Traffic Crash Report Writing and Diagramming

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of the STARS / Traffic Crash Report Writing & Diagramming lesson?

Motor vehicle traffic crash reporting methods

What is the objective of identifying the proper lane numbering sequence in traffic crash reporting?

To facilitate accurate reporting involving multiple lanes

What is the purpose of identifying the eight results of a collision on the road and along the roadside?

To locate specific elements for diagramming purposes

What is the significance of identifying the LATE DEATH criteria in traffic crash reporting?

To update fatal crash reports and notify the Missouri State Highway Patrol Traffic Records Division Signup and view all the answers

What is the objective of identifying elements that should be recorded at the scene of a traffic crash?

To create an accurate representation of the crash scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of identifying two types of evidence that require immediate measurement?

To ensure timely measurement of critical evidence Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence at a crash scene may last several hours or longer?

Gasoline or water puddles Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of damage to a fixed object that will be repaired after a crash?

Damage to a road sign Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT an example of physical evidence that may be found at a crash scene?

A witness statement Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of setting up a mock crash scene for students?

To practice filling out a Missouri Uniform Crash Report Signup and view all the answers

What type of mark on the road may be dark and smeared?

Skid mark smears Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for filing accident reports with the patrol?

Law enforcement officers Signup and view all the answers

What is the time frame for submitting crash reports to STARS?

Within 10 days after the initial investigation Signup and view all the answers

How should the date be written on a Missouri Uniform Crash Report form?

Month-Day-Year (Example: January 3, 2012) Signup and view all the answers

What is a late death in the context of a Missouri Uniform Crash Report?

Any death occurring within 30 days of the accident Signup and view all the answers

How should lane numbering be done on roadways with two or more lanes in the same direction?

Begin on the inside lanes next to the median or barrier and progress to the outside lanes Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What method of measuring a scene requires two measurements, or coordinates to locate each point?

The coordinate method Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a reference line in the coordinate method?

To provide a line from which to measure that extends through the collision scene Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mistake among investigators?

Using the point or area of impact as the reference point from which measurements are made Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to include the direction of North in the diagram?

To provide a sense of direction Signup and view all the answers

What is the major disadvantage of the triangulation method of measurement?

It requires more time and measurements Signup and view all the answers

What information should be recorded regarding the location of the crash?

The street name, intersecting street, county, and direction of north Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence may include clothing items or belongings?

Debris Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to measure and document evidence quickly?

Because it may be moved or disappear soon after the collision Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence is characterized by chipping, chopping, or grooving the pavement?

Gouges Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the diagram of the crash scene?

The location, direction of north, and elements of the MUCR Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of triangulation in measurement?

To create a triangle to locate a point Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence may include scars or marks on fixed objects near the road?

Contact to fixed objects Signup and view all the answers

Why is the coordinate method generally preferred over triangulation?

Because it requires less time and measurements Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence is likely to be temporary and need to be measured quickly?

Temporary evidence Signup and view all the answers

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)
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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