While medium and heavy trucks are involved in fewer accidents per travel mile than are other types of vehicles, they still pose a substantial problem. Current truck accident data collection methods do not provide adequate information for analysis of truck accidents on a consistent basis. There is also a need to promote the benefits of collecting common truck data elements with accident data. Improved data collection results in better accident investigation.

In response to a national Statewide study conducted by the National Governors' Association, the Federal Government has identified 22 common truck data elements to be collected with accident data. This project will train the law enforcement community to collect quality truck accident data in a uniform manner. Two packages will be developed that address the need for improved accident data relating to trucks:

1. Develop materials for a Train-the-Trainer course and conduct pilots to provide resource individuals in police academies and within the FHWA Motor Carrier Divisions.

2. Develop training programs and provide necessary technical assistance to train State and local police agencies in the proper procedures for collecting National Governors' Association truck accident data elements.

These two packages will be developed into computer-assisted, self-taught training courses.

A professional firm has been contracted for both phases of this initiative. The Train-the Trainer course has been developed and piloted, and training sessions have been conducted in five FHWA regions.

For the second effort, Compact Disc-Interactive (CD-I) technology has been selected. The disks have been completed with a sufficient quantity pressed and delivered to all FHWA Motor Carrier Divisions and qualified law enforcement agencies.

National Governors' Association Truck Accident Data Collection Program, Officers Manual (FHWA-SA-92-035). National Governors' Association Truck Accident Data Collection Program, Instructor's Manual (FHWA-SA-92-036).

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U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration