26 Questions
What is the primary focus of the STARS Traffic Crash Report writing and diagramming lesson?
Completing the Missouri Uniform Crash Report
What is the purpose of the LATE DEATH criteria?
To notify the Missouri State Highway Patrol Traffic Records Division
What is the significance of RSMo. 43.250 in the context of traffic crash reporting?
It provides the statutory deadline for completion and submission of the MUCR
What is the purpose of identifying the eight results of a collision on the road and along the roadside?
To locate elements for diagramming purposes
What is the primary objective of the lesson plan?
To teach students how to complete the Missouri Uniform Crash Report
What is the proper lane numbering sequence involving multiple lanes running in the same direction?
From left to right
What is the deadline for submitting a crash report to STARS?
10 days
What is the correct format for recording time in an accident report?
24-hour clock (military time)
What should be done when a late death occurs within 30 days of an accident?
Notify the Traffic Records Division via MULES and submit an updated crash report or supplement
What is the correct method for numbering roadway lanes?
Starting from the inside lanes and moving outward
What is the purpose of taking measurements at a traffic crash scene?
To calculate speeds and determine how the crash occurred
What method of measuring a scene requires two measurements, or coordinates to locate each point?
Coordinate method
What is a common mistake among investigators when taking measurements at a crash scene?
Using the point or area of impact as a reference point
What is the purpose of the reference line in the coordinate method?
To provide a visible, permanent line from which to measure
What should be done when an officer investigates a vehicle accident resulting in injury to or death of a person?
Forward a report to the superintendent of the Missouri state highway patrol
What is the minimum amount of property damage required for an officer to file a report?
$500
What is the primary advantage of using the coordinate method over triangulation?
It is faster and requires less time at the scene
What is the purpose of recording the direction of NORTH in the diagram?
To indicate the orientation of the diagram
What type of evidence may be moved or disappear soon after the collision?
Debris or rubbish knocked from vehicles
What information should be recorded in the narrative portion of the MUCR?
The names of persons taking measurements and preparing the field sketch
What is the purpose of inspecting the crash scene for results of the collision?
To locate evidence for diagramming purposes
What type of evidence includes dislodged vehicle parts, liquid debris, and other objects?
Debris
What should be measured to locate objects and evidence related to the traffic crash?
The distances to properly locate the objects
What is an example of short-lived evidence?
Tire prints on the pavement
What is the purpose of recording the location of the collision in the MUCR?
To identify the location of the crash for diagramming purposes
Why is triangulation useful in certain situations?
Because it is not convenient to use the coordinate method
Study Notes
Traffic Crash Report Writing & Diagramming
SCOPE
- Motor vehicle traffic crash reporting methods and means
- Proper completion of the Statewide Traffic Accident Reporting System (S.T.A.R.S.) form and the Missouri Uniform Crash Report (MUCR), including the diagram and narrative portion
OBJECTIVES
- Identify the statutory deadline for completion and submission of the MUCR
- Identify the proper time and date format for completion of the MUCR
- Identify LATE DEATH criteria for updating fatal crash reports and notification of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Traffic Records Division
- Identify the proper lane numbering sequence for reporting purposes
- Identify and justify the choice of one of two methods of measuring the scene of a traffic crash
- Identify elements that should be recorded at the scene of a traffic crash
- Identify the eight results of a collision on the road and along the roadside that should be located for diagramming purposes
- Identify two types of evidence that require immediate measurement
PRESENTATION
Reporting Requirements
- Law enforcement officers must file accident reports with the patrol within 10 days after the initial investigation
- Fatal crashes must be reported immediately to the Patrol Records Division via MULES, followed by the completed crash report as soon as possible
Time and Date Format
- Use the format: Month-Day-Year (e.g. 01-03-2012)
- Use 24-hour clock (military time) for time entries (e.g. 1330 hours)
Late Death Reporting
- Any death occurring within 30 days of the accident as a result of an injury sustained from the accident
- Notify the Traffic Records Division via MULES and submit an updated crash report or supplement
- Include the date, time, and location of death
Lane Numbering Sequence
- Numbering begins on the inside of the roadway next to the median or barrier and progresses to the outside lanes (or to the right)
Measuring the Scene
- Two methods: Coordinate Method and Triangulation Method
- Coordinate Method: uses two measurements from a reference line and a landmark to locate each point
- Triangulation Method: uses two measurements from two separate reference points to form a triangle
Elements to Record at the Scene
- Location of the collision
- Time and date of the collision
- Names of persons taking measurements and preparing the field sketch
- Direction of NORTH
Diagramming the Crash Scene
- Eight types of evidence to locate:
- Positions of vehicles at final rest
- Positions of pedestrians, motorcycle or bicycle riders, and ejected occupants
- Gouges
- Scratches and scrapes
- Location of tire marks
- Scars on the roadside
- Debris
- Contact to fixed objects
Evidence Measurement
- Two types of evidence that require immediate measurement:
- Temporary: may be moved or disappear soon after the collision (e.g. skid mark shadows, tire prints, gasoline or water puddles)
- Short-lived: may last several hours or longer (e.g. skid mark smears, gouges, scratches and scrapes, oil and blood stains)
Learn about the methods and means of motor vehicle traffic crash reporting, including proper completion of the Statewide Traffic Accident Reporting System (S.T.A.R.S.) form and the Missouri Uniform Crash Report.
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