Crash Records Systems (2005) / Chapter Skim
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Pages 19-26
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From page 19... ...
Statewide crash custodians, pressed to cut the cost of data entry or to catch up on a backlog of crash reports, skip edit checks or even stop performing procedures such as location coding or text-field data entry. Sometimes new software is installed without adequate testing and suddenly a crash records system that was previously known for having highquality data is left with no data at all.
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From page 20... ...
Conversely, some states such as Iowa are able to support all of the local agencies with the same state-provided crash data collection tool. It is important to recognize that crash records systems are not static.
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From page 21... ...
That these quality improvements and time savings also accrue to the state crash records operation means that the best solution for local law enforcement can also be the best solution for central data managers as well. Higher quality data are available faster and without the need for intervening data entry steps.
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From page 22... ...
The hope of collecting all crash reports electronically may never be realized; however, most states are able to significantly reduce their manual data entry process by working with state police and large local law enforcement agencies. Through a combination of an automated crash data collection tool and web-based crash report forms for use by departments that lack field automation, the majority of the crash reports could be delivered to the state crash database in electronic form.
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From page 23... ...
The newly developed Texas crash records system includes just such a web-based tool for use by smaller law enforcement agencies that do not believe that they have a need for a complete crash data collection tool or do not have the equipment to support automation in the field. Some local agencies may still submit a paper crash report form.
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From page 24... ...
It is through the work of practitioners and the cooperation of the stakeholders that anything approximating a comprehensive traffic records system can be created. It is critical that data collectors and managers understand that the information in crash records systems must be of sufficient completeness, accuracy, and timeliness to be useful for highway and traffic safety decision making.
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From page 25... ...
Crash Data Collection The most promising approach to crash data collection is an automated field data collection tool that is used to capture
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From page 26... ...
Officers may also scan information directly from vehicle identification numbers and/or registration documents, license plates, or driver's licenses to obtain information for their reports. The field software tool can include edit checks that match those in the statewide crash report system and prompt officers to complete all required fields, including supplemental reports.
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