Evaluation of 2007 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma. MCMIS Crash File records were matched to the Oklahoma Crash file to determine the nature and extent of underreporting. Overall, it appears that Oklahoma is reporting 54.7 percent of crash involvements that should be reported to the MCMIS Crash file. Reporting rates were found to be related to crash severity, the configuration and licensing of the vehicle, and the type of enforcement agency that covered the crash. Over 74 percent of fatal crashes were reported, but only 57.4 percent of injury/transported crashes and 52.0 percent of tow/disabled involvements. More than 72 percent of reportable involvements of tractor-semitrailers were reported, but the reporting rate was 57.0 percent for 3-axle single-unit trucks, and 25.6 percent for 2-axle single-unit trucks. Only 13.4 percent of bus involvements were reported. Missing data rates are low for most variables. Overall, the crash report is well-designed to support full reporting. The information necessary to identify reportable cases is available in the crash file, so a substantial improvement in the reporting rate can be achieved.