Evaluation of 2009 Oregon 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. Earlier studies have shown that reporting to the MCMIS Crash File was generally incomplete. This report examines reporting by the State of Oregon. Because key variables used in the evaluation process are not recorded in the computerized state data files, it was not possible to calculate an overall reporting rate for Oregon. It appears that Oregon reported 28 of 30 qualifying vehicles in fatal crashes, and the 1,120 total vehicles actually reported is reasonably close to the number predicted by a model that estimates the number of vehicles reportable to the MCMIS Crash file. However, it was not possible to evaluate the extent of underreporting or overreporting. An evaluation of timeliness in reporting shows that Oregon tended to upload records to the MCMIS Crash file well after the 90-day grace period ended. Only about 5 percent of records submitted were uploaded within the grace period. Missing data rates are low for most variables, though specific problems were noted with the hazmat variables. Corresponding data elements in the MCMIS and Oregon crash files were reasonably consistent except as noted with the straight truck and truck tractor configurations