State of the Practice of Crash Reporting in the U.S. and Implications for CAV Safety Assessment

This study evaluated connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) crash reporting practices across the United States, emphasizing the importance of standardized reporting and legislation for the safe deployment of CAVs on public roads. Through a survey of state transportation officials and a review of current practices and legislation, the study identified challenges in data consistency and gaps in reporting. Findings revealed significant variations in how states report CAV involvement and automation levels during crashes, complicating comparisons and analysis across jurisdictions. Current laws primarily focus on CAV definitions and deployment rather than crash reporting policies. Recommendations include standardizing crash report forms across states, mandating CAV crash reporting by operators and manufacturers, and enhancing reporting requirements for CAV manufacturers. Education and training for first responders and transportation officials on CAV technology and crash assessment is suggested to help improve data quality. Collaboration among state agencies, industry stakeholders, and academic institutions is crucial for developing comprehensive reporting practices. By adopting these measures, state departments of transportation (state DOTs) and policymakers can navigate the challenges of CAV crash reporting and contribute to safer roadways for all.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.ugpti.org/resources/reports/details.php?id=1167
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/75299
• Summary URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/76537
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  Utah State University, Logan

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  Logan, UT  United States 

  Mountain-Plains Consortium

  North Dakota State University
  Fargo, ND  United States  58108

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Acharya, Sailesh
  • Rahman, Md Ashikur
  • Mekker, Michelle
• Publication Date: 2024-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 79p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Autonomous vehicles; Connected vehicles; Crash reports; Data quality; Legislation; Recommendations; State departments of transportation
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01923381
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: MPC-24-521
• Contract Numbers: MPC-660
• Files: UTC, NTL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jun 30 2024 4:02PM