Researchers have generally recognized that present traffic accident investigation programs yield non-uniform data of unknown reliability, accuracy, comprehensiveness and, therefore, limited usefulness. The State Accident Investigation Program study had as its central objective the strengthening of the national investigation effort through de development of uniform accident information collection standards for use by state and local municipalities in their ongoing accident investigation programs. Our specific objectives include the developing of: (a) standard procedures and systems for the routine management, investigation and analysis of motor vehicle collisions, (b) a standard accident investigation data collection form and (c) guidelines for use by states and local governments to enable them to coordinate their investigations programs with NHSB programs.
Abstract