Evaluation of 2007 Montana crash data reported to the MCMIS Crash File

Abstract

This report is part of a series evaluating the data reported to the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) Crash File undertaken by the Center for National Truck and Bus Statistics at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. The earlier studies showed that reporting to the MCMIS Crash File was incomplete. This report examines the factors that are associated with reporting rates for the State of Montana. MCMIS Crash File records were matched to the Montana crash file to determine the nature and extent of underreporting. It is estimated that that Montana reported 81.0 percent of reportable crash involvements in 2007. Reporting rates were found to be related to crash severity, the configuration of the vehicle, and the type of enforcement agency that covered the crash. Over 97 percent of fatal crash involvements were reported, 80.2 percent of injury/transported involvements, and 80.2 percent of towed/disabled involvements. Trucks were reported at a significantly higher rate than buses. Large trucks, especially truck tractors, were reported at a higher rate than smaller trucks. Missing data rates are low for most variables. Corresponding data elements in the MCMIS and Montana crash files were reasonably consistent, though specific problems were noted with respect to some variables. The timeliness of report was outstanding, with almost 99 percent of records submitted to the MCMIS file within 90 days of the crash.