Evaluation of the Motor Carrier Management Information System Crash File, Phase One

摘要

This is the first in a series of papers presenting the results of an evaluation of the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) Crash file undertaken by the Center for National Truck Statistics at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. In this paper we cover overall reporting levels to the MCMIS file; sources of underreporting by state and crash severity; and the problem of missing data. Later reports will evaluate data consistency, whether the correct cases are reported, and the accuracy of the reported data. The focus of the present report is at the national level, a top-down analysis. But the MCMIS Crash file is fundamentally a compilation of cases reported by individual states, so later reports will provide more of a state-by-state analysis. This process will identify states that are providing accurate and complete data, as well as states whose data are incomplete. The purpose of the work is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the MCMIS Crash file, to identify problems with the data, and to propose solutions. The ultimate goal of the work is to assist in the continuing effort to improve the MCMIS file, validating it for use in crash analysis, and to support other objectives of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.