Crash Records Web Site Enhances Access to Vital Traffic Records System
The redesigned Web site for the Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria (MMUCC) voluntary crash data guidelines has gone online and offers traffic safety professionals a wealth of new resources and information, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). The site (www.mmucc.com) gives visitors instant access to the MMUCC data elements, Web-based training, and background information.
According to the GHSA, the voluntary MMUCC guidelines help highway safety professionals collect crash data that can make their roadways safer, and the Web site helps them access this information. The enhancements were made based on feedback from people in state DOTs and DMVs, law enforcement, safety groups, and other stakeholders who use the Web site in their jobs.
First developed in 1998 by a team of traffic records experts, MMUCC is a set of voluntary guidelines for states to collect more accurate, consistent crash data that are more effective for identifying traffic safety problems, establishing goals and performance measures, and monitoring the progress of problems. A panel of experts has updated the MMUCC data elements every five years since they were established, and the next updated version will be released in 2008.
In the months leading up to the release of the updated MMUCC guidelines, an expert panel will hold a series of meetings to develop the new data set. In addition to NHTSA and GHSA, other groups that are helping to update MMUCC include the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and USDOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration. The MMUCC team encourages states that are updating their crash reporting forms to include the MMUCC data elements.
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Indian Nation. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, to influence national policy and to enhance program management. Its members are appointed by their governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans.