American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators
AAR
Association of American Railroads
AASHTO
American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials
Access Control
The degree that access to abutting land in connection with a
highway is fully, partially, or not controlled by public authority.
Activity Area
Located adjacent to actual work area, whether workers and
equipment were present or not.
Advance Warning Area
Located after the first warning sign but before the work area.
Age
Years of age for the person involved in a crash.
Air Bag Deployed
Deployment status of an air bag relative to the position in the
vehicle for this occupant.
Alcohol/ Involvement
Law enforcement suspected, and documented, that at least one
driver or non-motorist involved in the crash had used alcohol. Includes both
alcohol use under the legal limit and at or over the legal limit.
Alcohol Test
Indication of the presence of alcohol by test, type, and result.
Alignment
The geometric characteristics or layout of a roadway. Alignment
is usually subdivided into horizontal alignment. Includes straight, curve left,
curve right.
Alphanumeric Identifier
Consisting of alphabetic and numeric symbols.
Angle - Manner of Impact
A crash where two motor vehicles impact at an angle. For
example, the front of one motor vehicle impacts the side of another motor
vehicle. Includes front-to-side, same direction, opposite direction, right
angle and direction not specified.
Annual Average Daily Traffic
The average number of motor vehicles passing a point on a roadway
in a day, for all days of the year, during a specified calendar year.
ANSI
American National Standards Institute
Area(s) of Impact
The areas of damage to the motor vehicle caused by the crash.
These areas should include the area of the motor vehicle that received the
initial impact and the area that was most damaged.
ASCE
Association of State and Community Engineers
At Intersection but No Crosswalk
Person at an area that contains a crossing or connection of two
or more roadways not classified as a driveway access but without the street
crossing distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings
on the surface of the roadway.
ATSIP
Association of Traffic Safety Information Professionals
Authorized Speed Limit
Authorized speed limit for the motor vehicle at the time of the
crash. The authorization may be indicated by the posted speed limit, blinking
sign at construction zones, etc.
Auto Transporter
A single-unit truck, truck/trailer, or tractor/semi-trailer
having a cargo body specifically designed to transport other motor vehicles.
B
BAC Test Result
Blood Alcohol Concentration.
Backing
A start from a parked or stopped position in the direction of the
rear of the motor vehicle.
Bicycle Violation
The disregard intentionally or unintentionally of the rules or
laws governing the operation of a bicycle as a transport device in the location
where the violation occurred.
Bikeway
Any road, path, or way which is specifically designated as being
open to bicycle travel regardless of whether such facilities are designated for
the exclusive use of bicycles or are to be shared with other transportation
modes.
Booster Seat
A "belt-positioning seat" that positions a child on a vehicle
seat to improve the fit of the lap and shoulder seat belt system. This seat is
recommended for children who weigh 40 pounds or more.
Bridge
A structure, including supports, carrying a roadway, railroad
etc., over an obstruction such as water, a railway, or another roadway, having
an opening of 20 feet (6 m) or more measured along the center of the structure.
Bridge- Overhead Structure
Any part of a bridge that is over the reference or subject
roadway. In crash reporting, this typically refers to the beams or other
structural elements supporting a bridge deck.
Bridge-Pier or Support
Support for a bridge structure other than at the ends.
Bridge/Structure Identification Number
A unique federal inspection/inventory identifier assigned to a
bridge, underpass, overpass, or tunnel that is also linkable to the national
bridge inventory.
Bridge Rail
A barrier attached to a bridge deck or a bridge parapet to
restrain motor vehicles, pedestrians or other users.
Bus
A motor vehicle consisting primarily of a transport device
designed for carrying more than eight persons per the regulations of the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
C
Cargo Van
Motor vehicle less than 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg) that is configured
to carry cargo.
Centerline
A pavement marking used to separate traffic traveling in opposite
directions. A centerline need not be at the geometrical center of the
pavement.
Centerline, Broken
A broken centerline indicates that passing is permitted.
Centerline, Double
A double centerline indicates that passing is prohibited.
Centerline, Solid and Broken Line
A centerline that is both solid and broken indicates that passing
is permitted in one direction.
Changing Lanes
Shift from one traffic lane to another traffic lane moving in the
same direction.
Child Restraint System-Forward Facing
Child passenger faces forward in the child restraint system.
This does not imply correct use or placement. This system is recommended for
children who weigh between 20 and 40 pounds.
Child Restraint System-Rear Facing
Child passenger faces the rear in the child restraint system.
This does not imply correct use or placement. This system is recommended for
infants from birth to 30 pounds.
Collision
A motor vehicle crash, other than an overturning crash, in which
the first harmful event is a collision of a motor vehicle in transport with
another motor vehicle, other property, animal or pedestrian.
Collision With Fixed Object
A motor vehicle in transport strikes an impact attenuator/crash
cushion, bridge overhead structure, bridge pier or support, bridge rail,
culvert, curb, ditch, embankment, guardrail face or end, concrete traffic
barrier, standing tree, utility pole/light support, traffic sign or signal
support, fence, mailbox, or other fixed object.
Collision With Object Not Fixed
A motor vehicle in transport strikes a pedestrian, pedalcycle,
railway vehicle, animal, motor vehicle in transport, parked motor vehicle,
falling, work zone/maintenance equipment, other moveable object or is struck by
falling, shifting cargo or anything set in motion by a motor vehicle.
Commercial Cargo Body Type
The type of body for buses and trucks >10,000 lbs (4,536 kg)
GVWR.
Commercial Driver License Class (CDLC)
The type of commercial motor vehicle that a licensed driver has
been examined on and/or approved to operate. This information is obtained by
linkage to the driver license file.
Commercial Motor Vehicle
Any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in
interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle (1) has
a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating or gross
vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of more than 10,000 lbs or 4,536 kg;
or (2) used for commercial transport of more than 8 passengers (including the
driver); or (3) is used for non-commercial transport of more than 15 passengers,
including the driver; or (4) is used in transporting material found by the
Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and
transporting in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations prescribed by
the Secretary under 49 CFR, subtitle B, chapter I, subchapter C.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Configuration
Indicates the general configuration of this motor vehicle,
(truck, bus, passenger vehicle, etc.), carrying hazardous materials.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Endorsements
Issued to drivers after successfully completing a specialized
test that qualifies them to operate that specific type of commercial motor
vehicle.
Compartment Intrusion
Intrusion into the occupant compartment as the result of a crash.
Concrete Traffic Barrier
A type of permanent median made of concrete that is usually fixed
but sometimes can be moved by special equipment to shift lane direction.
Construction Zone
See Work Zone.
Contributing Circumstances, Environment
Apparent environmental conditions which may have contributed to
the crash.
Contributing Circumstances, Motor Vehicle
Preexisting motor vehicle defects or maintenance conditions that
may have contributed to the crash.
Contributing Circumstances, Road
Apparent condition of the road which may have contributed to the
crash.
Crash Case Identifier
Unique identifier within a given year that identifies a given
crash within a state.
Crash City/Place
The city/place (police jurisdiction) in which the crash
occurred. Name codes should be standardized or compatible with the GSA
Geographic Locator Codes (GLC), which can be found on the Internet at
www.gsa.gov.
Crash County
The county, or equivalent entity, in which the crash occurred.
Name codes should be standardized or compatible with the GSA Geographic Locator
Codes (GLC), which can be found on the Internet at www.gsa.gov.
Crash Cushion
See Impact Attenuator.
Crash Date and Time
The date (year, month, and day) and time (00:00-23:59) at which a
crash occurred.
Crash Location
Exact location on the roadway, using GPS/GIS or linear
referencing technology, to document where the first harmful event occurred.
Crash Severity
The severity of a crash based on the most severe injury to any
person involved in the crash.
Crossover
Area in the median of a divided trafficway where motor vehicles
are permitted to travel across the opposing lanes of traffic or do a U-turn.
Crossover- Related
Crash located in the area of the median of a divided trafficway
where motor vehicles are permitted to cross the opposing lanes of traffic or do
a U-turn.
Culvert
An enclosed structure providing free passage of water under a
roadway with a clear opening of less than twenty feet (6m) measured along the
center of the roadway.
Curb
A raised edge or border to a roadway. Curbs may be constructed
of concrete, asphalt, or wood and typically have a face height of less than 9
inches (225 mm).
D
Date and Time Crash Reported to Law Enforcement
The date and time at which the law enforcement agency was
notified about the crash.
Delineator Presence
The presence of a series of reflecting devices mounted at regular
intervals along the side of the road to indicate the horizontal alignment of the
roadway. Delineators are oriented to face the driver for each approach. They
are not used at intersections that generally have lighting and/or well-marked
lane indications.
Deployed-Combination
More than one air bag deploys, including front and side, front
and other, side and other, or front, side and other, etc.
Deployed-Front
Air bag for the driver or front seat passenger is deployed out of
its cover and protruding into driver compartment. Bag is fully or partially
deflated or inflated.
Deployed-Side
Air bag on side of motor vehicle is deployed out of its cover and
protruding into occupant compartment. Bag is fully or partially deflated or
inflated.
Deployed-Other
A knee air bag, air belt, or other new air bag technology is
deployed.
Deployed-Unknown
Not known if air bag is deployed out of its cover and protruding
into occupant compartment.
Derived Data Elements
Derived data elements are obtained by counting or recoding
information contained in existing data elements that have already been collected
and computerized.
Direction of Travel Before Crash
Usually the general direction of the motor vehicle on the roadway
prior to the crash. However, on state and federal roads that have a designated
direction, it is this designated direction. For example, the direction of a
state designated north-south highway must be either northbound or southbound
even though a motor vehicle may have been traveling due east as a result of a
short segment of the highway having an east-west orientation.
Disabling Damage
Damage that precludes departure of the motor vehicle from the
scene of the crash in its usual daylight-operating manner after normal repairs.
As a result, the motor vehicle had to be towed, or carried from crash scene, or
assisted by an emergency motor vehicle.
Divided Trafficway
Roadway travel in opposite directions that is physically
separated by a median that is painted, raised, suppressed, etc. Excludes
two-way continuous left turn lanes.
Driver
An occupant who is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle
or, for an out-of-control motor vehicle, an occupant who was in control until
control was lost.
Driver Actions at Time of Crash
The actions by the driver at the time of the crash.
Driver Condition at Time of Crash
Any relevant condition of the driver that is directly related to
the crash.
Driver Distracted By
Distractions that may have influenced driver performance. The
distractions can occur inside the motor vehicle (internal) or outside the motor
vehicle (external).
Driver License Class
The type of commercial or noncommercial motor vehicle that a
licensed driver has been examined on and/or approved to operate. Includes 4
classes: A, B, C, and M. See P11 for description of each class.
Driver License Jurisdiction
The geographic or political entity issuing a driver license.
Driver License Number
A unique number assigned by the authorizing agent issuing a
driver license to the individual.
Driver License Restrictions
Restrictions assigned to an individual's driver license by the
license examiner, e.g. daytime driving only.
Driver License Status
The current status of an individual's driver license.
Driver Name
The full name of the driver.
Driveway/Alley
A roadway providing access to property adjacent to a trafficway.
Driveway Access Crosswalk
Crosswalk on roadway providing access to property adjacent to a
trafficway.
Driveway Access Related
The first harmful event occurs on the trafficway, not on the
driveway access portion of the trafficway.
Driving Too Fast for Conditions
Traveling at a speed that was unsafe for the road, weather,
traffic or other environmental conditions at the time.
Drug Involvement
Law enforcement suspected, and documented, that at least one
driver or non-motorist involved in the crash had used drugs.
Drug Test
Indication of the presence of drug test, type and result.
Excludes drugs administered post-crash.
Drug Test Result
Results of tests performed to determine presence of drugs.
Dump Truck
Can be tilted or otherwise manipulated to discharge its load by
gravity.
E
Edge Line
A pavement marking used to mark the edge of pavement for driver
guidance.
Ejection
Occupant completely or partially thrown from the interior of the
motor vehicle, except motorcycles, as a result of a crash.
Electronic Communication Device
Includes cell phone, pager, two-way radio and other devices
enabling the driver and/or occupants of the vehicle to communicate with others
not located in the vehicle.
Emergency Ambulance
Any public or private ambulance service under contract to a
jurisdiction to provide emergency response for medical emergencies.
Emergency Motor Vehicle Use
Indicates official motor vehicles, such as military, law
enforcement, ambulance, fire, etc., that are involved in a crash while on an
emergency response. Emergency refers to an official motor vehicle that is
usually traveling with physical emergency signals in use, typically red light
blinking, siren sounding, etc.
EMS Response Agency Identifier
Identifier for EMS agency that responds.
EMS Response Run Number
Usually documented on EMS run report.
Entering or Crossing Specified Location
Person entered or crossed over a specific identified area that
either was or was not part of the trafficway or roadway.
Entering Traffic Lane
Physical presence in trafficway.
Entrance/Exit Ramp
Crash is located on either the entrance or exit ramp.
Extent of Motor Vehicle Damage
Estimation of total damage to the motor vehicle caused by the
crash. Disabling damage implies damage to the motor vehicle that is sufficient
to require the motor vehicle to be towed or carried from the scene.
F
Failure to Keep In Proper Lane
Driver did not maintain position in appropriate travel lane.
Failed to Yield Right-of-Way
Driver failed to yield right-of-way to another motor vehicle or
non-occupant as required.
Farm Waiver
Waiver granted for the operation of farm motor vehicles.
FARS
Fatality Analysis Reporting System
Fatal Injury
Any injury that results in death within a 30-day period after the
crash occurred.
Fell Asleep, Fainted, Fatigued, etc.
Driver experienced a temporary loss of consciousness or was
operating in a reduced physical and mental capacity due to weariness,
medication, or other drugs.
FIPS Code
Federal Information Processing Standards for coding states,
counties, and cities, which can be accessed on the Internet at www.gsa.gov.
Fire/Explosion
Fire/explosion that was the cause or result of the crash.
First Harmful Event
The first injury or damage-producing event that characterizes the
crash.
Five-Point, or More-Intersection
An intersection where more than two roadways cross or connect.
FHWA
Federal Highway Administration
Flagger
Traffic control person controlling traffic with a flag applicable
to the motor vehicle at the crash location.
Flashing Traffic Control Signal
Traffic control signal that is flashing or a single light
flashing red or yellow.
Flatbed
A single-unit truck, truck/trailer, or tractor/semi-trailer whose
body is without sides or roof, with or without readily removable stakes which
may be tied together with chains, slats, or panels. This includes trucks
transporting containerized loads.
FMCSA
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Followed Too Closely
Driver was positioned at a distance behind another motor vehicle
or non-occupant that was too close to permit safe response to any change in
movement or behavior by the other motor vehicle or non-occupant.
Four-Way Intersection
Where two roadways cross or connect.
Front Seat-Left Side
Usually the driver's seat for a motorcycle or a motor vehicle,
except for postal trucks and some foreign vehicles.
Front Seat-Right Side
Passenger seat to right of driver and next to the door, except
for postal trucks and some foreign vehicles.
Front Seat-Middle
Passenger seat between driver and right seat passenger, except
for postal trucks and some foreign vehicles.
Full Access Control
Authority to control access is exercised to give preference to
thru traffic by providing access connections with selected public roads only,
and by prohibiting crossings at grade or direct private driveway connections.
Functional Damage
Damage that is not disabling, but affects operation of the motor
vehicle or its parts.
G
Geographic Information System (GIS)
Computerized system that associates information with specific
geographic locations, such as roadway characteristics by latitude/ longitude.
GHSA
Governors Highway Safety Association
Global Positioning System (GPS)
System of satellites that transmit geographic locations in terms
of latitude and longitude.
Gore
An area of land where two roadways diverge or converge. The area
is bounded on two sides by the edges of the roadways, which join at the point of
divergence or convergence. The direction of traffic must be the same on both
sides of these roadways. The area includes shoulders or marked pavement, if
any, between the roadways.
Grade
The inclination of a roadway, expressed in the rate of rise or
fall in feet (meters) per 100 feet (meters) of horizontal distance. Includes
level, hillcrest, up hill, down hill, sag (bottom).
Grain/Chips/ Gravel Truck
Closed sides and bottom to carry grain, chips, gravel, etc.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The sum of all GVWRs for each unit in a combination-unit motor
vehicle. Thus for single-unit trucks there is no difference between the GVWR
and the GCWR. For combination trucks (truck tractors pulling a single
semi-trailer, truck tractors pulling double or triple trailers, trucks pulling
trailers, and trucks pulling other motor vehicles), the GCWR is the sum of the
GVWRs of all units in the combination.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The amount recommended by the manufacturer as the upper limit to
the operational weight for a motor vehicle and any cargo (human or other) to be
carried.
Guardrail (Guiderail)
A longitudinal barrier consisting of posts and rails or cables.
Guardrail End
The end of the guardrail.
Guardrail Face
Other than the end of the guardrail.
H
Harmful Event
Occurrence of injury or damage.
Hazardous Materials
Any substance or material which has been determined by the U.S.
Secretary of Transportation to be capable of posing an unreasonable risk to
health, safety, and property when transported in commerce and which has been so
designed under regulations of the US DOT.
Hazardous Materials Placard (Cargo Only)
A diamond-shaped sign that must be affixed to any motor vehicle
that carries hazardous materials. It usually contains a four digit number in the
middle of the placard and a one digit number at the bottom that indicates hazard
class and specific material being carried.
Hazardous Materials Released Involvement (Cargo Only)
Indication whether hazardous materials were released from the
cargo compartment.
Head-On - Manner of Impact
A crash where the front ends of two motor vehicles impact
together. This also is referred to as front-to-front.
Helmet Used
Safety helmet worn by non-motorist (bicyclist) or driver
(motorcyclist).
Highway Traffic Sign
A sign intended to guide, regulate, or inform highway users.
Highway Traffic Sign Post
A pole, post, or structure constructed to support a highway sign
intended to guide, regulate, or inform highway users.
Hillcrest
Top of the hill.
Hit and Run
Crashes where the vehicle, or the driver of the vehicle, in
transport is a contact vehicle in the crash, and departs the scene without
stopping to render aid.
Hopper
A truck body designed to carry grain, chips, gravel, etc.
Horizontal Alignment
The change in horizontal direction of a roadway determined at the
point of curvature (pc) and expressed in terms of direction, degree of curve and
length.
HSIS
Highway Safety Information System
I
IACP
International Association of Chiefs of Police
ICD-9, ICD-10
International Classification of Diseases, 9 th edition, and 10th
edition in process, developed by the World Health Organization and maintained in
the U.S. by the Centers for Disease Control, DHHS. This system codes the type
of disease/injury and body area affected for all hospital inpatients who are
discharged and to document the cause of death.
Identification Number
Unique number that identifies a person, crash, motor vehicle,
bridge/structure, etc.
Immersion
Object or person covered completely by liquid.
Impact Attenuator/Crash Cushion
A barrier at a spot location, less than 25 ft. (7.6 m) away,
designed to prevent an errant motor vehicle from impacting a fixed object hazard
by gradually decelerating the motor vehicle to a safe stop or by redirecting the
motor vehicle away from the hazard.
In Parking Lane or Zone
Crash location outside the roadway.
Incapacitating Injury
Any injury, other than a fatal injury, which prevents the injured
person from walking, driving or normally continuing the activities the person
was capable of performing before the injury occurred. Often defined as "needing
help from the scene."
Indian Nation
A federally recognized Indian tribe with sovereign authority to
interact on a government-to-government basis directly with federal agencies.
Injury Area
The primary or most obvious area of the person's body injured
during the crash.
Injury Description
Type of injury inflicted to injury area.
Injury Status
The level of injury severity for a person involved in the crash.
Interchange
A system of interconnecting roadways in conjunction with one or
more grade separations, providing for the movement of traffic between two or
more roadways on different levels.
Intermittent or Moving Work
Type of work zone.
International License (other than Mexico, Canada)
Driver license issued by country other than Canada, Mexico or
U.S.
Intersection
An area which 1) contains a crossing or connection of two or more
roadways not classified as driveway access and 2) is embraced within the
prolongation of the lateral curb lines, or, if none, the lateral boundary lines
of the roadways. Where the distance along a roadway between two areas meeting
these criteria is less than 10 m (33 ft), the two areas and the roadway
connecting them are considered to be parts of a single intersection.
Intersection as Part of Interchange
Refer to Appendices J and K.
Intersection Related
Location of the crash next to an intersection and results from an
action related to the movement of traffic units through the intersection.
Intersection Type
The type of intersection at which two or more roadways intersect
at the same level.
IPTM
Institute of Police Technology and Management
Island
Cement or grassy area in the middle of a trafficway.
ITE
Institute of Transportation Engineers
J
Jackknife
An uncontrolled articulation between a tractor and trailer(s)
that occurs at any time during the crash sequence.
Junction Interchange
The area formed by the connection of two roadways. Includes:
(1) all at-grade intersections, (2) connections between a driveway access or
alley connections between a driveway access or alley access and a roadway which
is not a driveway access or alley access, (3) connections between two alley
accesses or driveway access or (4) connection between a driveway access and an
alley access.
Junction Non-Interchange Area
Refer to Appendix J.
K
KABCO
A functional measure of the injury severity for any person
involved as determined by law enforcement at the scene of the crash. (Fatal
Injury (K), Incapacitating Injury (A), Non-Incapacitating Injury (B), Possible
Injury (C), No Injury (O)
L
Lane
A strip of roadway used for a single line of motor vehicles.
Lane Closure
Type of work zone.
Lane Line
A pavement marking used to separate traffic traveling in the same
direction. Lane lines are normally 4 to 6 in (100 to 150 mm) wide.
Lane Shift/Crossover
Type of work zone.
Lap Belt Only Used
Use of a lap safety belt either because the motor vehicle is
equipped only with lap belt or because the shoulder belt is not in use.
Latitude and Longitude
Geographical coordinates that indicate the location of the crash.
Law Enforcement Reporting Agency Identifier
A unique identifier for the law enforcement agency that provided
information on the crash report.
Law Enforcement Suspects Alcohol Use
Driver or non-motorist involved in the crash suspected by law
enforcement to have used alcohol.
Law Enforcement Suspects Drug Use
Driver or non-motorist involved in the crash suspected by law
enforcement to have used drugs.
LETN
Law Enforcement Training Network
Leaving Travel Lane
A motor vehicle or person moving outside the travel lane.
Light Condition
The type/level of light that exists at the time of a motor
vehicle crash.
Light Truck
Trucks (van, mini-van, panel, pickup, sport utility) of 10,000
lbs GVWR or less.
Lighting
Non-motorist use of lights on his/her person or on a motor
vehicle not in transport or transport vehicles other than motor vehicle as
safety equipment.
Linear Referencing System (LRS)
A standardized data format that provides the ability to create
complex overlays of multiple events or occurrences along a route to support
corridor planning, pavement rehabilitation, or other complex analysis.
Link Node System
A system that assigns an identifier to each segment of roadway
and to specific points or nodes that are useful to reference the location of a
crash.
Location of the First Harmful Event
The location of the first harmful event as it relates to its
position within or outside the trafficway.
Low Speed Vehicle
Includes motorized scooter or human transporter (Segway, etc.),
golf cart, tractor or other low speed motor vehicle used for transport.
Light Support
A pole or post constructed to support lighting of the highway.
Lying in Roadway
Person physically located in that part of trafficway designed,
improved, and ordinarily used for motor vehicle travel.
M
Mainline Number of Lanes at Intersection
Number of "thru" lanes on the mainline approaches at intersection
including all lanes with "thru" movement ("thru" and left-turn, or "thru" and
right-turn) but not exclusive turn lanes.
Maintenance Zone
See Work Zone.
Manner of Crash/Collision Impact
The identification in a crash of the manner in which two motor
vehicles in transport initially came together without regard to direction of
force.
Marked Crosswalk
That portion of the roadway that is distinctly indicated for
pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface of the roadway.
Median
An area of trafficway between parallel roads separating travel in
opposite directions. A median should be four or more feet wide.
Medical Facility
Hospital, clinic, trauma center that received patient for
treatment.
Medium/Heavy Trucks
Greater than 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg).
Minor Damage
Damage which does not affect the operation of or disable the
motor vehicle in transport.
Most Harmful Event for this Vehicle
Event that resulted in the most severe injury or greatest
property damage for this motor vehicle.
Motor Carrier
A for-hire motor carrier or a private motor carrier. The term
includes a motor carrier's agents, officers and representatives as well as
employees responsible for hiring, supervising, training, assigning or
dispatching of drivers and employees concerned with the installation,
inspection, and maintenance of motor vehicle equipment and/or accessories.
Motor Carrier Cargo Loss, Shift, or Release
The loss or release of the goods being transported from the cargo
compartment of the truck, or the change in the position of the goods within the
cargo compartment.
Motor Carrier Cargo Tank
A single-unit truck, truck/trailer, or tractor semi-trailer
having a cargo body designed to transport dry bulk (fly, ash, etc.), liquid bulk
(gasoline, milk, etc.) or gas bulk (propane, etc.).
Motor Carrier Identification
The identification number, name and address of an individual
partnership or corporation responsible for the transportation of persons or
property as indicated on the shipping manifest.
Motor Coach
Bus designed to travel long distances between cities.
Motor Home
A van where a frame-mounted recreational unit is added behind the
driver or cab area or mounted on a bus/truck chassis that is suitable to live in
and drive across the country.
Motor Vehicle Authorized Speed Limit
Authorized speed limit for the motor vehicle at the time of the
crash. The authorization may be indicated by the posted speed limit, blinking
sign at construction zones, etc.
Motor Vehicle Body Type Category
The general configuration or shape or a motor vehicle
distinguished by characteristics such as number of doors, seats, windows, roof
line, hard top or convertible.
Motor Vehicle Crash
A motor vehicle crash (1) that involves a transport vehicle in
transport (2) in which the first harmful event is not produced by the discharge
of a firearm or explosive device, and (3) that does not directly result from a
cataclysm. Inclusions: motor vehicle driven into water after bridge was washed
out during a hurricane or flood (cataclysm), motor vehicle driven into fallen
materials covering a roadway after a landslide or avalanche (cataclysm), and
others.
Motor Vehicle In Transport
Any motorized (mechanically or electrically powered) motor
vehicle not operated on rails. The term "in transport" denotes the state or
condition of a transport vehicle that is in motion or within the portion of a
transport way ordinarily used by similar transport vehicles. When applied to
motor vehicles, "in transport" means in motion or on a roadway. Inclusions:
motor vehicle in traffic on a highway, driverless motor vehicle in motion,
motionless motor vehicle abandoned on a roadway, disabled motor vehicle on a
roadway, etc. In roadway lanes used for travel during rush hours and parking
during off-peak periods, a parked motor vehicle is in transport during periods
when parking is forbidden. (See definitions for Roadway, Road, and Trafficway.)
Motor Vehicle License Plate Number
Alphanumeric identifier or other characters, exactly as
displayed, on the registration plate or tag affixed to the motor vehicle. For
combination trucks, motor vehicle plate number is obtained from the power unit
or tractor.
Motor Vehicle Make
The distinctive (coded) name applied to a group of motor vehicles
by a manufacturer. This information also can be obtained separately from the
Vehicle Registration data file. Refer to Appendix M.
Motor Vehicle Maneuver/Action
The controlled maneuver for this motor vehicle prior to the
beginning of the sequence of events.
Motor Vehicle Model
The manufacturer-assigned code denoting a family of motor
vehicles (within a make) that has a degree of similarity in construction, such
as body, chassis, etc. This information also can be obtained separately from
the Vehicle Registration data file.
Motor Vehicle Model Year
The year that is assigned to a motor vehicle by the
manufacturer. Usually it is the year in which the model change occurs. This
information also can be obtained separately from the Vehicle Registration data
file.
Motor Vehicle Registration State and Year
The state, commonwealth, territory, foreign country, Indian
Nation, U.S. Government, etc., issuing the registration plate and the year of
registration as indicated on the registration plate displayed on the vehicle.
Motor Vehicle Unit Number
A number assigned to uniquely identify each motor vehicle
involved in the crash. This number is not assigned to pedestrians or
bicyclists.
Motorcycle
A two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle designed to transport one
or two people. Included are motor scooters, mini-bikes, and mopeds.
Motorist
Any occupant of a motor vehicle in transport.
MMUCC
Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria
N
NASS-CDS
National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System
NASS-GES
National Automotive Sampling System General Estimates System
National Highway System
Includes 160,000 miles of major highways that link most of the
U.S. These highways include interstates, principal arterials, strategic highway
networks, major strategic highway network connectors, and intermodal connectors.
NCIC
National Crime Information Center
NCSA
National Center for Statistics and Analysis
NHTSA
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
No Access Control
Includes all sections that do not meet the criteria for full or
partial access control.
No Improper Driving
Driver operated motor vehicle in an apparently correct manner.
Non-Collision
Any motor vehicle crash not involving a collision. Includes
overturn/rollover, fire/explosion, immersion, jackknife, cargo/equipment loss or
shift, equipment failure, separation of units, ran off road right or left, cross
median/centerline, downhill runaway, fell/jumped from motor vehicle, thrown or
falling object.
Non-Fatal Injury
Bodily harm to a person that does not result in death.
Non-Highway Work
Maintenance or other types of work occurring near or in the
trafficway but not related to the trafficway.
Non-Incapacitating Injury
Any injury, other than a fatal injury or an incapacitating
injury, which is evident to observers at the scene of the crash in which the
injury occurred. Examples: contusions (bruises), laceration, bloody nose.
Non-Intersection Crosswalk
A portion of the roadway, not at an intersection, that is
distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the
surface of the roadway.
Non-Junction
Roadway that is not an intersection or a connection between a
driveway access and a roadway other than a driveway access.
Non-Motorist
Any person other than an occupant of a motor vehicle in
transport. This includes pedestrians, bicyclists, other cyclists, occupants of
other motor vehicles not in transport, and occupants of transport vehicles other
than motor vehicles.
Non-Motorist Action Prior to Crash
The action of the non-motorist prior to the crash.
Non-Motorist Actions at Time of Crash
What the non-motorist was doing at the time of the crash such as
improper crossing, darting, lying and/or in the roadway, failure to yield
right-of-way, being inattentive, wearing dark clothing, failure to obey traffic
signs, signals or officer, on wrong side of road, other.
Non-Motorist Condition at Time of Crash
Any relevant condition of the non-motorist that is directly
related to the crash
Non-Motorist Location At Time of Crash
The non-motorist's location with respect to the trafficway at the
time of the crash.
Non-Motorist Number
The unique, sequential number assigned to the non-motorist
involved in a crash.
Non-Motorist Safety Equipment
Safety equipment(s) used by the non-motorist, including
retro-reflective clothing, lighting, protective pads, helmet, etc.
Non-Motorist Type
Type of non-motorist involved in a crash (pedestrian,
pedalcyclist, skater, etc.)
Number of Fatalities
The count of fatalities (motorists and non-motorists) that
resulted from injuries within 30 days sustained as the result of a specific
motor vehicle crash.
Number of Motor Vehicles Involved
The count of motor vehicles (automobiles, single-unit trucks,
truck combinations, etc.) that are in motion or parked on a roadway and involved
in the crash.
Number of Motorists
The count of occupants in the motor vehicles in transport
involved in the crash.
Number of Non-Fatally Injured Persons
The total number of persons injured in a specific traffic crash,
excluding fatalities.
Number of Non-Motorists
The count of non-occupants (pedestrians, pedalcyclists, etc.) or
occupants of motor vehicles not in transport involved in a crash.
O
Obstruction in Roadway
A blockage in the roadway.
Occupant's Motor Vehicle Unit Number
The unique number assigned for this crash to the motor vehicle in
which this person was an occupant.
Occupant Protection System Use
The restraint equipment in use by the occupant, or the helmet use
by a cyclist, at the time of the crash.
Off-Roadway, Location Unknown
First harmful event is off the roadway but location of the actual
property line is unknown.
Operating Defective Equipment (Driver)
Vehicle in transport or any part or component of motor vehicle in
transport with defects or maintenance conditions which affect the operation of
the vehicle.
Originating Agency Identifier (ORI Codes)
A unique identifier for each law enforcement agency that is
assigned by the Department of Justice.
Other Distractions Inside the Vehicle
Other distractions inside the vehicle include eating, drinking,
smoking and reading.
Other Distractions Outside the Vehicle
Other distractions which occur outside of the vehicle, such as a
crash in the next lane or on the other side of the median, automated highway
signs, interesting objects in the sky, fire off the roadway, etc.
Other Electronic Device
Includes devices which are part of the vehicle such as a
navigation device, radio, VCR/DVD/tape player, etc., and devices which are not
part of the vehicle such as a palm pilot, computer, etc.
Other Fixed Object
Other fixed object includes a wall, building, tunnel, etc.
Other Light Trucks
Less than 10,000 lbs or 4,536 kg.
Other Non-Collision
Includes dislodged cargo, spewed gravel, etc.
Other Non-Fixed Object
Includes fallen trees.
Other Non-Fixed Object - Collision With
A collision with an object other than a motor vehicle in transit,
a pedestrian, another road vehicle in transit, a parked motor vehicle, a railway
vehicle, a pedal cycle, an animal, or a fixed object.
Other Non-Interchange
Includes crossings for bikes, snowmobiles, school, etc.
Other Part of Interchange
Refer to Appendix J.
Other Post, Pole, or Support
Post, pole or support that does not include a highway safety
sign.
Other Traffic Barrier
Moveable barriers including cones, chains, law enforcement
vehicle, etc.
Outside Trafficway
Not physically located on any land way open to the public as a
matter of right or custom for moving persons or property from one place to
another.
Overtaking/ Passing
A motor vehicle that moves from behind a motor vehicle to in
front of the same motor vehicle.
Overturn/Rollover
A motor vehicle that has overturned at least 90 degrees to its
side.
P
Parked Motor Vehicle
A transport motor vehicle that is not in motion or on a roadway.
A motor vehicle, or any portion of the motor vehicle outline
(excludes open doors, mirrors, etc.), parked on the roadway
during periods when parking is prohibited is considered in transport.
Parking Lane
An auxiliary lane primarily for the parking of motor vehicles.
Partial Access Control
Authority to control access is exercised to give preference to
thru traffic to a degree that, in addition to access connections with selected
public roads, there may be some crossings at grade and some private driveway
connections. However, these direct private driveway connections have been
minimized through the use of frontage roads or other local access restrictions.
Partially Ejected
The location of an occupant's body not completely thrown from the
motor vehicle as a result of the impact.
Passenger
Occupant of motor vehicle other than the driver of the motor
vehicle.
Passenger Car/Vehicle
Motor vehicles used primarily for carrying passengers.
Pavement Markings
Markings set into the surface of, applied upon, or attached to
the pavement for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic.
Markings are typically paint, or plastic but may be devices of various
materials.
Pavement Markings, Longitudinal
The longitudinal markings (paint, plastic, or other) used on the
roadway surface to guide or control the path followed by drivers.
PDO
Property Damage Only
Pedalcycle
Includes bicycle, tricycle, unicycle, pedal car, etc.
Pedalcyclist
Any occupant of a pedalcycle.
Pedestrian
A person who is not an occupant of a motor vehicle in transport.
Includes a person who is adjacent to the motor vehicle regardless of their
actions.
Pedestrian Conveyance
Includes motorized scooter, wheelchair, etc.
Person Traffic Control Device
Includes flagger, law enforcement personnel, crossing guard, etc.
Person Type
Type of person involved in a crash.
Physical Obstruction
An object that blocked sight and contributed to the crash (for
example, bush, tree, etc.).
Placard Number
A number included on the hazardous material placard displayed on
trucks that are carrying hazardous materials. Many placards have two numbers, a
four-digit number in the middle, and a one-digit number at the bottom. See
Appendix R.
Playing or Working on Vehicle
Non-motorist, such as a child playing or mechanic working/
touching a motor vehicle.
Pole Trailer
A trailer designed to be attached to the towing vehicle by means
of a reach or pole, or by being boomed or otherwise secured to the towing motor
vehicle, and ordinarily used for carrying property of a long or irregular shape.
Possible Injury
Complaint of pain without visible injury.
Property Damage Only
Crash which results in damage to the motor vehicle or other
property but without injury to any occupants or non-motorists.
Protective Pads Used
Padded, shaped attachments to protect specific areas of the body
(elbows, knees, shins, etc.) from injury, usually when skating.
R
Railway Crossing Device
Any sign, signal, or gate that warns of on-coming trains or train
tracks crossing the roadway.
Railway Crossing ID
A unique number assigned to a railroad crossing by a state
highway agency in cooperation with the American Association of Railroads for
identification purposes. (US DOT/AAR number)
Railway Grade Crossing
An intersection between a roadway and train tracks which
