ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION AND REPORTING
This discussion of the legal framework for an accident analysis system, reviews state laws relating to accident reports and accident investigations in the context of comparable provisions of the uniform vehicle code. The question of what accidents are reportable is examined, as well as where accident laws apply, and the definition of an accident. Information exchange at the scene is discussed, as well as the accident investigation by the police. The written report by involved parties is outlined, and comments are made related to special investigations such as coroners reports. The review indicates that 3 states have repealed their written report requirements. Another 2 states have provisions indicating that if a report is filed by an investigating police officer no written report by the involved parties is required. This exception to the written report was recently added to the Uniform Vehicle Code. Arguments for and against a police investigation are discussed, and the question is considered whether they should respond to the accident to control and clear the scene and restore efficient traffic flow. Greater uniformity in accident laws which would facilitate programs on a national level (to educate drivers) is desirable.
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Corporate Authors:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590 - Publication Date: 1975-9
Media Info
- Pagination: 72 p.
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Serial:
- Traffic Laws Commentary
- Volume: 4
- Issue Number: 2
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Crash investigation; Crash reports; Police; Standardization; States; Traffic control; Traffic regulations
- Identifier Terms: Uniform Vehicle Code
- Uncontrolled Terms: Traffic laws
- Old TRIS Terms: Uniform traffic laws
- Subject Areas: Highways; Law; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00134276
- Record Type: Publication
- Files: TRIS, USDOT
- Created Date: Jun 5 1976 12:00AM