The primary purpose of the Manual on Classification of
Motor Vehicle Traffic Accidents is to promote uniformity
and comparability of motor vehicle traffic accident statistics
now being developed in Federal, state and local
jurisdictions.
The definitions in this Manual are related, but not
necessarily identical, to the definitions found in the Uniform
Vehicle Code; Manual of the International Statistical
Classification of Diseases, Injuries and Causes of Death
(ICD); United States Code, Title 23, Highways; and the
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, ANSI D6.1e-
1989. These documents were developed for a variety of
purposes. This variety is reflected in the definition of terms;
similar terms do not necessarily have similar definitions.
The body of the Manual is divided into two sections, one
containing definitions and one containing classification
instructions. The definitions are presented in an order
which avoids dependence upon special terms not
previously defined. In addition, an attempt has been made
to make every definition complete; modifications of
definitions are not introduced intentionally in subsequent
sections or subsections.
The use of this standard does not require the use of all
classifications described in the Manual or prohibit the use
of additional classifications. Accident report forms and
summaries should, however, be compatible with the
Manual to permit compilation and comparison of
information collected in different jurisdictions.
Nothing in this Manual is to be construed as a requirement
for accident reporting or investigation. Reporting
requirements which govern drivers or police are generally
established by state law or city ordinance, while
requirements for investigation are ordinarily specified in
investigative agencies.
The assignment of accidents to a geographical location,
such as a city, county or state, does not imply that the
jurisdiction is responsible for such accidents or that it could
have prevented them. Such arbitrary assignments indicate
only that the accidents occurred within the geographical
limits of the jurisdiction.