learning of a late death?
Notify the Traffic Records Division via MULES and submit an updated crash report or supplement
What is the purpose of submitting a crash report to the superintendent of the Missouri state highway patrol?
To document the details of the crash for future reference
What is the main limitation of using the triangulation method of measurement?
It is time-consuming and requires more time diagramming
What should be recorded at the scene of a traffic crash for proper completion of the MUCR?
The location, time, and date of the collision, and names of the persons taking measurements
Why is the coordinate method generally preferred over the triangulation method?
Because it is faster and requires less time diagramming
What type of evidence includes chips, chops, and grooves made by strong metal objects which displace the pavement?
Gouges
Why is it important to measure the distances to objects and evidence at the scene of a traffic crash?
To ensure that the objects and evidence are not moved or destroyed
What type of evidence may be moved very quickly or only last for minutes?
Temporary evidence
What should be included in the diagram of the crash scene?
The location, direction of NORTH, and intersecting streets
What is the purpose of recording the direction of NORTH on the diagram?
To provide a sense of orientation
Why should the investigator identify the person who completes the field sketch and/or takes the measurements?
To ensure that they are accountable for the accuracy of the measurements
What type of evidence includes ruts or furrows along the roadside beyond the shoulder?
Scars on the roadside
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.
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.
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