DOT HS 811 280 June 2010

Motorcycle Crash Causes

And Outcomes: Pilot Study
DISCLAIMER 

This publication is distributed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway 

Traffic Safety Administration, in the interest of information exchange. The opinions, findings, 

and conclusions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those 

of the Department of Transportation or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

The United States Government assumes no liability for its contents or use thereof. If trade names, 

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Technical Report Documentation Page 

1. Report No. 

DOT HS 811 280 

2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient’s Catalog No. 

Title and Subject 

Motorcycle Crash Causes and Outcomes: Pilot Study 

Report Date 

June 2010 

Performing Organization Code 

Authors 

Westat and Dynamic Science, Inc. 

Performing Organization Report No. 

Performing Organization Name and Address 

Westat 

1600 Research Boulevard 

Rockville, MD 20850 

Dynamic Science, Inc. 

299 W. Cerritos Avenue 

Ahaheim, CA 92805 

Work Unit No. (TRAIS) 

Contract or Grant No. 

DTNH22-05-C-05079 

Sponsoring Agency Name and Address 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE. 

Washington, DC 20590 

Type of Report and Period Covered 

Final Report 

Sponsoring Agency Code 

15. Supplementary Notes 

Dr. Paul Tremont, Dr. Jenny Percer, and Dr. Jessica Cicchino were the NHTSA Contracting Officer’s Technical 

Representatives for this project. 

16. Abstract 

The number of motorcyclist crash-related fatalities has more than doubled during the past 10 years. In the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) P.L. 109-59, Congress directed 

the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive study of the causes of motorcycle crashes. In anticipation of 

this mandate, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded a contract to conduct a Pilot Study to develop and test a methodology for in-depth motorcycle crash investigation. Using a protocol developed by the Organization 

for Economic Cooperation and Development for a multination European study as a guide, the contract had four main 

goals: (1) develop comprehensive data collection forms, a coding manual, and field protocol for crash investigations; (2) 

develop data collection forms, a coding manual, and field protocol for the collection of control group data; (3) develop 

training material that can be used for a future larger scale study; and (4) assess the levels of effort and resources required 

for each stage of an investigation so that more accurate plans can be made for the future study. This report describes the 

process used to develop the data collection methods and tools, conduct data collection, and evaluate the results. In addition, it provides estimates of the average cost of completing an in-depth investigation, including the related dropped cases and control group data. Recommendations for modifications to the data forms, coding manuals, training material, and 

database are included. 

17. Key Words 

Motorcycle Pilot Study 

Motorcycle rider OECD 

Crash Causation 

Crash Investigation 

18. Distribution Statement 

Document is available to the public through the National Technical 

Information Service www.ntis.gov 

19. Security Classif. (of this report) 

Unclassified 

20. Security Classif. (of this page) 

Unclassified 

21. No. of Pages 

233 

22. Price 

Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-72) 

i 
 

Executive Summary 

The number of motorcyclist crash-related fatalities has more than doubled during the past 

10 years. In the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), P.L. 109-59, Congress directed the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive study of the causes of motorcycle crashes. In anticipation of this mandate, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 

awarded contract DTNH22-05-C-05079 to conduct a Pilot Study to develop and test a 

methodology for in-depth motorcycle crash investigation. 

Using a protocol developed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for a multination European study as a guide, the study had four main 

goals: (1) develop comprehensive data collection forms, a coding manual, and field protocol for crash investigations; (2) develop data collection forms, a coding manual, and 

field protocol for the collection of control group data; (3) develop training material that 

can be used for a future larger scale study; and (4) assess the levels of effort and resources required for each stage of an investigation so that more accurate plans can be 

made for the future study. 

A Project Working Group of stakeholders from the motorcycle community was convened 

in June 2006. They reviewed all of the OECD data elements and made recommendations. 

As a result of this meeting and with contributions and review by the project team, staff 

from NHTSA, the Federal Highway Administration, and Oklahoma State University, a 

modified set of data elements was created. 

Westat and its subcontractor, Dynamic Science, Inc., (DSI) conducted the study in 

Orange County, California. Cooperative agreements were negotiated with five police 

agencies in seven jurisdictions. The plan was to investigate up to 37 crashes via on-scene 

response during a 3-month data collection period. The project successfully developed and 

evaluated all data collection instruments, hired and trained crash investigators, conducted 

on-scene investigations, and gathered exposure data. Notifications were received on 53 

motorcycle crashes during the 3-month data collection period. Of those, 23 cases were 

completed. Twenty cases were dropped because there was no injury to a motorcycle rider 

or passenger or because of lack of cooperation. An additional 10 cases were not completed by the end of the data collection period. 

The collection of case controls proved to be the most challenging aspect of the study. 

Several approaches were used with limited success. Suggestions for improving the collection of control data are discussed. 

Although laboratory testing of crash-involved helmets is part of the OECD protocol, such 

testing was not conducted as part of the Pilot Study. There was no need to adapt the protocol for use in the United States, and thus, there was no need to evaluate the standard 

testing procedure. 

ii 
This report describes the process used to develop the data collection methods and tools, 

conduct data collection, and evaluate the results. In addition, it provides estimates of the 

levels of effort for various subtasks when conducting an in-depth investigation, including 

the related dropped cases and control group data. Recommendations for modifications to 

the data forms, coding manuals, training material, and database are included. 

The Pilot Study demonstrated that case notifications could be received from cooperating 

police jurisdictions within about 15 minutes, and crash investigators could be dispatched 

almost immediately in order to respond on-scene. Interviews with involved riders and 

drivers of other vehicles were obtained on average in less than 24 hours, 

Medical records were sometimes available almost immediately via fax, and generally 

within about two weeks when signed patient release forms were provided to hospitals. 

Autopsy reports are public records in California and were available immediately once 

they were completed. 

The average number of hours to complete a crash investigation including collecting control data and allowing a margin for dropped cases was about 60 hours, resulting in an average cost per completed case of about $7,500. It is important to note that this cost does 

not include the cost of developing data collection forms, a coding manual, training material, databases, or field protocol. It also does not include the cost of equipment, hiring 

and training data collectors, or helmet testing. Likewise, the cost does not reflect efforts 

to obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) or from Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). These related costs of developing and implementing a research program are substantial. 

iii 
Table of Contents 

Topic Page 

Executive Summary ............................................................................................................ ii
 

1.0 Background..............................................................................................................1
 

2.0 Study Design............................................................................................................4
 

2.1 Crash Investigation ......................................................................................5 

2.2 Control Group Data Collection..................................................................10
 

3.0 Research Methodology ..........................................................................................13
 

3.1 Adaptation of OECD Methods...................................................................13 

3.2 Data Forms.................................................................................................13 

3.3 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Approval ...............................14 

3.4 Coding Manual...........................................................................................14 

3.5 Training Material .......................................................................................15 

3.6 Technical Database ....................................................................................16 

3.7 Administrative Database ............................................................................16 

3.8 Institutional Review Board ........................................................................17 

3.9 Certificate of Confidentiality .....................................................................17 

3.10 Use of Total Stations..................................................................................17
 

4.0 Data Collection ......................................................................................................19 

4.1 Selection of Study Area .............................................................................19 

4.2 Memoranda of Understanding With Police Agencies ...............................19 

4.3 Field Protocol .............................................................................................20 

4.4 Quality Control ..........................................................................................20 

4.5 Reporting....................................................................................................22 

5.0 Results............................................................................................. .......................23 

5.1 Crashes Investigated ..................................................................................23 

5.2 Control Data Collected ..............................................................................25 

5.3 Police Cooperation .....................................................................................26 

5.4 Administrative Reporting...........................................................................27 

5.4.1 Average Crash Notification Time..................................................28 

5.4.2 Average Crash Response Time......................................................28 

5.4.3 Average Time to Collect On-Scene, Medical, and Interview 

Data..........................................................................................28 

iv 
Contents (continued) 

Topic Page 

5.4.4 Average Caseload per Investigator ................................................29 

5.4.5 Average Time and Estimated Cost per Case Subtask ....................29 

5.4.6 Average Time per Control Case ....................................................30
 

5.5 Lessons Learned .........................................................................................30 

5.5.1 Crash Data Collection ....................................................................30 

5.5.2 Control Data Collection .................................................................32 

6.0 Recommendations..................................................................................................34 

6.1 Data Forms and Coding Manual ................................................................34 

6.2 Training Material .......................................................................................43 

6.3 Field Protocol .............................................................................................45 

6.4 Database.....................................................................................................46 

References................................................................. .........................................................48 

Appendices 

1. NHTSA Letter of Introduction 

2. Data Element Summary 

3. 60-Day Federal Register Notice 

4. 30-Day Federal Register Notice 

5. Issues Form 

6. Training Syllabus 

7. Administration Form 

8. Consent Form – Crash Involved Subject 

9. Consent Form – Control Subject 

10. Parental Consent Form 

11. Youth Assent Form 

12. Dynamic Science, Inc.’s Data Confidentiality and Security Policy 

13. Crash Investigator Confidentiality Statement 

14. Institutional Review Board Approval 

15. Certificate of Confidentiality 

16. Motorcycle Crashes in Southern California, July 2007 

17. Exemplar Memorandum of Understanding 

18. Pilot Study Data Collection Forms 

v 
List of Tables 

Tables Page
 

5-1 Case Identification and Completion by Jurisdiction ....................................... 23
 

5-2 Completed Cases by Case Type ...................................................................... 24
 

5-3 Age Ranges for Motorcycle Operators ........................................................... 24
 

5-4 Type of Road by Total Number of Vehicles in the Sample ............................ 25
 

5-5 Area Type by Total Number of Vehicles in the Sample................................. 25
 

5-6 Control Data Results....................................................................................... 26
 

5-7 Average Cost per Case for 23 Completed Cases ............................................ 30
 

6-1 Training Recommendations ............................................................................ 44
 

List of Figures 

Figures
 

1-1 Motor Vehicle Crash Fatalities by Vehicle Type and Year ...............................1
 

vi 
1.0 Background 

The safety of motorcyclists on our nation’s roads has become an increasing concern 

among traffic safety professionals. Figure 1-1 below compares the number of passenger 

vehicle occupant fatalities with motorcyclist fatalities over the past 10 years. While occupant (and nonoccupant) fatalities have decreased, motorcyclist fatalities have steadily increased. 

Figure 1-1: Motor Vehicle Crash Fatalities by Vehicle Type and Year 

With the rising number of motorcyclist fatalities each year, it is important to conduct an 

in-depth study of motorcycle crashes to develop more appropriate countermeasures. Congress directed the Department of Transportation in Section 5511 of the Safe, Accountable, 

Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), P. L. 

109-59, to conduct research that will provide a better understanding of the causes of motorcycle crashes. The SAFETEA-LU legislation required the Secretary of Transportation 

to provide grants to the Oklahoma Transportation Center (OTC) to conduct a comprehensive, in-depth motorcycle crash causation study using the common international methodology for in-depth motorcycle crash investigation. There has been no DOT-sponsored 

comprehensive study in the United States of such crashes for over 30 years. 

1 
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) methodology is a 

comprehensive approach to investigating motorcycle crashes. The 649-page methodology 

calls for the investigation of crashes of all severities, excluding non-injury cases and the 

collection of exposure data in the form of controls (two matched, non-crash-involved vehicles for every similar crash-involved vehicle). Crash investigations specify interviews 

with motorcycle operators, passengers, and the drivers of other-involved vehicles. Human 

factors topics range from rider experience, licensing, and training to fatigue, drug and alcohol use, trip purpose, use of protective clothing, and risk-taking behaviors. 

Vehicle inspections specify detailed examinations and judgments of pre-and post-crash 

condition for every motorcycle component. The type, size, and handling characteristics of 

the motorcycles are also carefully documented. When other motor vehicles (such as cars 

and trucks) are involved in crashes with motorcycles, data on the points of contact and 

exterior vehicle damage are recorded. 

Environmental details are collected to get a full picture of the crash event. Roadway features, traffic controls, and other environmental factors that could have contributed to 

crash causation are recorded. In addition, circumstances such as line-of-site and potential 

visual obstructions are noted. 

Control data include detailed interviews with motorcycle operators and passengers similarly at risk to those involved in each crash. OECD also requires careful documentation 

of the condition of motorcycles selected as part of the control population. 

The OECD protocol also describes a training program that should be no less than four 

weeks and up to nine weeks long that covers data collection techniques (interviewing 

skills, vehicle damage assessments) and the analyses of physical data such as metal fractures. Very limited training material are available. A database developed in Europe has 

been used by a manufacturer-sponsored study to record crash investigation and control 

data but is not available to the public. 

In anticipation of a congressional mandate for a full motorcycle crash causation study, the 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded a contract for a Pilot 

Study to test the methodology for a motorcycle crash causation study using the common 

international methodology for in-depth motorcycle crash investigation. The project has 

four main target outcomes. Using the protocol developed by OECD to foster uniform 

procedures in the investigation of motorcycle crashes, this project: (1) developed comprehensive data collection forms, a coding manual, and field protocol for crash investigations; (2) developed data collection forms, a coding manual, and field protocol for the 

collection of control group data; (3) developed training material that can be used for a 

future larger scale study; and (4) assessed the levels of effort and resources required for 

each stage of an investigation so that more accurate plans can be made for the future 

study. 

2 
The Pilot Study was conducted by Westat and Dynamic Science, Inc. (DSI). As the prime 

contractor, Westat was responsible for overall planning, project management, recruiting 

police agencies, creation of data forms, database development, evaluation, and reporting. 

As a subcontractor, DSI was primarily responsible for the creation of the coding manual 

and training material, recruiting and hiring the crash investigators, conducting the training, performing the crash investigations, collecting control group data, and populating the 

database. 

The Pilot Study built upon the research protocol used in motorcycle research in the 1970s 

in the United States, current data collection programs, and the methods developed by the 

OECD for use in Europe. The Pilot Study created a comprehensive research protocol that 

allows comparisons with other current U.S. crash data such as the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Study (NMVCCS), the National Automotive Sampling System 

(NASS), and the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), along with the motorcycle 

and motor scooter studies previously conducted in Thailand and in Europe. 

3 
2.0 Study Design 

The study includes assessments of the data forms, coding manual and training material 

along with measurements of the time and resources needed for the collection of information on motorcycle-involved crashes and on two non-crash-involved “control” motorcyclists for each focal crash. These control cases provide a basis for comparisons of operator 

and vehicle characteristics and are matched for time of day, weather, road type, urban, 

suburban or rural area type, and other factors. 

Data collection for the crashes and controls included observation, measurement, interviews, photography, and the collection of official documents. All technical data were encoded using carefully defined definitions and standard data forms; scene and vehicle diagrams were created, and photographs were organized and labeled. Narrative descriptions 

from interviews accompany each crash report and discuss relevant factors that contributed to crash and injury causation and severity. Because this study is focused on developing and refining data collection procedures, a consolidated database was created in Microsoft Access so that data completion rates can be tracked for each variable. Because of 

the small sample size for the Pilot Study, no comprehensive analysis will be performed of 

the entire dataset with regard to crash characteristics and outcomes. 

A research team comprising three crash investigators and one supervisor investigated motorcycle-related crashes that occurred within Orange County, California. Cooperative 

agreements were negotiated with police agencies as described in Sections 4.1 and 4.2 to 

provide the team with immediate notification of focal crashes and to provide the team 

with access to crash-related data (such as the ability to document scene and vehicle information) preferably while such data were relatively undisturbed, immediately following the crash. The team was also provided with copies of the completed police accident 

reports (PARs). In addition, the team routinely reviewed Web sites for police agencies 

and news organizations to identify potential crashes. At least one investigator was on call 

via cell phone and e-mail so that crash investigations could be initiated on-scene, 24 

hours per day, 7 days per week. 

Access to tow facilities and salvage yards was handled on a per-case basis. Additional 

cooperation was needed to access police tow facilities. For the California Highway Patrol 

(CHP), this included watch commander approval and a written release from the watch 

commander to the tow facility. Other tow yards required the presence of the vehicle owner in order to provide access for a vehicle inspection. Medical records were obtained 

through the use of signed patient release forms in compliance with Federal privacy regulations. Autopsy reports are publicly available in California. 

The Pilot Study plan called for the investigation of up to 37 crashes within 3 months. 

Cases were initiated by the team from December 8, 2008, through March 8, 2009. It can 

take up to 90 days to obtain all of the necessary documents and analyses to complete an 

investigation; thus, not all cases could be completed within the 3-month study period. 

The team continued to gather official documents in order to complete reports through 

4 
April 10, 2009. The study was intended to validate the proposed protocol on a variety of 

crash types (single- versus multivehicle), all driver ages and levels of experience, and in a 

broad range of circumstances (varying roadways, geographic conditions, driver characteristics, etc.) for motorcycle- and motor-scooter-related collisions. The investigators responded to crash cases at the scene, immediately after notification that the crash occurred, when such notifications were timely. Thus, the investigator arrived at the scene 

with no idea what the crash involved, other than a report that a motorcycle or scooter was 

involved with a reported injury to the rider or passenger. In this way, no sampling bias 

was introduced by the researchers, and the broadest possible range of crashes was included in the study. It should be noted that not all crash notifications were provided 

promptly. In some cases, notifications occurred hours or days after the crash occurrence. 

The team responded by initiating investigations as quickly as possible for all cases. 

The study plan also required the collection of comparison data from non-crash-involved 

motorcyclists. Two control cases were to be selected for each investigated crash. The 

control cases included interviews with motorcyclists and passengers and a detailed inspection of the motorcycle. Breath samples for alcohol detection were also requested 

from control motorcycle riders. The control data were intended to be collected either at 

the crash location at the same time of day and day of week for traffic traveling in the 

same direction, one week post-crash, or immediately following the clearance of the crash 

scene. Alternatively, control cases were obtained from a nearby location such as a gas 

station, when safety concerns precluded data collection at the crash site. 

Details about the protocol used to collect crash and control data are presented below. 

Copies of the Pilot Study data forms, coding manual, and database were delivered under 

separate cover. 

2.1 Crash Investigation 

Case Assignment 

Crash investigations were assigned, on a rotating basis, to the three investigators. When 

the workload became uneven due to the random assignment of a series of more complicated cases to an individual, the supervisor modified the assignments as necessary. The 

case criteria were that a crash must involve a single motorcycle or motor scooter or a 

multi-vehicle crash must involve at least one motorcycle or motor scooter, and the operator or passenger of the motorcycle or scooter must have sustained a reported injury. Cases 

were subsequently dropped if the preliminary investigation indicated that no treatable injury occurred. 

Data collection essentially followed the guidelines laid out in the OECD Common Methodology. Of course, the variability of crash scenes required investigators to remain flexible in the order in which they undertook the various investigation tasks. Generally speaking, the highest priority was given to obtaining data that were likely to be altered or to 

disappear quickly. Most often this meant obtaining photos of the vehicles at their final 

rest positions and interviewing uninjured or slightly injured riders and drivers. Documenting the motorcycle damage and crash scene evidence was accomplished as soon as 

possible before details became modified or obliterated. 

5 
Tape recording of interviews is suggested in the Common Methodology, and most of the 

interviews during the Pilot Study were conducted over the phone. Tape recordings were 

attempted on a limited number of occasions during in-person interviews, and the results 

were mixed. The interviewee either agreed or did not agree to being taped, but the interview itself was completed. All information was transcribed onto paper forms and entered 

into a database. 

All photography was digital, so the requirement in Section 4.5.5 of the Common Methodology to mount all photos on paper was not done. Electronic versions of the photos were 

labeled and attached to the case file in the database. The image files were named in a 

structured alphabetic format so that the images for each case would appear in a consistent 

and logical order, both when viewed through the database and with any file management 

application. 

No personal identifiers are ever included in hardcopy or electronic reports, and no system 

of records is maintained with case identification data. 

Case Response 

Cooperating police agencies were given a phone number and an e-mail address to be used 

for case notification. The corresponding cell phone was provided to the crash investigator 

on-call at any given time. Upon receiving notification, he would initiate a case by notifying a second investigator (when available) and traveling directly to the crash scene. 

Upon arriving at the crash scene, the investigators parked their vehicle in a safe place and 

introduced themselves to the lead police investigator. Business cards and a letter of authorization from NHTSA (Attachment 1) were used as a means of identification. The police officer determined when the documentation and collection of case data could begin. 

The activities could range from allowing only photographs, to providing full access to 

crash-involved vehicles, riders, drivers, and the scene. Information that could not be gathered immediately was collected through follow-up visits to the crash site, tow yards, 

salvage yards, and places of residence. 

Documentation of the Scene and Environment 

Using the prescribed Crash Scene Data Collection protocols (as adapted from the Common Methodology and the NASS), the crash investigator collected environmental, highway-related, and crash-related evidence while at the scene of the crash whenever possible. Most freeway locations were not available for detailed inspection, and alternate methods were used as described below. The goal was to describe the crash scene in detail for 

both the rider and the operator of other vehicles. Information regarding the pre-crash path 

of travel was documented, including type of area, illumination (daylight, dusk, night 

lighted, night not lighted, or dawn), type of intersection, traffic direction, lane dividers, 

roadside environment and obstacles, traffic way description, posted speed limits and 

roadway surface characteristics, and information about traffic conditions and weather at 

the time of the crash. 

6 
The investigator documented the exact location where the sequence of crash events occurred (point of impact [POI], point of rest [POR], object(s) contacted, skid marks, etc.). 

Also the investigator attempted to associate physical evidence such as debris with the 

motorcycle or other vehicle component involved in producing it. Once all of the physical 

evidence was identified, the investigator marked the important scene data with spray 

chalk. 

After the scene evidence was completely marked, the investigator measured and photographed the motorcycle and vehicle POIs, PORs, and intermediate trajectory points; 

physical evidence; and pertinent items of the permanent environment. The presence of 

stationary view obstructions (e.g., road signs) or mobile obstructions (e.g., other vehicles) 

was documented along with other pertinent features unique to the case. 

Total stations (computerized surveying instruments) were tested late in the Pilot Study to 

measure their utility in documenting pertinent features in the physical environment and 

crash-related evidence when it was possible to do so. This approach could be used in certain locations to provide three dimensional measurements of critical scene documentation 

such as the distance between points and the relative height of various features. More frequently, standard measuring wheels and tape measures were used. 

The resultant data were recorded on the data collection forms and were used as the basis 

for drawing a scaled diagram of the crash scene and related evidence. Easy Street Draw 

Accident Diagramming Software was used for the creation of the scene diagram. The file 

was then converted to a JPEG format and appended to the electronic case file. 

Documentation of Motorcycle and Vehicle Data 

While at the scenes, the investigators inspected and photographed the involved motorcycles as well as other vehicles, if appropriate and available. Complete vehicle inspections could not be accomplished at the crash scene, so the investigator tracked the vehicle 

to a tow yard, impound facility, or other location to finish the documentation. The investigator gathered information regarding the motorcycle manufacturer, model and style, 

year, colors, tire and rim sizes, suspension characteristics, brake system type and condition, frame, handlebar, seat, fuel tank, drive train, throttle control, and exhaust system. 

The condition of each component, and whether it was original equipment, modified, or 

after market, was also recorded. 

A supplemental roll attitude angle form was developed to aid in the coding of variable 19 

on the Motorcycle Dynamics Form. It was found that additional field measurements 

beyond those called for in OECD were needed in order to code the variable accurately. 

Photographs were taken of each vehicle, with particular emphasis placed on verification 

and documentation of all coded data elements, especially as they related to the areas of 

interest for that crash. In some circumstances (e.g., poor light or inclement weather), a 

further inspection of the involved vehicles was required, and as noted above, the investigator then tracked the location of the vehicle and arranged for further inspection at a tow 

yard, impound lot, or other location. 

7 
The investigator identified and recorded all motorcycle rider and passenger contact points 

using both coded data and diagrams. Individual contact points were identified by such 

physical evidence as deformations of the motorcycle’s instrument panel, the fuel tank, 

and other surfaces; strands of hair, makeup, and tissue fragments; and clothing embossments. Occupant contact points within the crash environment were also identified, e.g., 

bloodstains on a road surface. All identifiable contact points were photographed and diagrammed according to prescribed methodology. 

Documentation of Rider and Occupant Data 

Information regarding occupants involved in assigned cases was gathered from many 

sources such as PARs, medical records, and autopsy reports, but for this study, interviews 

were particularly important. This study focused on the events leading up to crashes; those 

involved are best able to describe those circumstances. While at the scene, interviews 

were conducted with police officers, the motorcycle riders and passengers, and other vehicle occupants (when possible). These individuals contributed information about the rider’s and occupant’s roles, kinematics, injuries, and injury mechanisms. If the involved 

parties were not available for interviews, due to injuries for example, the investigators 

contacted them later. 

Demographic information was collected for all crash-involved people (riders, passengers, 

and other vehicle drivers). This information included extensive background data (e.g., 

age, gender, educational status, occupation, and vision correction) and riding/driving experience (e.g., all vehicle experience, on any street motorcycles, on crashed vehicles, 

number of days motorcycles are ridden, the ridden distance per year, training, motorcycle 

percent-use estimate, and experience with a passenger or cargo). Information was also 

gathered on the riders’ and passengers’ clothing and safety equipment by body region. 

This included information about helmets, including the type of helmet, type of coverage, 

manufacturer, model, and helmet condition before and after the crash. 

Information regarding the trip was gathered (i.e., origin, destination, trip length, frequency of road use, length of time since departure) and possible impairment (i.e., alcohol/drug 

type of use, impairment, blood alcohol concentration [BAC], source of BAC information, 

physiological impairment, permanent or transient condition, presence of stress, etc.). Interviewees who were available on-scene were given voluntary breath tests for BAC. For 

injured parties, blood alcohol information was obtained from medical reports or PARs, 

when possible. 

Additionally, interviews covered activities such as any particular or unique situations that 

may have led to the crash (e.g., rider and passenger position at time of collision, attention 

to tasks, etc.). Interviews were needed to obtain releases for medical records, consent for 

breath tests, and are useful in locating vehicles or other occupants. They were also necessary in order to gather information that simply is not found in official documentation. For 

these reasons, the crash investigators made every attempt to conduct the interviews onscene and in person. 

8 
Injury Data Collection 

Using occupant interviews, medical records, and/or autopsy reports, the investigators 

compiled as complete a listing of occupant injuries as possible. Some descriptions of 

slight injuries were obtained only through occupant interviews. The best source for descriptions of substantial injuries was, of course, official medical records. Since the passage of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, access to medical information is generally carefully controlled. Signed patient release forms are required and 

were used to obtain copies of patient records so that injury information could be examined, encoded, and related to possible or probable injury sources. 

When interviewing vehicle occupants, the investigator asked that a medical release form 

be signed. A generic form was used. At times, certain hospitals required their own specific patient release forms. These were used as they became available. The investigators 

made personal visits to area hospitals to introduce themselves and explain the study. The 

hospitals were generally very responsive in providing the requested records once the appropriate patient release forms were provided. Official medical records requested included emergency room reports and patient discharge summaries and records from private physicians. 

Autopsy reports were provided by the medical examiner. These are public records in California and did not require special authorization for their release. 

Some cases included riders who received first aid at the scenes. When possible, injury 

information was obtained directly from the riders. Some riders agreed to be photographed, which allowed documentation of some injuries as well as riders’ clothing and 

protective equipment. 

After weighing all of the gathered information, the investigator determined the case rider/ 

occupant kinematics, interaction between the rider/motorcycle and environment, as well 

as what role the components played in the crash outcomes. The investigator assembled 

the entire related official and interview-derived medical information and coded the injuries using the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS2005), the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-9), and the Injury Severity Score 

(ISS). 

Reconstruction 

When all interview, scene, and vehicle data had been gathered, the investigator addressed 

the pre-crash motion of the involved vehicles and motorcycle dynamics, including: 

•	 Contributing environmental factors (e.g., roadway condition and design, traffic controls, defects, traffic hazards, weather-related problems, etc); 

•	 Contributing vehicle factors (e.g., tire size, tire inflation pressure, motorcycle mechanical component-related problems, pre-crash fires, and any contribution of the 

cargo/luggage); 

•	 Motorcycle contributing factors, indicating which mechanical element may have contributed to rider injury causation; and 

9 
•	 Contributing human factors (e.g., attention failure, lane choice, traffic scan, faulty 

traffic strategy, safe position, skills deficiencies). 

The interviewee narrative description of the crash circumstances is included in each electronic case report. 

Data Entry 

Crash investigators entered data into the database throughout each investigation. The database indicated when each form was complete so that a notice of missing data could be 

provided. In addition to the data forms, the electronic case files include the interviewee 

narrative description of the case, diagrams and photographs of the crash scene, involved 

vehicles, and personal injuries. 

Edit checks built into the database ensured that all entries were at least within a predetermined range (for example, a rider could not be 150 years old). In addition, consistency 

checks helped to ensure that data were consistent (for example, there should not be a dry 

road on a rainy day). Once an investigator completed data entry on a case and finished a 

self-review, the case was released for quality review by the quality control staff. 

2.2 Control Group Data Collection 

As described above, the motorcycle Pilot Study required 3 months of data collection or a 

sample of 37 crash-involved motorcycle investigations and information on at least two 

matched non-crash-involved control motorcycle riders for each (for a potential total of 

74 controls). The reason for collecting the comparison information was so that analyses 

(in a larger sample of cases) can focus on the relevant aspects of the crash susceptible to 

countermeasures that, if effectively administered, would have prevented the crash from 

occurring or would have lessened the harm caused by it. Such analyses were not possible 

in the Pilot Study due to the small number of crashes investigated. However, this study 

was able to examine whether the planned approach for collecting control data is feasible 

and effective. The relative levels of effort required to collect the control data were determined. 

Sampling Protocol 

The crash investigation team was instructed to attempt to collect data on two comparison 

riders per crash rider at each crash site (or nearby location), on the same roadway and 

traveling in the same direction, either immediately following the on-scene crash data collection or one week later at the same time of day and day of week. Data collection at each 

crash site was to be conducted no more than one hour prior to and one hour past the time 

of the original crash. Problems with the planned approach are discussed in Section 5.2. 

The OECD international coordinating committee developed three methodologies to collect exposure data in cases where it is impossible to perform traffic stops on the same 

road due to safety or law enforcement agency concerns. The committee recommended 

that research groups collect exposure data using one of the following methodologies: 

10 
•	 Photography or video recording of traffic, follow up of motorcycles via license plate 

number, plus signs indicating voluntary or police-assisted stopping of motorcycles for 

questionnaire interviews; 

•	 Photography or video recording of traffic, plus follow-up of motorcycle riders via license plate number; or 

•	 Only photography or video recording of traffic. 

Note that previous motorcycle crash studies recruited comparison cases from nearby locations such as gas stations. 

Roadside signs were used that stated, “Motorcycle Survey, Free Gas.” Also a motorcycle 

was parked in a high-visibility location, and the investigator wore motorcycle-related 

clothing. Gas cards worth $20 were used as incentives for the control riders. Any motorcyclist who approached the data collection site was a candidate. There were no other selection criteria. If a rider refused to stop, then the next rider was considered. Tallies were 

kept of the number of riders who were potential control subjects but did not stop or refused to participate. 

Control Sample Interviews 

Interviews with motorcycle operators and passengers and inspections of their vehicles 

were conducted. As with the crash-involved riders, the questions included demographics 

such as age, gender, educational status, occupation, and vision correction. Questions included riding/driving experience (e.g., all vehicle experience, on any street motorcycle, 

on other vehicle, number of days motorcycle is ridden, the ridden distance per year, training, motorcycle percent-use estimate, and experience with a passenger or a cargo). Information was also gathered on the riders’ and passengers’ clothing and safety equipment 

by body region. This also included information about helmets, including the type of helmet, type of coverage, manufacturer, model, and helmet condition. 

Information regarding the trip was gathered (i.e., origin, destination, trip length, frequency of road use, length of time since departure), and possible impairment (i.e., alcohol/drug type of use, impairment, BAC, source of BAC information, physiological impairment, permanent or transient condition, presence of stress). Riders and passengers 

were given voluntary breath tests for BAC. Although protocols were in place to provide 

safe transport in the event that riders were legally impaired, there were no impaired riders 

in the control group. 

Vehicle Inspection 

The investigators inspected and photographed the control motorcycle similarly to the inspection for crash-involved motorcycles. Data included the motorcycle manufacturer, 

model and style, year, colors, tire and rim sizes, suspension characteristics, brake system 

type and conditions, frame, handlebar, seat, fuel tank, drive train, throttle control, and exhaust system. The condition of each component, and whether it was original equipment, 

modified, or after market was also recorded, when possible. Photographs were taken of 

each vehicle in accordance with the required protocol, with particular emphasis placed on 

verification and documentation of all coded data elements. 

11 
Data Entry 

The control data that were collected for each case were entered into the Access database. 

Built-in range checks and consistency checks ensured that the entered data were consistent with the values established in the coding manual for each data element. The database 

identified missing data on each form. Once the control data entry was complete, the data 

were subject to self-review by the data collector and then a quality review by the quality 

control staff. 

12 
3.0 Research Methodology 

3.1 Adaptation of OECD Methods 

The research team acknowledged the NHTSA goal of generating data that are compatible 

with those in the OECD-sponsored multi-nation, in-depth study of motorcycle crashes 

(MAIDS study) and incorporating the critical data elements in their entirety. A Project 

Working Group consisting of stakeholders from the motorcycle and safety communities 

was convened in June 2006 to review all of the 1,657 OECD data elements and to make 

recommendations. As a result of this meeting and a review by the project team, staff from 

NHTSA, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and Oklahoma State University 

(OSU), a modified set of data forms was created and reviewed. The development of the 

revised data forms was a major task that required substantial effort on the part of the 

project team and federal sponsors. 

3.2 Data Forms 

The Pilot Study incorporated essentially the same data elements as used in the Thailand 

and MAIDS studies because this facilitated direct statistical comparisons between studies. However, substantial effort was devoted to updating, reformatting and revising the 

OECD data forms and certain data elements to enhance usability and completeness. Some 

data elements were revised in order to reflect American units of measurements (such as 

miles and inches) and terminology (gasoline rather than petrol). Also, the ordering of the 

data elements was modified for greater consistency, with 0 always indicating “none,” 97 

meaning “not applicable,” 98 meaning “other” (as needed), and 99 used for “unknown.” 

Also, the attributes for some of the data elements were modified so that data are more 

compatible with other NHTSA and U.S. data sets. For example, the OECD occupation 

codes include unfamiliar terms such as “elementary occupations.” We substituted the 

employment codes used in the U.S. Census. Descriptions of road characteristics and design did not reflect U.S. standards and were modified in order to be compatible. 

In addition, data elements were added to meet the stated needs of the research community. These included additional questions on topics such as the specific type and timing of 

rider training; rider experience including not only the length of time but also any hiatus in 

riding experience; conspicuity of the rider’s apparel including retro-reflective gear; use of 

armored protective clothing by the rider; the type and operation of traffic controls; and 

both coded data and scale drawings of the road design from the perspective of each vehicle involved in a crash. In addition, a more detailed and up-to-date injury coding protocol, the Abbreviated Injury Scale, AIS2005, was adopted. A summary comparison of the 

data elements for the OECD and the Pilot Study is shown as Attachment 2. A base total 

of 1,689 data elements were collected for the Pilot Study. This reflects the total number 

of data elements that would be used if each data collection form was used once in a case. 

The actual number of data elements varies according to the number of vehicles and occupants that exist for each crash investigation. 

The data forms used for the MAIDS study were modified in format, as approved by the 

Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR), in order to incorporate content 

changes and to make them easy to use. For example, an OECD interview form may have 

13 
data elements that pertain to the motorcycle rider, then the rider and passenger, then the 

other vehicle driver, then back to the rider on a single form. The Westat/DSI team developed unique interview forms for the motorcycle rider, for the passenger and for the driver. In this way, a form would only include data elements pertaining to the individual being addressed, and if there were no passenger, or no other vehicle driver, then their data 

form would not be used. This approach also eliminated the need to code “not applicable” 

onto a form and into a database (as was required in the MAIDS study) when a passenger 

or other vehicle driver was not involved in the crash. This reduced the coding effort by 

the investigator and reduced the null entries in the database. 

All retained OECD data elements are identified in the Coding and Editing Manual by 

their corresponding numbers. Draft and final copies of each data collection form were 

provided to the COTR and to the FHWA COTR of the main study for review and approval. 

3.3 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Approval 

The application for OMB survey approval was submitted on behalf of both the Pilot 

Study and the Main Study. The initial 60-day Federal Register notice was published on 

November 24, 2006, and the 30-day Federal Register notice was published on February 

26, 2007 (Attachments 3 and 4). A total of 11 comments were received in response to 

these notices. They were generally favorable to the study. 

In July 2007, the formal request for survey approval was submitted. The OMB approval 

(number 2125-0619) was received in October 2007. 

3.4 Coding Manual 

The Westat/DSI team developed a Coding and Editing Manual with pertinent instructions 

and specific definitions for every variable for all crash and control data forms. This manual guided the data collection activities and defines all allowable responses to encoded 

data. In this way, we were able to ensure that all case data were collected and recorded 

according to specific standards. The training manual was provided under separate cover. 

Each data element for every crash and control form included the following information: 

 Data Form 

Data Element Number and Name

 OECD Reference Number 

 Convention/Coding Source 

 Element Attributes

 Range 

Source 

 Remarks 

Potential future edits to the coding manual were noted on the Issues forms (Attachment 5) 

so that it can be updated for future use. The Coding and Editing Manual served as the 

basis for the range and edit checks in the Access database created for the crash and control portions of the study. 

14 
3.5 Training Material 

DSI developed comprehensive training material that covered every data element on every 

data form, along with field techniques for collecting such data. The training material also 

included background information such as the handling characteristics of motorcycles and 

elementary anatomy sessions to provide a basis for better understanding the proper ways 

to encode data. A training syllabus is shown as Attachment 6. Copies of all the training 

PowerPoint presentations, along with trainer guidelines and student notes were provided 

under separate cover. 

DSI created and implemented additional tutorial and question/answer PowerPoint presentations that addressed the data collection forms and coding manual. Initial presentations 

were conducted during week 1 of training, and a more advanced version was conducted 

during week 6 of training. This effort went beyond the original syllabus, but was found to 

be necessary to give the investigators greater familiarity with the forms and coding manual layout and content. In addition, DSI created a session on roll attitude angle in order 

to provide the basis for coding certain data elements related to motorcycle dynamics. 

They also created an additional training session labeled, “Scene Inspection and Physical 

Evidence.” This was necessary prior to conducting the scene practicum cases, as there 

was no formal training on this topic available from the OECD documents. 

All crash investigators were given 6 weeks of training on every aspect of the project. This 

included instruction on how to collect all required information through observation, measurement, interviewing, photography, or acquisition of official records. The training included review of the entire coding manual and data collection techniques related to the 

defined aspects of each data element. Photographic techniques and the use of all measurement equipment were also taught. Note that training in the use of Total Stations occurred late in the Pilot Study because the manufacturer’s representative had scheduling 

conflicts. Methods to conduct in-person and telephone-based interviews successfully 

were reinforced through role-playing exercises. Also included was instruction on responding to the scene of a crash and correct protocol when dealing with law enforcement 

personnel, salvage yard operators, crash victims, witnesses, and other involved parties. 

The training also covered methods used for documenting environmental and vehicle data 

through the use of scaled diagrams. Coding injuries according to the AIS2005 and relating them to occupant contact locations were taught later in the Pilot Study. These are 

complicated topics that are generally left to specialists in other studies. DSI has a trained 

AIS coding specialist who assisted in injury coding. 

The classroom training was accompanied by field exercises such as examining damaged 

and undamaged motorcycles, interpreting skid marks and other scene data, measuring and 

documenting environmental characteristics, and role playing interview sessions with victims and witnesses. Field forms were completed during these practice sessions and were 

reviewed and critiqued by the trainers. 

15 
The training also included practiced responses to crash notifications and attempts at collecting control data through traffic stops. These field practice sessions allowed the instructors to critique the crash investigators’ initial attempts and to suggest effective ways 

of achieving task objectives. All training was conducted by experienced crash investigators and motorcycle safety experts. 

3.6 Technical Database 

A database was created by Westat using MS Access. It includes every data element for 

each of the crash and control data forms. The database also links the narrative case description, diagrams, and photographs for every case to the encoded data. Text explanations for responses coded as “other” provided a means for recording unusual circumstances. 

The Access database was built upon the coding conventions included in the Coding and 

Editing Manual. The acceptable ranges for each variable (for example, ages from 1 

month to 100 years) are pre-programmed to help eliminate keystroke errors. Consistency 

checks are also built into the database so that there cannot be inconsistencies such as 

training dates entered if a rider stated that he/she never received formal motorcycle training. Skip patterns are also built into the database. As an example, if a vehicle driver did 

not use alcohol or drugs prior to driving the vehicle, then the question of what kind of 

drugs used would not be available for data entry. The database also includes completeness checks to ensure that the appropriate number of data collection forms was used (for 

example, a vehicle form for every involved vehicle) and that all variables were coded. A 

user’s manual was also provided to guide data entry. 

The database is password protected and was available on a non-network personal computer in a locked conference area in order to protect the data. Each data collector entered 

case and control data for his own cases. Once the case completed all range, consistency, 

and completeness checks, the team leader reviewed the case and noted technical errors. 

The revised case was then noted as complete. 

3.7 Administrative Database 

Because one of the primary goals of the pilot test was to determine the resources needed 

to complete crash investigations and the collection of control data using the prescribed 

methods, the Westat/DSI team developed a tracking system. The information on the Administration Form (Attachment 7) was entered into an administrative database on Friday 

of each week. This form provided a means for measuring and recording the length of time 

and other resources needed to complete portions of crash investigations and the collection 

of control data. It was used in conjunction with specific coding of timesheets to provide 

the details needed for budget planning for the main study. 

DSI developed a PowerPoint presentation that covered the data included in the Administrative Database. Each entry was addressed during week 6 of training. The database was 

updated every Friday during a team meeting. The updated database was provided to the 

COTR each week. Standard reports were also produced in accordance with COTR requests. 

16 
 

3.8 Institutional Review Board 

Westat’s corporate policy requires that all contractual research projects be reviewed by 

Westat’s Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB comprises both Westat and outside 

members who meet monthly to review new and ongoing projects in order to ensure that 

human subjects receive appropriate protection. Westat’s IRB served as the reviewing 

body for both the Westat and DSI portions of the study. The IRB focuses on the informed 

consent script, collection and storage of sensitive data, privacy protection, and reporting 

protocol. Following its initial review, the IRB requested modifications to the consent 

forms for both the crash-involved and control subjects (Attachments 8 and 9). In addition, 

parental consent forms and youth assent forms were developed for use with any motorcycle rider, passenger, or other vehicle driver who was under 18 years of age (Attachments 10 and 11). 

The IRB also reviewed DSI’s data confidentiality and data security protocol (Attachment 

12). Project data do not include any personal identifiers, such as names, addresses, dates, 

or specific locations. During the course of an investigation, some identifying information 

such as names and phone numbers were maintained until all required data were assembled. Protocol for the protection and storage of such data was reviewed and approved. 

The crash investigators and project personnel completed the Human Subjects Protection 

training offered by Westat and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). They signed 

statements of confidentiality (Attachment 13). DSI also conducted background checks for 

its newly hired crash investigators. 

The IRB provided approval for the project with the recommendation that a Certificate of 

Confidentiality (CoC) be obtained from the NIH to protect project data from disclosure 

and subpoena (Attachment 14). The application for a CoC is described below. Due to delays in the CoC review process, Westat’s IRB approved data collection for the pilot study 

(with appropriate revisions to the language in the consent forms). The IRB still recommended that negotiations proceed with NIH so that a CoC could be obtained. 

3.9 Certificate of Confidentiality 

An application for a CoC was submitted to NIH. Following an initial review, the application was transferred to the National Institute for Mental Health since much of the sensitive project data related to legal and illegal drug use and the pre-crash emotional state of 

the motorcycle rider. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism provided 

the final review and granted the CoC (number AA-015-2009) on March 11, 2009 (Attachment 15). 

3.10 Use of Total Stations 

The OECD protocol calls for the use of a Total Station during the collection of scene data. The Total Station is a surveying tool that can measure and record the distance and elevation of a point relative to a base location. It is important to note that Total Stations are 

not required in order to collect the scene and vehicle data required for this study. They 

are not appropriate for use on freeways or other high traffic locations since it takes some 

17 
time to set up and calibrate the equipment. They are also costly at $5,000 for a base model. Westat provided two Total Stations for use in the Pilot Study. They were accompanied 

by very limited documentation on their use. An experienced surveyor was called upon to 

demonstrate their use and provide basic training to a DSI staff member. This training was 

insufficient, however, and Total Stations were not used for the cases in the study. 

Arrangements were made with the manufacturer to provide 1 day of informal training, 

updated software, and an accessory pack that would allow the Total Station to be used by 

a single individual in the field. Due to the manufacturer’s schedule, the training was conducted on March 5, 2009. The instructor tailored the course to project needs and demonstrated: 

1. Setting up and leveling the device, 

2. Initiating and orienting the device, 

3. Collecting data, 

4. Downloading data to a computer. 

The measured data come out as a CSV-delimited file, which can be brought into Excel. 

Currently Easy Street Draw cannot import the data directly. There is a measurement table 

within Easy Street Draw that allows the data to be entered directly, and then points can be 

plotted. The Total Stations can be operated by one person using a prismless device, or by 

a team using several prisms. The training was provided using a one-person, prismless 

device. The basic operation requires the investigator to focus on an object of interest and 

hit the capture button. It seems a little clumsy when descriptive text is added to identify 

features of the crash or environmental elements, since it works like a cell phone keypad. 

The team tested the Total Stations on a limited basis. The team felt that the use of the device would be beneficial, particularly for complicated and/or dangerous scenes. 

Other devices and software might be useful and less time consuming; for example, 

MapScenes (http://www/mapscenes.com) is an accident reconstruction software program 

capable of advanced surface modeling. According to its advertisement, the MapScenes 

System is designed to provide professional investigators with the tools to capture data 

quickly and precisely at a scene, using a hand-held device and then visually communicating the output of their investigation in accurate and compelling diagrams. Such a system 

would be less cumbersome than the large Total Station unit, and MapScenes includes diagramming software. 

18 
4.0 Data Collection
 

In order to conduct crash investigations on-scene, it must be possible to identify when 

and where a crash occurs and to reach the crash scene while involved vehicles and riders/drivers are still in place. This approach depends upon a real-time notification system 

and a geographic target area that can be reached quickly by crash investigators. Ideally, 

crash notifications would be obtained from police dispatchers who would contact the 

crash team immediately after notifying first responders (police and ambulance personnel). 

4.1 Selection of Study Area 

Criteria for the selection of the Pilot Study location included (1) a climate conducive to 

year-round motorcycle riding, (2) a large population of motorcyclists, and (3) a mixture 

of road types and urban/rural traffic conditions. It was also desirable to include a location 

with some type of helmet use law so that a proportion of riders would be using compliant 

motorcycle helmets. 

Consideration was given to conducting the Pilot Study in the greater Atlanta region, south 

Florida, and in Texas. Southern California was selected for several reasons. It fit the criteria described above; DSI had an established office with experienced crash investigators 

in Anaheim; and the previous study conducted by the University of Southern California 

included much of the same region. Once the general region was selected, the next step 

was to identify the police agencies with jurisdiction in the region and those that reported 

relatively high numbers of motorcycle crashes. Attachment 16 shows the crash data for 

the first half of 2007 that were used to determine those jurisdictions with a high number 

of motorcycle crashes and their relative location to the DSI office in Anaheim (to help 

ensure a quick response to the crash scene). 

As a result of these efforts, the following police jurisdictions were identified as potential 

partners for the Pilot Study: 

•	 Anaheim Police Department; 

•	 California Highway Patrol (Border Division, Capistrano, Santa Ana, and Westminster); 

•	 City of Santa Ana Police Department; 

•	 Costa Mesa Police Department; 

•	 Long Beach Police Department; and 

•	 Orange County Sheriff – Coroner. 

4.2 Memoranda of Understanding With Police Agencies 

Letters of introduction explaining the study and identifying the contractors were sent 

from NHTSA to the head of each agency. Subsequently, Westat contacted agency representatives to provide additional information about the Pilot Study and request agency participation. The response from every police agency was enthusiastic. Agency staff attended a meeting where DSI representatives provided a PowerPoint presentation that 

19 
closely outlined the study details and addressed potential concerns of the police agencies. 

There was general discussion about field protocol, law enforcement concerns, and notification procedures. Using the discussion as a basis, Westat/DSI developed a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and submitted it to each agency for review and consideration. The MOU reflected the agreement between the police agency and Westat/DSI 

concerning case notification, access to information, and DSI data collection activities. 

Certain agencies asked for edits to address issues raised by their counsel, records departments, or other affected individuals. The MOUs were signed by agency representatives 

and corporate officers from Westat and DSI. A draft MOU is shown as Attachment 17. 

4.3 Field Protocol 

In accordance with the terms of the MOUs, DSI’s crash investigators’ field response was 

subject to the direction of the lead police officer at each crash site and the particular circumstances related to each crash. No vehicle or scene evidence could be disturbed. Informed consent protocol required that a consent form (or assent form for youth) be presented and signed prior to the administration of an interview. Riders, passengers, and 

drivers may not have been interviewed on-scene if they were (1) severely injured or (2) 

suspected of criminal activity. In such cases, interviews were held at the hospital, at 

home, or as a follow-up telephone correspondence. Note that verbal consent to participate 

in the interview would be noted on the consent form in the case of telephone interviews. 

 Field sobriety tests were not administered by DSI if the police agencies administered 

such tests. Also, the crash investigators’ activities may have been limited if the scene was 

considered to be unsafe for any reason. In such circumstances, photographs were taken to 

record critical information such as the point of impact, final resting place for vehicles, 

and as much additional physical evidence as was possible. 

Repeat visits were generally made to crash scenes that were not located on freeways to 

complete the documentation of crash-related evidence such as skid marks and fluid spills 

and to make detailed measurements of the roadway, traffic control devices, and other pertinent information. 

4.4 Quality Control 

Quality control was a consideration in all parts of this project. The development of the 

data collection forms and coding manual was guided by the intent to have discrete 

attributes for each data element that were not redundant and that could be clearly defined 

in the coding manual. The creation of a coding manual that addresses every data element 

found on every data collection form ensures that both data collector and data user understand the source, the basis, and the definition of the data attributes. 

The training program likewise covers every element on the data collection forms. In addition, the crash investigators learned data collection techniques such as the proper ways to 

interpret and measure skid marks, discerning direct versus induced vehicle damage, how 

to conduct interviews, and the requirements for exhaustive photographic coverage of 

crash-involved vehicles and scenes. This comprehensive training on both data forms and 

20 
 

investigation protocol helped to ensure that data were collected consistently and predictably by all staff. 

Quality control also was reflected in the careful selection and screening of the crash investigation staff. Each was an active motorcycle rider with a background in law enforcement, interviewing, and at least some limited crash investigation experience. These 

attributes were indicative of the basic interest and capabilities of the investigators. It was 

important that they had a basic knowledge of motorcycle design and operation and of 

how to interact with law enforcement personnel and crash victims as prerequisites to the 

training program. 

An Administration Form (Attachment 7) was created for two purposes. It served as a case 

tracking form to ensure that all components of each case were initiated in a timely manner. For example, the team manager reviewed the status of each case every Friday to 

make sure that interviews had been scheduled and completed and medical records had 

been requested, etc. Crash data deteriorate over time, as memories fade, and subjects may 

become less cooperative. Collecting data as rapidly as possible is an important technique 

for ensuring case quality. 

The administrative database was also one of the bases for the calculation and reporting of 

resources needed for case investigation as described in 4.5. 

The Microsoft Access database used to record the crash and control data has range checks 

on every data element. This eliminates erroneous keystrokes such as recording age as 150 

years. The acceptable range for each of the data elements is shown in the coding manual. 

The database also includes some consistency checks among selected data elements such 

that a certain response for a data element will prohibit the entry of conflicting information 

in another data element. For example, if a respondent states that he/she had received no 

motorcyclist training, it is not possible to enter a year in which that training was received. 

Following the completion of a crash investigation or control case and entry of the information into the database, a senior investigator conducted a quality review. This reviewer 

relied on source documents (such as police reports, medical records, tapes of interviews) 

and photographs as resources when reviewing all of the data entered into the database. 

Errors and inconsistencies were noted. The case reviews served two purposes: first, they 

provided instruction and a reference for the investigators regarding coding conventions 

and field protocol. Second, they offered the reviewer an opportunity to identify coding 

form/manual problems and coding areas that were vague and in need of further clarification. 

Case review notes were discussed with the investigator. When all questions and issues 

were clarified and coding inaccuracies corrected, the team manager approved each case 

as final and closed in the database. 

21 
A quality control review was conducted during week 6 of training and involved an examination of the practice case (Case 9990). This practice case was a single motorcycle 

crash that involved fatal injuries to the rider. The team documented the crash during week 

5 of training. Case review notes were generated, and a standard format for feedback to 

the investigators was formulated. The form outlined case coding inconsistencies and data 

coding problems. After the case was reviewed, the problems and inconsistencies were 

discussed on a variable by variable basis. This provided a solid framework and reference 

guide with regard to coding issues. This approach was then used for all future cases. 

An Issues Form was developed (Attachment 5) for use during the Pilot Study. It was used 

to identify errors, inconsistencies, or omissions in the data forms, coding manual, and 

training material. All staff members, including instructors, crash investigators, and managers, used these forms throughout the project to document any issue that should be addressed. Some examples included a typographic error in the coding manual and the need 

for additional training on anatomy, especially for head and thorax injuries. The suggestions found on these forms can be used to update the source documents for use in the 

larger study as discussed in Section 6. 

4.5 Reporting 

Westat/DSI provided a weekly report to the COTR throughout the data collection period 

so that case progress could be closely tracked. The report included an updated administrative database and standard reports as requested by the COTR. Topics of interest included 

the status of each case from date selected to case completion. The number of vehicles that 

were inspected (including the motorcycles), interviews obtained, hospital and medical 

records requested and acquired, cases released to quality control staff, and entry into the 

technical database were shown by date accomplished. 

The weekly report also included information on the collection of control data for each 

case. The database showed the focal crash investigation case number and the number of 

related comparison interviews that were attempted and obtained (again reported by date 

completed). 

An Interim Report that described the background for the pilot study and the research design was submitted on December 15, 2008. The Interim Report also included a discussion 

of the adaptation of the OECD methods and the other enhancements developed for the 

collection and recording of motorcycle crash and control data. The Interim Report reflected the format of the Final Report. It was intended to expedite the development and 

approval of this Final Report so that the Pilot Study results could be applied as rapidly as 

possible to the implementation of the main study. 

22 
5.0 Results 

The contract called for data collection to continue for 3 months, or until 37 cases were 

completed, whichever came first. Data collection began on December 8, 2007, and continued until March 8, 2008. A total of 53 crash cases were initiated, and 23 crash cases 

were completed, 10 cases were incomplete, and 20 were dropped. Likewise control data 

collection was attempted for all 23 completed cases. A summary of the data collection 

phase follows. 

5.1 Crashes Investigated 

The number of crash notifications, completed cases, and dropped cases from each police 

agency is shown below in Table 5-1. 

Table 5-1: Case Identification and Completion by Jurisdiction 

Jurisdiction 

Case Notifications Completed 

Cases 

Dropped 

Cases 

Incomplete/Open 

Cases 

CHP - Capistrano 

CHP-Santa Ana * 

CHP – Westminster* 

CHP – Riverside* 

Costa Mesa 

Long Beach 

Orange County Sheriff 

Fullerton * 

1 

25 

3 

1 

6 

10 

6 

1 

1 

11 

1 

4 

3 

2 

1 

13 

1 

2 

3 

1 

1 

1 

1 

4 

3 

Total 53 23 20 10 

* Note that for 7 cases, the team initially identified the crashes through other sources such as newspapers, 

the Internet, or file searches of police accident reports. 

Of the dropped cases, 8 were dropped because the crashes were minor, and no police reports were subsequently filed. Two more were dropped by the team because there were 

no injuries as a result of minor crashes. Two additional cases were dropped because the 

team was not allowed to inspect the motorcycles, 1 was dropped because the motorcyclist 

was jailed and would not consent to be interviewed, and 1 was dropped because the next 

of kin refused to be interviewed while the motorcyclist was hospitalized. Six cases were 

dropped due to a total lack of cooperation. 

Table 5-2 shows the number of vehicles involved in the various completed cases. It 

should be noted that there were 3 crashes that included fatalities, and there were no motorcycle passengers or pedestrians included in any of the cases. The most frequent crash 

configuration (4 cases) involved a motorcycle striking the rear of another vehicle. In 3 

crashes, drivers of “Other Vehicles” turned left in front of the motorcyclists. 

23 
Table 5-2: Completed Cases by Case Type 

Case Type Number 

Single Vehicle 

Two Vehicles 

Three Vehicles 

Four Vehicles 

12 

7 

3 

1 

Total Cases 23 

Injury severity for the motorcyclists included the following: 7 treated and released, 5 

hospitalized, 2 died within 30 days, 1 was dead on arrival, 1 received first aid at the 

scene. In addition, there were missing medical records for 2 riders, and 5 received unknown treatment. 

Of the 23 completed cases, 11 occurred during daylight hours, 4 were at dusk, and 8 were 

at night. 

Based on interviews with 22 riders or surrogates (an interview was not obtained for 1 rider), 4 had owned the crash-involved motorcycle for 2 weeks or less and 7 more had 

owned their bikes for more than 2 weeks, but less than 1 year. The maximum reported 

ownership was 8 years. Three of the motorcyclists did not own their vehicles. 

Likewise, when asked how long they had operated a street motorcycle, 5 riders had less 

than 2 weeks of experience, and 2 more had more than 2 weeks but less than 1 year of 

experience. Four riders had 16 to 42 years of riding experience. 

BAC tests were not performed for 15 of the riders. Among the remainder, 3 received 

breath tests, 3 received blood tests from medical authorities or during an autopsy, and 

testing for 2 riders was unknown. It was determined that alcohol had been used by two 

riders, and alcohol and other drugs were used by two riders. The reported BAC levels 

were .12, .153, .169, and .19. 

The age range for the riders was fairly evenly distributed as shown in Table 5-3 below. 

Table 5-3: Age Ranges for Motorcycle Operators 

Age Range 

Number of 

Riders 

18-23 

24-40 

41-60 

Unknown 

6 

6 

8 

3 

Total Riders 23 

There were 19 male riders, 1 female rider, and the gender of 3 riders was unknown. 

Twenty of the riders were helmeted, and for 3 riders, helmet use was unknown. Twelve 

had some sort of motorcycle safety training. 

24 
The engine size for the crash-involved motorcycles ranged from 96 to 1690 CCs, and 

there was a good mixture of manufacturers. There were no fires, but six of the motorcycles had moderate fuel tank damage. Impact speeds ranged from 0 to 76 miles per hour 

(MPH). Four crashes occurred at speeds greater than 60 MPH, and the speeds for three 

crashes were unknown. 

With regard to environmental features, there were 41 forms (note that there is one form 

for each vehicle, including Other Vehicles) which represent the roads on which they travel prior to the impact. Table 5-4 shows the road type. Twenty-two vehicles were at nonjunctions, 15 at intersections, and 4 at interchanges. 

Table 5-4: Type of Road by Total Number of Vehicles in the Sample 

Road Type 

Number of 

Vehicles 

Interstate/Freeway 

Arterial 

Local Road 

Driveway 

HOV Lane 

Forest Road 

Freeway Transition 

Dedicated Path 

Entrance Ramp 

16 

10 

6 

2 

2 

2 

1 

1 

1 

Total Vehicles 41 

The crashes all occurred in Orange County, California. The area type for each crash was 

judged to be as shown in Table 5-5. 

Table 5-5: Area Type by Total Number of Vehicles in the Sample 

Area Type 

Number of 

Vehicles 

Commercial/Business

Apartments 

Rural 

Urban/Industrial 

Suburban – Single Family Homes 

Church/School 

Trees

 20 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

Total Vehicles 41 

5.2 Control Data Collected 

The collection of the case control data was one of the most difficult and frustrating tasks. 

Several approaches were used and were met with limited success. Initially, DSI attempted 

to conduct control stops using signage (for free gas) and multiple investigators. As the 

investigators became more comfortable with the process, the number of investigators 

dropped down to two and then to one. DSI visited gas stations when safe locations near 

25 
the crash site could not be identified and had a motorcyclist and motorcycle present at the 

control site. Although occasionally successful, results showed that even during 4 hours of 

attempts, it may not be possible to successfully obtain two interviews and vehicle inspections from traffic stops. Control subjects included the first two motorcyclists who voluntarily stopped to participate. There was no selection process. 

During the latter part of the Pilot Study, the team used digital photography to capture images of the motorcycles. The investigator set up signage and photographed the motorcycles as they passed by but did not stop. Again, the first two motorcyclists who passed 

the control location were included in the study. Filming was sometimes continued after 

two riders passed the location in order to further test this method of data collection. Digital imagery allowed the images of the control motorcycles and riders to be included in 

each case. From the images, the investigator could complete some of the data elements on 

the Control Motorcycle and Control Motorcycle Rider data forms. When a license plate 

was present, the team could legally request vehicle registration data, including the vehicle 

identification number. Owner addresses are not public information in California. 

Table 5-6 shows that control data were attempted on 24 crashes. Of those, 6 crash sites 

had successful in-person stops with 10 people interviewed; 12 used signage, but obtained 

only digital images of motorcycles; and 6 resulted in no data. 

Table 5-6: Control Data Results 

Control Data Type 

Signage/ 

Still Photo 

Signage 

Plus Video 

No Attempt 

(Off-road) Total 

Number of Sites 

Total Number of Images 

Total Available Vehicles 

Total Captured Vehicles 

18 

54 

104 

12 

6 

27 

44 

44 

1 

0 

0 

0 

25 

81 

148 

56 

 5.3 Police Cooperation 

As a result of the site selection activities described in Section 4.1, MOUs were signed 

with five police agencies: the CHP, Long Beach Police Department, Anaheim Police Department, Costa Mesa Police Department, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The 

agreement with the CHP covered three divisions, so a total of seven police jurisdictions 

were included in the Pilot Study. 

Because the Pilot Study required the investigators to respond to the scene of the crash as 

soon as possible after the crash occurred, notification procedures had to be negotiated 

with each agency. DSI acquired cell phones dedicated solely to receiving crash notifications. The generic MOUs were modified slightly to address the preferred operating procedure for each police jurisdiction. Sometimes dispatch officers would place a telephone 

call to notify the team of a crash. Other jurisdictions preferred to send an e-mail (which 

was received as a text message by the cell phone). The team also monitored police Web 

sites and local news outlets in order to identify motorcycle crashes. 

26 
The notification process was generally good and improved during the project. After dispatchers became familiar with the Pilot Study protocol, the notifications were more timely and there were fewer instances of missed crash notifications. 

Both the police agencies and the crash team sometimes were provided with incorrect site 

location information resulting in the need to search for the crash site. Minor, singlevehicle crashes were often cleared, especially on the freeways, before the team could 

reach the area. It should be noted that the police generally did not file reports on such 

crashes, and non-injury collisions are not included in our case selection criteria, so these 

cases did not affect overall study results. 

The crash investigators found that responding on a motorcycle enabled them to arrive 

more quickly despite freeway backups. However, the police were still required to clear 

the scene of more serious crashes as quickly as possible in order to restore traffic flow. 

The police jurisdictions were generally very helpful in sharing their photographs and basic crash scene information. The investigators also used satellite imagery and highway 

engineering data to enhance their scene documentation. 

The investigators required information from PARs in order to identify crash-involved individuals who were not interviewed on-scene, and the locations to which vehicles were 

towed. All agencies except one provided draft copies of their PAR cover sheets within 24 

hours to DSI. The remaining agency, on the advice of counsel, would not provide any 

information until the PAR was complete and had been reviewed and approved by the 

agency. This process often took 30 days or more. Thus, the investigators could not proceed with their case until such information became available. This restriction was a serious impediment to data collection within that jurisdiction. Both DSI and Westat senior 

staff appealed, but no relief from the requirement could be arranged. 

On the other hand, another jurisdiction provided vehicle registration, driver record data, 

and other supporting documentation that was of great value to the crash investigators. 

This jurisdiction exceeded the high levels of cooperation that characterized the study. 

The cooperation and strong support of all these agencies was critical to the success of the 

Pilot Study. Letters expressing appreciation for participation were sent to each of the police agencies by NHTSA at the conclusion of the project. 

5.4 Administrative Reporting 

An Administrative Database was created to track the case initiation, investigation, and 

case and control completion status. The database was provided to the NHTSA COTR 

each week during the data collection phase. This database allowed management to review 

the number and timeliness of police notifications of crashes, team response times, attempts to conduct interviews, vehicle and scene inspections, attempts to collect control 

data, dates for completion of all subtasks, and when appropriate, reasons for dropping 

case investigations. 

27 
 

5.4.1 Average Crash Notification Time 

The team responded to 45 crash notifications from cooperating police agencies. The average time from crash occurrence until notification from a police agency for these 45 

crashes was 1.6 days. The median time for notification was 15 minutes. The interval from 

time of crash to time of notification ranged from immediate notification to more than 11 

days. For 4 of the cases, the time of crash was unknown and no police report was ultimately filed; thus, the interval could not be computed. In addition, the team identified 8 

cases from other sources (such as from Internet searches). These cases are not included 

in the notification interval analyses. 

Among the remaining 41 cases, 9 notifications were severely delayed ranging from 15 

hours to 11 days. The average time to notification for this group of delayed notifications 

is 77 hours or 3.2 days. The median time for this group is 33 hours. 

For the remaining 32 cases, the average notification time was 14.4 minutes. The median 

time interval for notifications for this group was 10 minutes. Of these, 20 notifications 

were received in 10 minutes or less. This final group of 32 cases represents the notification system working as it should. 

5.4.2 Average Crash Response Time 

Once a notification is received from a police agency, the on-call crash investigator is 

tasked with traveling to the crash scene as quickly as possible. As noted above, there 

were times when the police agencies did not provide a prompt notification. In these instances, the crash investigators would seek a copy of the police report and any on-scene 

police photos before traveling to the scene, in order to have all available resources prior 

to documenting the scene evidence and roadway characteristics. 

When notifications were received promptly, the average response time in leaving 

home/office to travel to the scene was 7.5 minutes; median response departure was 5 minutes. The maximum response time for this group was 14 minutes. For those 9 instances 

when the crash notifications were late, or when no information was provided as to the 

location of the crash, the investigators arrived at the scene, on average, 3.2 days after notification (median arrival was 2.7 days). The latest scene arrival was one week after the 

notification. 

The average travel time to reach the scene was 34 minutes (median time was 30 minutes). 

The closest scene was 15 minutes away, and the most distant/congested required a 90 

minute trip. 

5.4.3 Average Time to Collect On-Scene, Medical, and 

Interview Data 

The Administrative database includes data elements for crash notification, departure for 

the scene, and arrival at the scene. It does not include a variable for time elapsed at the 

scene. Therefore, it is not possible to calculate the exact time required for each scene inspection. We recommend that future administrative databases include two data elements: 

A 15, on-scene crash completion time, and A 16, scene completion time (not on-scene). 

28 
Note that A 15 would be inexact because numerous and variable tasks can be initiated 

while on-scene. These include photographing scene and vehicle evidence, conducting initial interviews with involved parties, coordinating with the officer-in-charge, etc. A 

second visit to the scene is virtually always required in order to complete the documentation process. 

In general, the collection of scene data is estimated to take from 2 to 4 hours depending 

upon the complexity of the location (straight road segment versus an intersection), the 

number of vehicles involved, and the available evidence such as skid marks, gouges and 

fluid spills. Note that the preparation of a scaled diagram and labeling and sorting photographs is not included in this estimation. 

There were 13 cases for which medical data was requested and received by the end of the 

data collection period. The average length of time for receipt of medical records following the submission of a signed patient release form was 17.6 days. For 3 cases, the medical records were obtained on the same day they were requested. The longest interval for 

receipt of records was 46 days. Autopsy reports are public records in California, and 

those were available as soon as they were completed. Medical records were pending for 7 

cases at the end of the pilot study. The team reported excellent cooperation from the 

hospitals and the medical examiner’s office. 

The average amount of time that elapsed from the time of the crash notification to the 

time that the interviews of all crash-involved parties were obtained was 16.26 hours, with 

the minimum amount of time being 1 hour, and the maximum amount of time being 47 

hours. 

5.4.4 Average Caseload per Investigator 

The caseloads varied during the course of the Pilot Study in concert with improved notification procedures, improving skills, and generally improving weather conditions during 

the 3 month data collection period. As shown in the discussion below, the average time 

expended per case including the collection of control data was nearly 60 hours. We recommend that a caseload of one per week per investigator is appropriate given the current 

number of data elements, and the approach to collecting control data. If the crash investigators did not collect control data, then the number of cases could be increased to 1.25 

cases per person per week. 

5.4.5 Average Time and Estimated Cost per Case 

Subtask 

The average number of days between the notification of a case, and the completion of all 

investigation requirements including the collection and encoding of both case and control 

data was 53.6 days. This average includes the length of time needed to obtain approved 

police accident reports, medical records, and other supporting documents, along with organizing and labeling photographs, preparing scaled scene diagrams, and entering all data 

into the database. This interval does not include the review of the case data by a senior 

crash reconstructionist. 

29 
 

 

 

Using case completion status from the Administrative Database, along with detailed 

timesheet information, an estimated cost per completed crash investigation was computed. The cost included a factor for the number of dropped cases as compared to completed cases. The efforts to obtain control data were also added in to the estimated cost 

per case since the control data are considered to be part of the completed case file. Quality review of the case materials was included. In addition, any costs for official records 

such as police photos or medical and autopsy reports, were added to the labor charges. 

For the 23 completed cases, the average time expended per case was calculated to be 59.7 

hours. Using these factors, the estimated cost per Pilot Study case was approximately 

$7,500. 

Table 5-7: Average Cost per Case for 23 Completed Cases 

Item 

Completed 

Investigations 

Quality 

Review 

Dropped 

Cases 

Control 

Cases Total 

Labor Hours/Cost 

Records/Supplies 

Mileage and Parking 

59.7/$5,362 

$103 

6.6/$593 8.4/$754 7.2/$647 

$ 12 

$7,356 

$ 115 

$ 47 

Total $7,518 

It is important to note that this cost does not include the cost of developing data collection forms, a coding manual, training material, databases, or field protocol. It also does 

not include the cost of equipment, hiring and training data collectors, or helmet testing. 

Likewise, the cost does not reflect efforts to obtain approval from OMB or from IRBs. 

These related costs to develop and implement a research program are substantial. 

Many of these Pilot Study expenditures can be applied to a future study, thus reducing 

overall budget needs. For example, the data collection forms, coding manual and training 

material require only minor editing in order to incorporate recommendations from the 

Pilot Study. Likewise, approval from the OMB to conduct the Pilot Study also applied to 

a follow-on effort. 

5.4.6 Average Time per Control Case 

As is discussed below in Section 5.5.2, the collection of control data was found to be 

challenging. In the Pilot Study, attempts to collect two controls for each of the 23 completed cases resulted in 7.2 hours of labor per case. This cost is included in the estimated 

cost per completed case. 

5.5 Lessons Learned 

One of the primary goals of the Pilot Test was to evaluate the data collection instruments 

and methodology prior to the initiation of a larger scale study. 

5.5.1 Crash Data Collection 

The crash investigation portion of the Pilot Study successfully collected data and provided an opportunity to evaluate both the instruments that were developed and the study 

protocol. 

30 
The selection of crash investigators was an asset. Each of the three newly hired crash investigators had long-term motorcycle riding experience. This experience rendered them 

very familiar with the mechanical design of motorcycles and with the dynamics of riding. 

The basic knowledge of these investigators enhanced their ability to grasp what would be 

challenging information to quickly learn for a non-rider. The investigators also had some 

crash investigation-type experience such as former police work or as an insurance adjuster. Again, this was helpful, although the research perspective had to be emphasized rather than the investigators’ attempting to assess culpability as they had previously been 

trained for prior employment. 

Basic data collection techniques long used in NASS were adapted for the Pilot Study. 

These time-tested techniques allowed for the efficient collection and recording of data 

and were in concert with the structure of the data collection forms, e.g., all interview 

questions for a motorcycle rider were on a specific form, while all questions for a motorcycle passenger were on a separate form. Systematic approaches to the inspection and 

documentation of vehicle and scene data were used successfully. 

The team found it difficult to respond to crashes “on-scene” or while the involved vehicles were at their final rest positions and rescue efforts were ongoing. This difficulty 

could be attributed to several causes: (1) less than prompt notification by police dispatchers, (2) police concerted efforts to quickly clear the scene and restore traffic flow, and (3) 

incorrect information provided to dispatchers as to the scene location. Although opportunities to obtain breath tests for BAC were lost when the team arrived after the crash 

scene had been cleared, there was little or no loss of environmental data. Police photographs and scene measurements, engineering data, and satellite photographs were used to 

augment information collected by the investigators at the scene. 

Attempts were made to conduct interviews in-person. However, telephone interviews 

were obtained for most cases. This was the preference of the motorcycle riders and was 

honored by the team. 

Some attempts to inspect motorcycles that were located in certain tow yards proved to be 

challenging. The tow yard operators often wanted the owner of the motorcycle to be 

present during the vehicle inspection. Also, some police agencies simply placed a hold on 

motorcycles rather than formally impounding them pending trial. If the bikes had been 

impounded, only police permission would have been needed to secure a vehicle inspection. When motorcycles were being held, the owners were still responsible for the vehicle. The team believes that continued interaction with many of the tow agencies and 

salvage yards will help to overcome these difficulties because the tow yard operators will 

have a better understanding of the inspection process. Also, letters of introduction from 

the local police agencies to the tow yard operators could help circumvent problems with 

the team gaining access, since tow yards operate under contract to the police agencies. 

The Pilot Study data collection forms included 1,689 data elements. Of these, only two 

were coded as “unknown” more than 50% of the time. These were the blood alcohol level 

for Other Vehicle drivers (BAC tests were not administered by the police) and the condi31 
tion of the Rear Swing Arm Pivot Bearing (motorcycles must be dismantled in order to 

evaluate this bearing). Thus, the Pilot Study was able to demonstrate that virtually all data 

elements could be completed using the field data collection protocol adopted for the 

study. 

There were a number of data elements where (98) Other, Specify was used with some 

frequency. These “other” attributes should be examined for inclusion as coded attributes 

in the future. For example, nearly 20% of the riders were wearing some sort of armor as 

motorcycle safety gear. This should be considered as a new attribute under clothing type. 

The number of times “Not Applicable” was coded seemed appropriate for the data elements. There were no fires, no work zone crashes, no pedestrian involvement, and none 

of the motorcycles were equipped with ABS, so these received a code of (97) Not Applicable in every case. Also, when a data element allowed for multiple answers (such as 

having more than one operator’s license or more than 1 year in which safety training was 

taken), code (97) was often used for the second and succeeding responses. 

The question of whether all data elements should be included in a subsequent study 

should also be examined. It is difficult to imagine the analysis plan for some of the data 

elements retained from the OECD protocol. Although such information can be collected, 

there is a cost associated with having a data element on a data form, in a coding manual, 

in a database, included in training, gathered, and subject to QC review. The cost per case 

is driven by the amount of information required. Suggestions for the revision of data elements and the coding manual are included in Section 6.1. 

Although included in the OECD methodology, helmet testing was not included in the Pilot Study. It was determined that the testing method was non-controversial, and so this 

module was eliminated in order to reduce costs. It is expected that helmet testing, using 

the information from the OECD forms, will be included in a subsequent study. 

5.5.2 Control Data Collection 

Although the investigation protocol called for control data to be collected immediately 

following the initial crash response, or 1 week post-crash at the same time of day and 

same day of week, this generally proved to be impractical. In order for a crash to be retained as an active case, it was necessary to locate and inspect the subject vehicle. If the 

motorcycle was not at the scene (which often was the case), the investigator had to obtain 

a copy of the PAR, locate the motorcycle, secure the owner’s permission, obtain the tow 

yard permission, secure police permission, or any combination depending upon the location and impoundment status of the vehicle. From a management perspective, a control 

stop should not be conducted until the crash becomes an active case, so there may be long 

gaps between the crash date and the control date. 

The reasons for delays in collecting control data according to a prescribed schedule also 

include the need to respond immediately to new cases and the demands of collecting field 

and interview data when they become available. Crashes do not occur according to a 

schedule; thus an investigator who may have planned to collect control data on a Tuesday 

32 
at 2 p.m. may have been notified of yet another crash or an interviewee had returned his 

call and was ready to provide an interview and vehicle inspection right away. 

There are four possible control stop outcomes: (1) an in-person stop is secured, (2) a digital image/stop is made, (3) no motorcycles pass the control stop location, and (4) a nocontrol decision is made. A no-control decision might include no reasonable location 

could be found or, as was the case in one investigation, the crash occurred off-road and 

there would be no motorcycle traffic. In those cases where no control data were obtained, 

the first variable on the Control Motorcycle Mechanical Form was completed, and the 

Control Rider Form was not submitted. 

There are two additional control data issues. The first is that there were quite a few freeway crashes in the Pilot Study. For those, the team located an off-ramp that was downstream from the crash site and found a safe location to set up for the stop. This approach 

reduced the potential number of controls to just those who happened to take a particular 

exit, but was the most reasonable approach from a safety perspective. For cases that occurred on surface streets, the process seemed to work much better. We believe the gas 

card incentive can still be effective. However, if the control stops were conducted by 

someone specifically hired and trained to do control data collection rather than full investigations, it would eliminate the time conflicts and allow for more consistent planning and 

scheduling. 

33 
 

 

 

6.0 Recommendations 

The data collection team offers the following recommendations for modifying the instruments used during training, data collection, and the creation of the electronic data file. 

6.1 Data Forms and Coding Manual 

Crash FormData Element 3 - Motorcycle Involved in Collision With?

 OECD Reference: A.2.4 

Convention/Coding Source: NASS, OECD 

 Element Attributes: 

(01) other motor vehicle 

(02) other parked motor vehicle 

(03) roadway 

(04) off-road environment, fixed object 

(05) bicycle 

(06) pedestrian 

(07) animal 

(98) other, specify 

(99) unknown 

Range: 00-07, 98, 99 

Source: Investigator determined. Primary sources are scene and vehicle inspections; secondary includes police crash report and interviewees 

Issues: The list of impacted objects is not comprehensive. Although it would appear that 

this could be fixed by merely adding several additional coded attributes (e.g., non-fixed 

object in roadway/for impacts with debris, tires, wood, etc., and another code for curbing 

because technically an impact with a curb is going to be considered on the roadway because most of the motorcycle would still be on the roadway when the harmful event occurred). After further review, it makes more sense to have this variable consistently 

aligned with Motorcycle Dynamics Variable No. 17, Object(s) Contacted- Attributes 01­

49, 97, 98, 99. This would cover these issues and would provide more consistency. Also, 

the manual and the data form need to reflect that this is for the first harmful event. 

Data Element 6 - How Many Other Vehicles Were Involved in the Crash?

 OECD Reference: A.2.5 

Convention/Coding Source: NASS, OECD 

 Element Attributes: 

(00) none 

(01) one 

(02) two 

34 
 (03) three 

(04) four or more 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other, specify 

(99) unknown 

Range: 00-04, 97-99 

Source: Primary- on scene; secondary- police crash report and interviews 

Issue: It appears that the original intention of OECD was to capture “other” involved vehicles, not including the focal motorcycle. The NASS definition used in the coding manual includes all involved vehicles in the crash. A decision needs to be made as to whether it is preferred to have this variable be consistent with OECD or with U.S. DOT data 

collection programs. The solution is to either eliminate the word “Other” on the form and 

manual (to be consistent with U.S. DOT) or re-work the remarks in the manual (to be 

consistent with OECD). We suggest revising the remarks in the coding manual so that the 

data element retains its original purpose in OECD. 

Case Administration Log Data Element 21 - Motor Vehicle Inspection Completed 

Issue: We need to have a range fix in the manual for single-vehicle (motorcycle) crashes 

where there is not an “Other Vehicle” involved. A line code of 9’s does not make sense 

and 0’s should be the proper code. 

Motorcycle Mechanical Form 

Data Element 1 - Manufacture[r]
 

Issue: Code Y01 for Yamaha was inadvertently omitted. It needs to be added to the coding manual. 

Data Element 24 - Measured Tread Depth 

Code in inches and tenths 

Issue: Code should reflect exactly the measurement from the tire tread depth gauge. The 

result should be recorded in 32nds (e.g., 7/32). 

Data Element 48 - Steering Stem Adjustment

 OECD Reference: A.4.1.1.43 

Convention/Coding Source: OECD, DSI 

 Element Attributes: 

(01) secure, properly tightened 

(02) overly tightened, control interference 

(03) loose, contributes to control difficulty

 (04) very loose, control interference 

(98) other (specify)____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

Range: 01-04, 97-99 

35 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 Source: Vehicle inspection 

Issue: Many motorcycles are not equipped with center stands. The front tire needs to be 

raised in order to assess the steering stem adjustment with any degree of accuracy. 

Data Element 51 - Rear Swing Arm Pivot Bearing Condition

 OECD Reference: A.4.1.1.46 

Convention/Coding Source: DSI 

 Element Attributes: 

(01) pivot bolt loose; bearings in good condition 

(02) bearings loose or worn; deteriorated distinct swing arm

 mobility 

(03) severely loose or worn, badly deteriorated; severe 

 mobility of swing arm 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify)____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

Range: 01-03, 97-99 

 Source: Vehicle inspection 

Issue: This variable should be removed from the data form. It will nearly always be coded 

(99) unknown as we are not conducting invasive (take the motorcycle apart) inspections. 

Internal (enclosed) components cannot be inspected visually, and we have promised the 

police agencies that we would not disturb or remove components from the motorcycle. 

Data Element 61 - Handlebar Type

 OECD Reference: A.1.1.52 

Convention/Coding Source: OECD, Wikipedia, DSI 

 Element Attributes: 

(01) original equipment 

(02) clip-on 

(03) clubman or racer 

(04) high sweep or tiller type touring

 (05) high rise 

(06) motocross, off-road 

(98) other (specify) 

(99) unknown 

Issue: Most sport bikes have “clip-on” type bars that are attached directly to fork tubes. 

These are original equipment, yet considered “clip-on.” The Coding Manual needs to 

provide guidance on coding this type of handlebar. 

Motorcycle Dynamics Form 

36 
 

 

12 

10 

9 3

4 

OV 

11 1 

2 

8 

5 

6 

7 

Data Element 4 - Line-of-Sight to Other Vehicle 

 OECD Reference: A.4.2.3 

Convention/Coding Source: OECD 

 Element Attributes: 

01 to 12 o’clock 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

Range: 01-12, 97-99 

Source: Investigator determined -- primary source is the scene and investigator 

scene scaled drawing. 

Issue: A diagram should be added to the coding manual to serve as an example and will 

eliminate any misconceptions for the coder. Currently (identified through case quality 

review), the investigators are coding 12, 09, 03, or 06 (reference example below of solution): 

Note: The line-of-sight to the other vehicle is 10 o’clock. 

Data Element 5 - Pre-Crash Motion After Precipitating Event 

Issue: Coding convention does not clearly accommodate the scenario where a rider drifts 

off the roadway to the right or the left and hits an object. Suggest that attributes 27 and 28 

be modified to state “(27) leaving traffic or drifting to the right,” and “(28) leaving traffic 

or drifting to the left.” 

37 
 

 

 

 

 

Data Element 16 - Motorcycle First Collision Contact Code 

 OECD Reference: A.4.2.14 

Convention/Coding Source: OECD 

 Element Attributes: 

 (LF) left front

 (CF) center front 

 (RF) right front 

 (LC) left center 

 (RC) right center 

 (TC) top center 

 (TR) top rear 

 (UF) undercarriage front 

 (UC) undercarriage center 

 (LR) left rear

 (CR) center rear 

 (RR) right rear 

 (TF) top front 

 (UR) undercarriage rear 

(NC) no contact to motorcycle 

(98) other (specify) 

(99) unknown 

Issue: A code is needed for the entire left-side plane and the entire right-side plane for 

lay-down impacts. Note that OECD does not include lay-down impacts as first collisions. 

Suggest (EL) for entire left and (ER) for entire right side. 

Data Element 17 - Object(s) Contacted 

 OECD Reference: None 

Convention/Coding Source: NASS 

 Element Attributes: 

 01 - 49 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other event (specify) 

(99) unknown event or object 

Range: 01-23, 28-49, 98, 99 

Source: Primary sources are the scene and vehicle inspections 

Issue: Attributes 04 tree (<= 10 cm) and 05 tree (>10 cm in diameter) need to be converted to inches. The remarks section must reflect this change. The same problem exists 

with attributes 19, 20, and 21 (convert to English units). Additionally, the range in the 

manual does not include code 97. 

38 
 

Data Element 22 - Principal Direction of Force 

Issue: Non-horizontal direction of force for lay downs. The coding manual should specify 

000 for non-horizontal forces and 997 not applicable for lay downs. 

Data Element 25 - Distance from POI to Motorcycle POR 

 OECD Reference: A.4.2.24 

 Convention/Coding Source: Contractor-Derived (DSI) 

 Element Attributes: 

(0000-995) 

(96) 96 or more 

(99) unknown 

Range: 000-995, 96 and 99 

Source: Investigator determined-primary source is the scene inspection 

Issue: The coding manual needs some additional examples with vehicles at different angles and one showing an axile or in-line collision. 

Motorcycle Rider Form 

Data Element 21 - How Long Had You Been Riding Today Prior to the Crash?
 

Issue: The range for hours should be (00-24) not (00-96) as is shown on the data form
 

and in the coding manual.
 

Data Element 37 - At the Time of the Crash, Were You Experiencing Any of the Following?
 

Issue: Page 61 in coding manual should reflect Data Element 38 – this is a typographical 

error.
 

Data Element 43 - What Is the Source of the Drugs Other Than Alcohol?
 

Issue: The data form and coding manual should allow for more than one response. 

Data Element 44 - Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)?
 

Issue: This data element should be moved to the end of the data form since the field test 

would be administered after the interview or the results would come from police or hospital records, not the interview.
 

Data Element 45 - Source of BAC Information?
 

Issue: This data element should accompany # 44 above at the end of the data form. 

Data Element 89 - How Old Are You?
 

Issue: The coding manual needs to define age as the age at the time of the crash.
 

39 
There are no questions about injuries.
 

Issue: There are no questions about injuries on the interview form. Injury mannequins 

should be added along with a list of pertinent questions. 

Motorcycle Passenger Form 

Data Element 24 - What Is the Source of Drugs Other Than Alcohol?
 

Issue: The data form and coding manual should allow for more than one response. 

Data Element 25 - Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)?
 

Issue: This data element should be moved to the end of the data form since the field test 

would be administered after the interview or the results would come from police or hospital records, not the interview.
 

Data Element 26 - Source of BAC Information?
 

Issue: This data element should accompany # 25 above at the end of the data form 

Data Element 61 - What Is Your Current Occupation?
 

Issue: coding manual, the supplemental pages are labeled as #101 rather than # 61. This 

is a typographical error. 

There are no questions about injuries.
 

Issue: There are no questions about injuries on the interview form. Injury mannequins 

should be added along with a list of pertinent questions. 

Other Vehicle Form 

Data Elements 19 and 20 - Skid Mark and Cornering Tire Evidence 

Issue: Cornering evidence refers to two-wheeled vehicles. The data form and coding manual should address how to code for four-wheeled vehicles (not applicable, not a twowheeled vehicle). 

Data Element 21 - Other Vehicle First Collision Contact Code 

Issue: The available responses do not adequately address Other Vehicle versus Other Vehicle contact. A new code should be added to each attribute grouping to cover “distributed across plane of contact.” 

Other Vehicle Driver Form 

Data Element 9 - Was Your Line of Site to the Motorcycle Vehicle Clear?
 

Issue: Need to clarify that the question can refer to a motorcycle or an Other Vehicle (in 

the event of a three-vehicle collision). 

Data Element 10 - What Obstructed Your View? 

Issue: There needs to be a (00) attribute for “No Obstructions.” Attribute (97) not applicable should be removed. 

40 
 

 

 

 

 

Data Element 11 - Was Your View of the Motorcycle Vehicle Obscured?
 

Issue: Need to clarify that the question can refer to a motorcycle or an Other Vehicle (in 

the event of a three-vehicle collision). 

Data Element 25 - What Is the Source of Drugs Other Than Alcohol?
 

Issue: The data form and coding manual should allow for more than one response. 

Data Element 26 - Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)?
 

Issue: This data element should be moved to the end of the data form since the field test 

would be administered after the interview or the results would come from police or hospital records, not the interview.
 

Data Element 27 - Source of BAC Information?
 

Issue: This data element should accompany # 26 at the end of the data form 

There are no questions about injuries.
 

Issue: There are no questions about injuries on the interview form. Injury mannequins 

should be added along with a list of pertinent questions. 

Environment Form 

Data Element 17 - Exclusive Turn Lane Presence and Type of Signal Phasing

 OECD Reference: 3.1.19 

Convention/Coding Source: FHWA-MUTCD-Part 4 

Issue: Code (00) none and code (14) no exclusive turn lane, no traffic signal are redundant. Suggest that (00) be retained with the wording, “no exclusive turn lane, no traffic 

signal, and that attribute (14) be dropped. 

Data Element 38 - If First Harmful Event Is a Non-collision 

 OECD Reference: None 

Convention/Coding Source: NASS 

 Element Attributes: 

(01) overturn 

(02) fire/explosion 

(03) immersion 

(04) jackknife 

(05) cargo/equipment loss or shift 

(06) fell/jumped from motor vehicle 

(07) thrown or falling object 

(97) not applicable, event is a collision 

(98) other (specify)____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

41 
 

 

Issue: Overturn or rollover typically refers to four-wheeled vehicles. Given the NASS 

definition, it does not relate to two-wheeled vehicles. Laying down the motorcycle should 

be considered a collision with the roadway or ground. The coding manual should include 

this discussion. 

Data Element 39 - If First Harmful Event Is a Collision With Motor Vehicle/Motorcycle, 

Pedestrian, Animal, or Fixed Object

 OECD Reference: None 

Convention/Coding Source: NASS, DSI 

 Element Attributes: 

(01) motor vehicle in transport 

(02) parked motor vehicle 

(03) work-zone equipment 

(04) railway/light-rail vehicle

 (05) pedestrian 

(06) pedalcycle 

(07) motorcycle 

(08) animal 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify)____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

Range: 01-08, 97-99 

Source: Investigator determined-Primary source on scene; secondary police crash 

report 

Issue: The term “or Fixed Object” is confusing for this variable as it seems that this variable is trying to capture non-fixed objects. Suggestion: Move the attributes for parked 

vehicle (02) and work-zone equipment (03) to Variable 40 “If First Harmful Event Is a 

Collision with a Fixed Object.” Then this variable could read: If First Harmful Event Is a 

Collision With a Non-Fixed Object, to create more distinction between variable 39 and 

40. 

Data Element 40 - If First Harmful Event Is a Collision with a Fixed Object

 OECD Reference: None 

Convention/Coding Source: NASS, DSI 

Issue: A definition is needed for “terminal” and “non-terminal” for attributes 11 and 12. 

Control Motorcycle Rider Form 

Data Element 6 - How Long Have You Been Riding Today? 

Issue: Attribute should be (00-24) hours, not (00-96) years. 

42 
Data Element 28 - What Is the Source of Drugs Other Than Alcohol?
 

Issue: The data form and coding manual should allow for more than one response. 

Data Element 29 - Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)?
 

Issue: This data element should be moved to the end of the data form since the field test 

would be administered after the interview or the results would come from police or hospital records, not the interview.
 

Data Element 30 - Source of BAC Information?
 

Issue: This data element should accompany # 29 above at the end of the data form 

Control Motorcycle Passenger Form 

Data Element 20 - What Is the Source of Drugs Other Than Alcohol? 

Issue: The data form and coding manual should allow for more than one response. 

Data Element 21 - Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)? 

Issue: This data element should be moved to the end of the data form since the field test 

would be administered after the interview or the results would come from police or hospital records, not the interview. 

Data Element 22 - Source of BAC Information? 

Issue: This data element should accompany # 21 at the end of the data form 

6.2 Training Material 

Discussions with the data collectors, and review of the crash investigation reports were 

used to examine the various training components. Some of the classroom training sessions included levels of detail that exceeded what the investigators needed for field work. 

There were other areas in which additional classroom training was necessary. In fact, 

several training segments were developed during the training period to address perceived 

needs. These included a basic overview of anatomy, review of the content of the data 

forms and coding manual, administrative reporting requirements, and a segment on motorcycle dynamics/roll attitude angle. 

Field practice was determined to be very valuable, and many hours were spent demonstrating classroom material and conducting mock vehicle and scene inspections. 

Injury coding is a specialized skill and is generally performed by specially trained personnel such as nurses and medical coders. For the Pilot Study, DSI planned to have the 

injury coding performed by a senior investigator who had previously attended training on 

the AIS2005 offered by the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine. 

The Pilot Study team members became interested in the injury coding and eventually attempted to perform much of the coding themselves, under the guidance of the senior in43 
vestigator. Additional training in anatomy and successful completion of the AIS2005 

training must be a prerequisite for injury coders. Experienced coders can also apply for 

certification through testing offered by AAAM. This is becoming the industry standard 

for injury coding in both civilian and military applications. 

Additional comments on specific training modules are shown below. 

Table 6-1: Training Recommendations 

Week 1 of Training Problem Solution 

Dynamics and Chronology (Crash 

Envelope) Section 

Reconstruction, Time, 

Distance, Velocity (4 

hrs.) 54 slides 

Applications in Reconstruction of Motorcycle 

Crashes (4hrs.) 83 

slides 

Analysis of Crash Phase 

Motions (3 1⁄2 hrs.) 

Material is probably 

too in-depth and includes advanced trigonometry and physics 

formulas. The numerous formulas are 

taught for determining 

mostly “speeds.” 

Only 3 data elements 

cover “speed”: 

MC Dynamics Form 

Variable 2 =Travel 

Speed 

Variable 3 =Travel 

Speed Confidence Interval 

Variable 18 =MC Impact 

Speed in MPH 

Trajectories, speeds, 

and energy distribution 

are redundancies 

The 11 1⁄2 hours of taught material is 

essentially for coding three variables 

in the MC Dynamics Form (Nos. 2, 

3, and 18). The material is very advanced, and a simpler version could 

be covered in about 3 hours. That 

would offer more field time for practice scene and vehicle documentation, in addition to more time for 

teaching the use of the Easy Street 

Draw program. 

http://www.trancite.com/pro_esd.php 

Week 2 Training Problem Solution 

Motorcycle Dynamics 

and Vehicle Response 

Section 

Motorcycle Equilibrium 

Conditions 

Material 

• Single track vehicles 

• Steady and accelerated motion 

• Rider-active contribution 

This module covers 

concepts that have little applicability to data 

elements. 

Eliminate and apply time to either 

injury coding, scene/vehicle inspections. or Easy Street Draw program. 

44 
 

Table 6-1: Training Recommendations (continued) 

Week 2 Training Problem Solution 

Applications to Material Eliminate and apply time to either 

Accident injury coding, scene/vehicle inspecReconstruction • Effect of vehicle 

characteristics 

• Defect-related areas, 

tire-run-flat performance 

• Effects of rider experience, roadway 

conditions 

• Collision avoidance 

performance, loss of 

control 

• Performance of motorcycles, control 

failures 

• Analysis of accident 

events, speed computation 

This module is redundant and has little applicability to data elements. 

tions. or Easy Street Draw program. 

Week 4 Problem Solution 

Injury Coding Only 1 day was designated for Injury Coding. There was no detailed coverage of 

anatomy. 

Anatomy and injury coding concepts 

and mechanisms require at least 2 

full days of training. Additional time 

for training is available during Week 

6. 

In addition, the investigators should 

attend the 2-day AIS2005/2008 update training course Injury Scaling 

Uses and Techniques available 

through AAAM. 

http://www.carcrash.org/injury scaling.html 

6.3 Field Protocol 

The field protocol was found to be effective. There are no suggestions for modifying the 

approach to crash investigations. 

45 
During the Pilot Study, it became clear that the planned method for obtaining comparison 

data from a control group was problematic. The plan was to obtain interviews and vehicle 

inspections either immediately following the crash or 1 week later, at the crash site. Data 

collection was to take place over a 2-hour period and was to have included at least two 

interviews and motorcycle inspections. The team found it very difficult to achieve these 

goals for a number of reasons. 

Because the team was constantly on-call to respond immediately to crash notifications 

from several police jurisdictions, it was very difficult to plan and execute the collection 

of control data at specific dates and times. Investigating crashes was viewed as the priority, and collecting control data was frequently rescheduled when there were scene and vehicle inspections to complete. 

The team used a large sign offering free gas as an incentive to lure motorcycle riders. Although occasionally successful, it was determined that most riders who stopped were retired, unemployed, or returning from work. Some car and truck drivers also stopped because of their interest in the incentive. Most of the time, the response rate was very low. 

The team purchased a second sign, had a motorcycle prominently displayed, and dressed 

in motorcycle gear, but such approaches had little effect on attracting riders. Alternate 

approaches, including approaching riders at nearby gas stations and video taping riders 

who passed the crash scene so that some basic information on motorcycle type and rider 

characteristics could be obtained, were finally tried. 

As a result of this experience, we recommend that a control group investigator be employed who would be responsible for collecting comparison data. This would eliminate 

the conflict between obtaining critical crash data and maintaining the schedule for control 

data collection. This investigator would not have to be fully trained in crash investigation 

and thus could be paid at a lower rate. As a specialist, s/he could focus on developing 

techniques that would be best suited for various neighborhoods and road types. 

6.4 Database 

During the course of data collection, minor changes to range checks were requested and 

completed so that legitimate data could be properly entered into the database. Such range 

checks reflect the acceptable responses for each data element that are listed in the coding 

manual. Modifications to these ranges in the coding manual must also be incorporated 

into the allowable response ranges in the database for consistency. 

Each data element also included the attribute code “(98) other – specify.” A small text 

field was provided so that a description of the “other” response could be added. We suggest that the “(98) other” attribute be retained. The text box could be a separate feature 

that would allow the data collector to include a brief note related to any attribute within 

that data element. These text boxes would not be included in data analyses, but would be 

available during a case review to highlight points of special interest for that case. 

46 
It is recommended that an additional narrative description of the crash be created by the 

investigator and included in the electronic case file. The narrative would include the investigator’s judgment as to the pre-crash factors, crash circumstances, and the factors that 

contributed to the case outcome. It could include a description of injury causation circumstances as well. Such a narrative is best developed by investigators with some experience in crash reconstruction. 

For the Pilot Study, the database was housed on a password-protected, personal computer 

that was not connected to any network or to the Internet in order to ensure the protection 

of the data. It is suggested that future studies provide on-line access to the database for 

the sponsor and all levels of management. 

47 
References 

Fatality Analysis Reporting System, census of motor vehicle crash-related fatalities in the 

United States. Data are encoded from police accident reports and other official records. 

Conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

MAIDS Report on Methodology and Process, Association of European Motorcycle 

Manufacturers (ACEM), 2003. 

Hurt, H. H., Ouellet, J. V., & Thom, D. R. (1981). Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors 

and Identification of Countermeasures. Contract No. DOT HS-5-01160. Final Report. 

Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

National Automotive Sampling System (NASS), continuing crash investigation program 

sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Data collection is 

conducted at a nationally representative sample of primary sampling units and produces 

national estimates of crash occurrence and crash severity. 

National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Study (NMVCCS), on-scene crash investigation 

program operated through the NASS. Project was focused on crash causation factors. 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

48 
Appendices 

Attachment 1 

NHTSA Letter of Introduction
 
A-1 
Attachment 2 

Data Forms Summary
 
 

riables. 

1 

 

 

Comparison of Pilot Study Data Forms and 2007 OECD Data Forms 

 The Pilot Study collected extensive administrative data for the Pilot Study and 

all of the Administrative Data Log (A.1) variables. 

 The Pilot Study data forms collected 100% of the A.2 Accident Typology, Classification. 

 The Pilot Study data forms collected 100% of the A.3 Environmental Factor va-

 Only one question/variable is missing from the A.4.1 Motorcycle Mechanical 

Factors variables, and this has to do with recording the license plate. This information cannot be collected in the United States because of U.S. privacy 

laws. 

 Among the A.4.2 Motorcycle Dynamics variables, the Pilot Study data forms are 

missing three questions/variables. Two of the questions that were omitted 

have to do with the fact that the OECD definition of a crash differs from the 

U.S. definition of a crash (A.4.2.15 & A.4.2.16). The third variable (A.4.2.21a) 

that was omitted is asked twice in OECD. 

 The Pilot Study data forms collected 100% of the A.4.3 Other Vehicle Mechanical Factors variables. 

 The Pilot Study data forms collected 100% of the A.4.4 Other Vehicle Dynamics 

variables. 

 The Pilot Study data forms collected 90% of the A.5.1 Human Factors Variables. 

o	 Three variables involved asking for date of birth from the motorcycle 

rider, motorcycle passenger, and other vehicle driver. Because OECD 

captures age, date of birth was not included in the forms because it 

cannot be included in a public-use database. 

o	 Three variables ask the citizenship of the motorcycle rider, motorcycle 

passenger, and other driver. We cannot ask these politically sensitive 

questions in the United States. 

o	 Three variables ask for the duration of formal education of the motorcycle rider, motorcycle passenger, and other driver. This variable does 

not apply because the educational system in the United States is different from those in Europe. We modified the question for U.S. relevance. 

o	 Three variables involve asking the motorcycle rider, motorcycle passenger, and other vehicle driver to recommend countermeasures. This is 

subjective information. 

o	 One question that asks about the passenger position has three OECD variables so that more than one code can be entered. The problem is that 

each code is mutually exclusive. A rider can’t be “normal, straddle, 

seated behind rider,” and “riding with both legs to the left.” Therefore, 

only one code will be captured. 

1

 While the OECD variables will be collected, the coding choices were revised based on U.S. engineering 

terminology. These changes were made under the advisement of FHWA, OSU, and the first Project 

Working Group. 

B-1 
 

o	 Of the remaining variables that were not used (3), these were excluded 

in the interests of ensuring that all data that were collected were objective. We dropped one variable regarding the distance the motorcycle passenger rides on a motorcycle each year. It seemed unlikely 

that a passenger pays attention to the mileage on each trip he or she 

takes and, on average, would be providing unreliable data. We decided 

not to ask the motorcycle passenger the number of traffic violations he 

or she had in the last 5 years because the information was irrelevant to 

the cause of the crash. We also decided to exclude the question about 

attention to passenger tasks because “passenger tasks” are not well defined in OECD. 

 While the Pilot Study Injury form looks very different from the OECD injury 

form, it still captures 100% of the OECD A.5.2 Injury Analysis variables. 

 Due to the focus of the Pilot and budgetary constraints, the Pilot did not conduct the helmet examination, and so this information was not included in our 

forms. As such, the Pilot Study data forms capture 100% of the A.5.3 Human 

Factors Personal Protective Equipment variables that do not involve the helmet 

examination. 

 In OECD, 0 and 00 can stand for not applicable or some other code. Examples 

of variations in coding are below: 

 0 – not applicable 

 00 – not applicable 

 0 – no pedestrian involvement (A.3.1.28) 

 0 – clear (A.3.1.33) 

 00 – conventional street L1 or L3 vehicle (A.4.1.1.4.2) 

 00 – none (also sometimes 01) 

 00 – step through, formed sheet metal (A.4.1.1.39) 

A well-designed data form should have a unique identifier for any codes that consistently show up for most, if not all, variables. Therefore, the codes 97, 98, and 99 

were used for “not applicable,” “unknown,” and “other,” respectively, for all variables in the U.S. data forms. These three numbers are used for only “not applicable,” “unknown,” and “other,” and in the instances when a metric (i.e., speed, feet, 

etc.) might overlap, additional 9’s are added (i.e., 997, 9997). 

B-2 
 

Pilot Study Form/Topic Number of Data Elements 

Pilot Study 

Included from 

OECD 

Administrative 8 8 

Crash 15 13 

Motorcycle Mechanical 537 531 

Motorcycle Dynamics 43 29 

Motorcycle Rider 103 62 

Motorcycle Passenger 63 54 

Other Vehicle 26 23 

Other Vehicle Driver 56 35 

Environment 51 30 

Rider/Occupant Injury 160 145 

Control Motorcycle Mechanical 488 472 

Control Motorcycle Rider 88 52 

Control Motorcycle Passenger 59 42 

Total 1,689 1,488 

* Note that many "new" collected data elements are derived from OECD A.6 series interpretations. 

2007 OECD Data Form Number of Data 

Elements 

Administrative Data Log 8 

Accident Typology/Classification 9 

Environmental Factor 86 

Motorcycle Mechanical Factor 485 

Motorcycle Dynamics 46 

Other Vehicle mechanical Factors 8 

Other Vehicle Dynamics 29 

Human Factors 166 

Injury Analysis 120 

Human Factors Personal Protective 126 

Equipment 

Control Motorcycle Mechanical Factors 401 

Control Human Factors 103 

Control Personal Protective Equipment 70 

Total 1,657 

* Note that some data elements summarize other data. These were not included in the 

Pilot Study since they can be computer generated. 

B-3 
Attachment 3 

60 Day Federal Register Notice 
C-1 
C-2 
C-3 
C-4 
Attachment 4 

30 Day Federal Register Notice 
D-1 
D-2 
D-3 
D-4 
Attachment 5 

Issues Form 
 

 

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

 

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

ISSUES FORM 

Issue Number ________________________ Date: ___________________ 

Source: Training Material 

 Data Form

 Coding Manual 

Database 

Problem: ________________________________________________________________ 

Recommended Solution: ___________________________________________________ 

Resolution and Date: ______________________________________________________ 

E-1 
Attachment 6 

Training Syllabus 
Motorcycle Pilot Study

Training Syllabus 

Contents 

Motorcycle Pilot Study .................................................................................................................................. 1 

Principles of Crash Investigation ................................................................................................................. 3 

Legal Aspects of Crash Investigation ....................................................................................................... 3 

Cooperative Agreements and Procedures................................................................................................. 3 

Multidisciplinary Crash Investigation ...................................................................................................... 3 

Dynamics and Chronology (Crash Envelope) ............................................................................................. 4 

Sequence of Events .................................................................................................................................. 4 

Reconstruction (Time, Distance and Velocity) ........................................................................................ 4 

Applications in Reconstruction of Motorcycle Crashes ........................................................................... 4 

Deformation and Damage Analysis .......................................................................................................... 4 

Collisions and Crash Dynamics .................................................................................................................... 4 

Analysis of Crash Phase Motions............................................................................................................. 4 

Defect Analysis and Investigation ............................................................................................................ 4 

Motorcycle Dynamics and Vehicle Response .............................................................................................. 5 

Motorcycle Equilibrium Conditions......................................................................................................... 5 

Normal, Side Force Cornering and Traction Requirements .....................................................................5 

Anatomy of a Turn ................................................................................................................................... 5 

Acceleration and Braking Performance .................................................................................................... 5 

Tire Characteristics .................................................................................................................................. 5 

Longitudinal Motions ............................................................................................................................... 5 

Lateral and Directional Motions............................................................................................................... 6 

Applications to Accident Reconstruction ................................................................................................. 6 

Photography (Scene and Vehicles) ............................................................................................................... 6 

Photographic Methods.............................................................................................................................. 6 

Photography Protocol Guideline .............................................................................................................. 6 

Vehicle Fires and Explosions........................................................................................................................ 7 

Fires and Explosions ................................................................................................................................ 7 

Fire and Explosion Evidence, Fuel Fires.................................................................................................. 7 

Collection and Analysis of Interview Information...................................................................................... 7 

Principals and Techniques of Interviewing .............................................................................................. 7 

Validation of Interview Information ........................................................................................................ 7 

Human Factors Analysis............................................................................................................................... 8 

Collection of Field BAC Data .................................................................................................................. 8 

Determination of Psychological Factors In Crashes................................................................................. 8 

Determination of Physiological Factors In Crashes, Human Performance In Traffic Tasks....................8 

Human Factors In Motorcycle Crashes ....................................................................................................... 8 

Visual Factors........................................................................................................................................... 8 

Motorcycle Control Factors...................................................................................................................... 8 

Protection Problems ................................................................................................................................. 9 

F-1 
Contents 

(Continued) 

Vehicle Systems Technology ......................................................................................................................... 9 

Electrical Systems and Components ................................................................................................. 9 

Suspension Systems .......................................................................................................................... 9 

Engines and Transmissions ............................................................................................................... 9 

Fuel Systems 10 

Wheels and Brakes.......................................................................................................................... 10 

Tires and Tubes 10 

Motorcycle Defect Investigation Analysis ......................................................................................10
 

Motorcycle Crash Injury Mechanisms ...................................................................................................... 11 

Motorcycle-Fixed Object Collision Dynamics ................................................................................11 

Motorcycle-Other Vehicle Collision Dynamics ..............................................................................11 

Collision Contact Conditions .......................................................................................................... 11 

Anatomy and Motorcycle Crash Injury Mechanisms ......................................................................11 

Human Subjects and Confidentiality ......................................................................................................... 12 

Human Subjects Training and Certification ............................................................................................. 12 

Data Confidentiality and Protection ......................................................................................................... 12 

F-2 
Training and instruction will cover the following topics: 

Principles of crash investigation 

Legal aspects of crash investigation 

•	 Related government agencies, data sources 

•	 Authorities and jurisdictions 

•	 Legal status of the investigator, cooperation with the authorities 

•	 Liability, negligence, privacy, personal contacts 

•	 Qualification of evidence, care of evidence, spoliation of evidence 

•	 Attorney work product and research privilege 

•	 Response to subpoenas 

Cooperative agreements and procedures 

•	 Notification and response procedures 

•	 Transport and traffic safety procedures 

•	 Initial on-scene procedures 

•	 Cooperation of law enforcement and rescue ambulance 

•	 Documentation at scene, data requirements 

•	 Photography, metrication, records preparation 

•	 Identification of key personnel, coordination for traffic accident report, 

medical transport 

•	 Planning for follow-up requirements 

•	 Crash scene completion activities 

Multidisciplinary crash investigation 

•	 The traffic safety matrix 

•	 Human, vehicle, environment factors 

•	 Pre-crash, crash, and post-crash phases of a crash 

•	 Technical, medical, and environmental approaches to multidisciplinary 

crash investigation 

•	 Beneficial interaction of disciplines 

•	 Contributing factors and identification of over and under represented 

factors 

•	 Multidisciplinary team operation 

•	 Team interaction if field operation 

•	 Team interaction in crash analysis 

•	 Data collection and preparation 

•	 Multidisciplinary crash reconstruction and injury analysis 

F-3 
Dynamics and chronology (crash envelope) 

Sequence of events 

• Pre-crash, crash, and post-crash events 

• Precipitating event 

• Sequence of events 

• Crash contributing analysis 

Reconstruction (time, distance and velocity) 

• Sequence from the precipitating event to collision 

• Sequence from collision contact to departure 

• Sequence from departure to final rest 

• Analysis of space and time throughout crash events 

• Methods to validate of initial speeds and control actions 

Applications in reconstruction of motorcycle crashes 

• Collision contact reconstruction 

• Single vehicle crashes 

• Car-motorcycle collisions 

• Trajectory analysis, falls, slides, vaults 

• Conservation of momentum 

• Accounting of energy, restitution 

Deformation and damage analysis 

• Mechanical behavior of materials 

• Effects of environment 

• Metals, plastic, composites 

• Priority of damage, reconstruction sequence 

Collisions and crash dynamics 

Analysis of crash phase motions 

• Trajectories, speeds and energy distribution 

• Vehicle analysis 

• Rider and passenger analysis 

Defect analysis and investigation 

• Ductile and brittle failure modes 

• Overstress mechanical failure 

• Fatigue, corrosion, creep 

• Macroscopic examination of potential defect 

F-4 
Motorcycle dynamics and vehicle response 

Motorcycle equilibrium conditions 

• Single-track vehicles 

• Steady and accelerated motion 

• Rider-active contribution 

Normal, side force cornering and traction requirements 

• Road friction 

• Cornering forces 

• Traction requirements 

• Slip angles 

Anatomy of a turn 

• Transient and steady-state conditions 

• Counter steering 

• Indicial response, recovery 

• Human performance in collision avoidance 

• Undercornering, running wide on a turn 

• Limits of cornering 

Acceleration and braking performance 

• Representative motorcycles for acceleration and braking performance 

• Front and rear wheel normal force distribution 

• Limits of braking and acceleration 

• Rider control errors in collision avoidance action 

• Analysis of speeds from skid and scrape marks 

• Compound crash impact and ski/scrape evidence 

Tire Characteristics 

• Camber and cornering stiffness 

• Slip ratio and traction force 

• Combination cornering and traction force 

• Friction circle 

Longitudinal motions 

• Pitch-plunge 

• Suspension performance and longitudinal motions 

• Passenger and cargo/parcel effects 

• Two-stroke surge 

• Wheelies, lost wheelies, stoppies, and end-overs 

• Power and brake effects 

• Dip and pothole encounters 

F-5 
Lateral and directional motions 

• Lateral-directional dynamics 

• Capsize, wobble, and weave modes 

• Slide-out 

• Low-side or high-side falls 

• Pitch-weave, roadway effects upon lateral directional motions 

• Limits of cornering, stability effects 

• Loading effects 

Applications to accident reconstruction 

• Effect of vehicle characteristics 

• Defect related areas, tire run-flat performance 

• Effects of rider experience, roadway conditions 

• Collision avoidance performance, loss of control 

• Performance of motorcycles, control failures 

• Analysis of accident events, speed computation 

Photography (scene and vehicles) 

Photographic methods 

• Principals of crash photography 

• Techniques of evidence recording 

• Photographic techniques, camera selection 

• Field practice and critique 

• Lighting problems, flash, flash-fill, auxiliary flash-flood fill 

Photography protocol guideline 

• Pre-crash trajectory and environment 

• Capturing pre-crash physical evidence 

• Capturing the area of the point of impact and secondary impacts 

• Final rest position, vehicles, scuff marks, and fluid spills 

• Look-back views 

• Required motorcycle photographic positions 

• Macro-photography of damaged components and injury mechanisms 

• Required photographic positions for the other vehicle 

F-6 
 

Vehicle fires and explosions 

Fires and explosions 

•	 Ignition sources 

•	 Combustible mixtures 

•	 Flame propagation 

•	 Circulation and draft effects 

Fire and explosion evidence, fuel fires 

•	 Fuel spill sources 

•	 Evidence of fire origin, ignition sources 

•	 Thermal damage mechanisms 

•	 Soot patterns, circulation effects 

•	 Metal, paint, plastics, tissue 

Collection and analysis of interview information 

Principals and techniques of interviewing 

•	 Principals of human information processing 

•	 Attention, perception, decision, response, feedback 

•	 Short-term sensory store, working memory, long term memory 

•	 Attention, perception effects- errors of perception and orientation related to crash events 

•	 Long term memory, experience effects 

•	 Contamination from others, confabulation, deterioration 

•	 Decay, reconstruction, and self contamination 

•	 Interrogation effects, contribution of the interviewer 

•	 Interaction between interviewer and interviewee 

•	 Control of the interview, presence of others 

•	 Use of photographs, models, visual aids during the interview process 

•	 Strategy of interviews, timing, on-scene, post-crash, authority for information, notes, audio or video recording, sworn testimony, certification 

•	 Interviewer attitude and demeanor 

Validation of interview information 

•	 Errors of interview information 

•	 Correlation with physical evidence, other interviewees 

•	 Correlation with interviewee background 

•	 Evaluation of interview quality, recall of crash events, reconstruction, 

and confabulation effects 

•	 Cooperative and uncooperative interviewees 

•	 Use of cooperating law enforcement, employers, family 

F-7 
• Failed interviews, retry of interviews 

• Interviewee and witness accuracy issue 

Human factors analysis 

Collection of field BAC data 

•	 Obtaining consent for breath sample 

•	 Use of the portable breath alcohol tester 

•	 Dealing with impaired riders 

Determination of psychological factors in crashes 

•	 Principals in human behavior 

•	 Perception, orientation, decision, and reaction 

•	 Attention, perception, reaction-Broadbent model 

•	 Analysis of human error in crashes, risk taking 

Determination of physiological factors in crashes, human performance in traffic 

tasks 

•	 Human physiology, human performance in traffic tasks 

•	 Vision, detection, visual deficits 

•	 Hearing detection, hearing deficits, environmental effects 

•	 Human information processing 

•	 Response performance, reaction time 

•	 Human anatomy, tolerance limits 

•	 Evaluation of injuries, autopsy protocol 

•	 Physiological effects of and testing and examination for alcohol and 

drug involvement 

Human factors in motorcycle crashes 

Visual factors 

•	 Collision geometry 

•	 Angular motion sensing, motion-in-depth sensing 

•	 Conspicuity, contrast effects, motion effects 

•	 Traffic strategy , obstruction of vision 

•	 Protection of vision, eye protection, wind blast 

•	 Attention problems 

•	 Other vehicle driver experience 

•	 Other vehicle driver culpability 

F-8 
Motorcycle control factors 

•	 Traffic strategy 

•	 Collision avoidance skills 

•	 Decision skills and effect of training 

•	 Reaction times and effect of experience 

•	 Counter steering and failed collision avoidance, habit pattern interference 

•	 Braking and failed collision avoidance 

•	 Rear brake overuse 

•	 Front brake underuse, prepositioning 

•	 Panic effects and effects of experience, training 

•	 Loss of control and failed collision avoidance 

•	 Alcohol and drug effects 

Protection problems 

•	 Common lower extremities injuries 

•	 Typical integument injuries 

•	 Pelvic-urogenital injuries 

•	 Head protection 

•	 Facial injury and head protection 

•	 Potentiating effects of alcohol involvement 

Vehicle systems technology 

Electrical systems and components 

•	 Ignition 

•	 Lights, accessories 

•	 Controls, switches, fusing, failure analysis 

•	 Incandescent lamp damage analysis 

•	 Lamp filament ductile and brittle damage evidence 

•	 Oxidation effects 

•	 Glass fragment fusing 

Suspension systems 

•	 Forks, shock absorbers 

•	 Seals, failure and damage evaluation 

•	 Suspension system degradation and wear 

•	 Steering head bearings, pivot bearings, and seals 

•	 Frame and swing arm structures, lever geometry, frame integrity 

•	 Failure and damage evaluation 

•	 Side and center stand ground contact 

•	 Fixed and pivoting foot pegs 

F-9 
 

 

 

 

Engines and Transmissions 

• Lubrication 

• Clutch, gears, shifters, controls 

• Shafts and bearings 

• Cable and hydraulic controls 

• Chains and sprockets, shaft drives 

• Failure and malfunction analysis, relation to crash events 

Fuel Systems 

• Carburetors 

• Fuel injection 

• Fuel pumps, lines and valves 

• Contamination effects 

• Tank integrity 

• Crash fires, fire analysis 

• Documentation of evidence 

Wheels and Brakes 

• Wire spokes and solid cast wheels 

• Bearings and axles, hubs, axle fixing, stay configuration 

• Drum brakes 

• Disc brakes 

• Interconnected front and rear brakes 

• Mechanical and hydraulic brake systems 

• ABS 

• Wheel and brake examination procedures 

• Determination of pre-crash performance of wheels and brakes 

• Failure and malfunction analysis 

Tires and Tubes 

• Rubber technology 

• Tire and tube construction 

• Tubeless and tube types 

• Valves and cap seals 

• Mechanical and performance characteristics 

•	 Road friction characteristics 

-dry, wet contaminated surfaces 

-dynamic, viscous, and reverted rubber hydroplaning 

-skid marks and skid striations 

 -braking, acceleration, and cornering contact conditions

 -tire wear patterns 

-analysis of accident events, correlation dynamic analysis 

 -failure analysis, documentation 

F-10 
Motorcycle defect investigation analysis 

•	 Maintenance problem analysis 

•	 Defect evaluation, documentation 

•	 Street, dual purpose/enduro, sport/racer design, cruiser, chopper, scooter, moped, mofa, off-road/ motocross 

•	 Past case studies 

Motorcycle crash injury mechanisms 

Motorcycle-fixed object collision dynamics 

•	 Initial contact 

•	 Motorcycle upright, down sliding, or tumbling 

•	 Inertial response of rider and passenger 

•	 Typical contact conditions 

Motorcycle-other vehicle collision dynamics 

•	 Initial contact 

•	 Contribution of relative motion in motorcycle-moving object collision 

•	 Motorcycle striking other vehicle 

•	 Other vehicle striking motorcycle 

•	 Rider and passenger dynamics, kinematics from collision 

•	 Reconstruction, fall analysis, trajectory analysis 

Collision contact conditions 

•	 Rider and passenger kinematics 

•	 Crash evidence 

•	 Motorcycle-car truck-environment injury agents 

•	 Matching contact points and kinematics, continuity of contact 

Anatomy and motorcycle crash injury mechanisms 

•	 Review of human anatomy 

•	 Injury physiology associated with motorcycle accidents 

•	 Integument injuries 

•	 Soft tissue injuries 

•	 Injury patterns due to frontal impacts, side impacts and rear impacts 

•	 Abrasion injuries, integument protection 

•	 Impact penetration 

•	 Lacerative injuries 

•	 Contact contusion injuries 

•	 Fractures-closed and open, compound, comminuted 

•	 Dislocations 

•	 Burns, protection performance 

•	 Motorcycle accident injury mechanisms and protection technology 

F-11 
 

 -contact isolation 

 -penetration resistance

 -energy absorption 

 -contact versus inertial injury 

 -thermal protection, thermal barrier, and heat sink 

 -extremities injuries

 -somatic injuries 

-head, face and neck injuries 

• Head injury mechanisms 

• AIS2005 coding conventions 

Human subjects and confidentiality 

 Human subjects training and certification 

Data confidentiality and protection 

F-12 
Attachment 7 

Administration Form 
G-1 
G-2 
G-3 
Attachment 8 

Consent Form – Crash Involved Subject 
Crash Investigation Group 

Informed Consent 

Purpose of Research: Thank you for volunteering to participate in this study. This study provides an opportunity to examine the many factors that can lead to motorcycle-related crashes and 

affect the severity of the injury outcome. This research is funded by the U.S. Department of 

Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is supported by 

the motorcycle industry. 

Research Procedures: Trained researchers will collect data on police-reported, motorcycleinvolved crashes. Information will be collected for each rider, passenger and driver of involved 

vehicles, along with vehicle and environmental characteristics. Data include interviews, examinations of vehicle condition, and measurement and diagrams of environmental characteristics 

and photographs of vehicle and scene information. Researchers will also ask for information regarding specific injuries sustained by crash victims. We are including your crash as part of the 

study so that the survey will cover all crash types and severities. 

We would like to ask you a series of questions about the crash circumstances, your current health 

status, and your riding/driving experience. The information may be audio recorded so that we 

can ensure that your responses are encoded accurately. All information will be kept confidential, 

and you can refuse to answer any question. The entire interview will last approximately 45 minutes. We also may need your permission to examine and document the damage to your vehicle. 

You will also be provided with a consent form that we can submit to the hospital in order to obtain specific information about your injuries (if applicable). 

Foreseeable Risk: All data will be collected from a safe location and at your convenience. No 

personal identifiers are included in our forms, and all information is used for statistical purposes 

by the federal government. 

Benefits of the Research: The number and severity of motorcycle crashes has risen greatly in 

recent years. There has been no comprehensive study of motorcycle crash causation for more 

than 30 years. Our objective is just to gain some insight into the causes of such crashes, and what 

can be done to prevent them or reduce their severity. The federal government may eventually use 

this information when making rules, or developing strategies and design changes to improve motorcyclist safety. 

Confidentiality: We will be asking you for some basic descriptive information about yourself. 

This includes your age and certain questions about physical status and health. We will also ask 

about your riding/driving experience and the circumstances leading to this crash. This information 

is confidential, and no published reports of the research will identify any participants. Likewise, 

all information collected during the study is confidential and will not be presented in any form 

that identifies individuals. Your crash will be assigned a case number and all identifying information will be separated from the data you provide. 

H-1 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Any data or documents containing personal identifiers, such as your name, address, and phone 

number, that we have obtained from Police Accident Reports or other related official records, 

along with any audio recording, will be kept in secure storage and will be destroyed at the end of 

this project. 

To help us protect your privacy, we have obtained a Certificate of Confidentiality from the National Institutes of Health. With this Certificate, the researchers cannot be forced to disclose information that may identify you, even by court subpoena, in any federal, state, or local civil, 

criminal, administrative, legislative, or other proceedings. 

You should understand that a Certificate of Confidentiality does not prevent you or a member of 

your family from voluntarily releasing information about yourself or your involvement in this 

research. If an insurer, employer, or other person obtains your written consent to receive research information, then the researchers may not use the certificate to withhold that information, 

but any such request would be immediately referred to our sponsors at the NHTSA. 

At no time will the researchers voluntarily disclose information collected in this study. 

Voluntary Withdrawal from the Survey: Your cooperation in this study is entirely voluntary. Refusal to participate will involve no penalty. You may discontinue participation at any time. 

Contact Person: If you have any questions about the research program, contact [redacted], 

Project Director, [redacted telephone number]. He can be reached at DSI, 299 W. Cerritos Avenue, Anaheim, California. 92805. If you have questions about the rights of research participants 

contact [redacted name and telephone number]. She can be reached at Westat, 1650 Research 

Blvd., Rockville Maryland 20850. 

Authorization: By signing this form you certify that you understand that your participation in 

this study is voluntary and that you consent to be interviewed and allow access to your vehicle 

for inspection. 

I have read (or heard) the above information and recognize the risks of this study. I agree to be a 

participant in the research. I understand that participation is voluntary and I may withdraw from 

the study at any time. 

Participant: _______________________ Date:__________ 

Investigator: _________________________Date:___________ 

H-2 
Attachment 9 

Consent Form – Control Subject 
Control Group 

Informed Consent 

Purpose of Research: Thank you for volunteering to participate in this study. This study provides an opportunity to examine the many factors that can lead to motorcycle-related crashes and 

affect the severity of the injury outcome. This research is funded by the US Department of 

Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and is supported by 

the motorcycle industry. 

Research Procedures: Trained researchers will collect data on traveling motorcyclists to compare the information with that from riders involved in police-reported, motorcycle-involved 

crashes. Information will be collected for each randomly selected rider and passenger, along 

with vehicle and characteristics. Data include interviews and examinations of vehicle condition. 

We would like to ask you a series of questions about your current trip, your health status, and 

your riding/driving experience. All information will be kept confidential, and you can refuse to 

answer any question. We may audio record the interview to ensure that the information you provide is encoded correctly. The entire interview will last approximately 25 minutes. We also need 

your permission to examine and document the characteristics of your vehicle. You will receive a 

$20 gas card to thank you for your participation. 

Foreseeable Risk: All data will be collected from a safe location and at your convenience. No 

personal identifiers are included in our forms, and all information is used for statistical purposes 

by the federal government. 

Benefits of the Research: The number and severity of motorcycle crashes has risen greatly in 

recent years. There has been no comprehensive study of motorcycle crash causation for more 

than 30 years. Our objective is just to gain some insight into the causes of such crashes, and what 

can be done to prevent them or reduce their severity. The federal government may eventually use 

this information when making rules, or developing strategies and design changes to improve motorcyclist safety. 

Confidentiality: We will be asking you for some basic descriptive information about yourself. 

This includes your age and certain questions about physical status and health. We will also ask 

about your riding/driving experience and your current trip. This information is confidential, and 

no published reports of the research will identify any participants. Likewise, all information collected during the study is confidential and will not be presented in any form that identifies individuals. All data will be protected; your information will be assigned a number and no identifying information will be collected about you or your motorcycle. 

All documents collected in this survey, including any audio recordings, will be kept in secure 

storage and will be destroyed at the end of this project. Information entered into a database will 

not include any personal identifiers and will only be used for statistical purposes. 

I-1
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

To help us protect your privacy, we have obtained a Certificate of Confidentiality from the National Institutes of Health. With this Certificate, the researchers cannot be forced to disclose information that may identify you, even by court subpoena, in any federal, state, or local civil, 

criminal, administrative, legislative, or other proceedings. 

You should understand that a Certificate of Confidentiality does not prevent you or a member of 

your family from voluntarily releasing information about yourself or your involvement in this 

research. If an insurer, employer, or other person obtains your written consent to receive research information, then the researchers may not use the certificate to withhold that information, 

but any such request would be immediately referred to our sponsors at the NHTSA. 

At no time will the researchers voluntarily disclose information collected in this study. 

Voluntary Withdrawal from the Survey: Your cooperation in this study is entirely voluntary. Refusal to participate will involve no penalty. You may discontinue participation at any time. 

Contact Person: If you have any questions about the research program, please contact [redacted 

name and telephone number]. He can be reached at DSI, 299 W. Cerritos Avenue, Anaheim, California 92805. If you have questions about the rights of research participants contact [redacted 

name and telephone number]. She can be reached at Westat, 1650 Research Blvd., Rockville 

Maryland 20850. 

Authorization: By signing this form you certify that you understand that your participation in 

this study is voluntary and that you consent to be interviewed and allow access to your vehicle 

for inspection. 

I have read (or heard) the above information and recognize the risks of this study. I agree to be a 

participant in the research. I understand that participation is voluntary and I may withdraw from 

the study at any time. 

Participant: _______________________ Date:__________ 

Investigator: ________________________Date:___________ 

I-2
 
Attachment 10 

Parental Consent Form
 
Crash Group 

Parent/Guardian Consent Form 

OMB NO.: 2125-0619 

Crash Involved Subject’s Name: _____________________________________________ 

Case Number: ____________________________________________________________ 

Research Project Title: Pilot Study – Motorcycle Crash Causes and Outcomes 

Organization: Dynamic Science for U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) 

Project Manager: James Perry 

Project Research Dates: September 2008 to October 2009 

The U.S. Department of Transportation is sponsoring a study called the Pilot Test – Motorcycle 

Crash Causes and Outcomes to help identify the causes of motorcycle crashes and related injuries. The government will use the study to help develop safety programs to reduce the number 

and severity of such crashes. All data is confidential. No names or other personal identifiers are 

entered into any system of records. This information will not be shared with the police department or anyone else involved in this crash. 

Motorcycle operators of all ages who are involved in crashes will be asked to be part of this 

study and we would like your permission to ask your child to be in the study. If you and your 

child agree, he/she will spend about 45 minutes answering questions. Youth will be asked questions about their rider training and experience and their health status. They will also be asked 

questions about alcohol and drug use prior to this crash. No one will receive payment for participating in the study. 

Your child does not have to do the survey. It is entirely up to you whether we can interview your 

child, and then it is up to your child. If your child agrees to do the survey, he can stop answering 

questions at any point. If there is a question that your child does not want to answer, he/she can 

skip it. 

To help us protect privacy, we have obtained a Certificate of Confidentiality from the National 

Institutes of Health. With this Certificate, the researchers cannot be forced to disclose information that may identify you or your child, even by court subpoena, in any federal, state, or local 

civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, or other proceedings. 

J-1
 
___________________________________________ ________________________ 

Yes, I give my permission for you to ask my child to take part in this study. 

No, I do not give you permission to ask my child to take part in this study. 

You should understand that a Certificate of Confidentiality does not prevent you or a member of 

your family from voluntarily releasing information about yourself or your involvement in this 

research. If an insurer, employer, or other person obtains your written consent to receive research information, then the researchers may not use the certificate to withhold that information, 

but any such request would be immediately referred to our sponsors at the USDOT. At no time 

will the researchers voluntarily disclose information collected in this study. 

We will do everything we can to protect your child’s privacy. To help keep everything private: 

• The researcher who meets with your child will not ask for your child’s name. 

• All the answers will be confidential – that is, no one will know your child’s answers. 

•	 All of the researchers working on this study have signed a legal certificate saying that 

they will protect your child’s privacy and not to tell anyone anything that he/she has said. 

The researchers have to obey all of the state and federal laws and regulations regarding 

confidentiality and the family’s right to privacy. 

If you have any questions about the study, you can call the Project Manager, [redacted name and 

telephone number]. If you have questions about your child’s rights as a study participant, you 

can call [redacted name and telephone number]. 

Please indicate your choice by checking one of the boxes below and signing and dating the form. 

Your signature Date 

J-2
 
Attachment 11 

Youth Assent Form
 
Youth Assent Script for Crashes 

K-1 

Thank you for volunteering to participate in this study. 

I work for a research firm named Dynamic Science and we are doing a study for the U.S. Department of Transportation to better understand the causes of motorcycle crashes and injuries. 

The study is called the Pilot Study – Motorcycle Crash Causes and Outcomes. 

This study provides an opportunity to examine the many factors that can lead to motorcyclerelated crashes and affect the severity of the injury outcome. 

Trained researchers will collect data on police-reported, motorcycle-involved crashes. Information will be collected for each rider, passenger and driver of involved vehicles, along with vehicle and environmental characteristics. Data include interviews, examinations of vehicle condition, and measurement and diagrams of environmental characteristics and photographs of vehicle 

and scene information. Researchers will also ask for information regarding specific injuries sustained by crash victims. We are including your crash as part of the study so that the survey will 

cover all crash types and severities. 

With your parent’s permission, we would like to ask you a series of questions about the crash 

circumstances, your current health status, and your riding/driving experience. The information 

may be audio recorded so that we can ensure that your responses are encoded accurately. All information will be kept confidential, and you can refuse to answer any question. 

The government will use the study to develop better safety programs, or improve the design of 

vehicles to reduce the number of motorcycle crashes. We will combine the answers that people 

give into one report. No names will appear in the report and it won’t say anything about who 

said what. You will not be paid for participating in the study. 

We’re asking people involved in motorcycle crashes to be part of this study and we would like 

you to be part of the study. If you agree to be part of the study, you’ll answer some questions 

and allow us to examine your motorcycle. 

•	 Answering the questions takes about 45 minutes. 

•	 You will be asked questions about your riding habits and experience, driver training, 

and health status. 

 

•	 You will be asked questions about alcohol and drug use before you rode today. 

•	 You do not have to answer every question, and can stop the interview at any time. 

Before I go on, let me make sure that what I’m telling you makes sense. Based on what I’ve said 

so far... 
1.	 Do you think I will be recording identifying information about you? 

Yes 

No 

2.	 Do you think this study is about motorcycle safety? 

Yes 

No 

3.	 Do you believe that anyone will be able to identify you from the data that is recorded? 

Yes 

No 

Ok, that’s good. Is it ok if we keep going? 

•	 You don’t have to do this study. It’s entirely up to you. You can start the interview 

and then decide to quit at any time. Just tell me that you want to stop and I’ll tell you 

what to do. If you want to skip a question, that’s ok too. 

4.	 Now, if someone asked you whether you had to do the interview or whether it 

was voluntary, what would you say? 

Had to do it. 

I didn’t have to do it/ it was voluntary. 

And these paragraphs are very important. 

•	 Everyone working on this project is required by law to protect your privacy. 

Your answers will always be kept private. We have to obey all of the state and federal 

laws and regulations regarding confidentiality and your right to privacy. 

If you have any questions, you can ask me anytime while I’m here. After I leave, 

•	 If you have any questions about your rights as a study participant, you can call [redacted name and telephone number]. She works for Westat, which is responsible for 

this study. 

K-2 
•	 If you have questions about how the study works, call [redacted name and telephone 

number]. He works for the same company that I do. 

So that’s it. I hope that you’ll be willing to take part in this important study. Your answers will 

help us understand the factors that can contribute to motorcycle crashes and injuries. 

Are you willing to be part of this study? 

YES 

NO 

K-3 
Attachment 12 

Dynamic Science, Inc.’s Data Confidentiality and Security Policy 
 

DSI Data Confidentiality and Security Policy 

The collection of personal information is a necessary component of any crash investigation. For 

the Motorcycle Pilot Study, personal information will be obtained from police crash reports, 

medical records, and interviews with involved parties. Personal information will generally include names, addresses, phone numbers, crash locations, specific dates, and so on. The confidentiality of the data collected by DSI investigators has the highest priority. The corporate general policy for the treatment of confidentiality of information is described in DSI’s Operating 

Policies and Procedures Manual in the section entitled Confidentiality of Information (See Attachment 1). 

A working case will be comprised of the personal information necessary to conduct an investigation and data forms that will be used to populate the pilot study database. The data forms do not 

contain any personal identifiers and no personal identifiers are included in the database. The deliverable product to the government is the database. Each working case will have a unique case 

number. 

When not in use, working case materials will be stored in a locked file cabinet in DSI’s Anaheim 

facility. The file cabinet will be set aside for this specific project and will be accessible only to 

project staff. 

It is necessary for investigators to have access to the working case materials. Cases will be 

checked out on an as-needed basis. The checkout sheet will have columns for the case number, 

investigator initials, check out date/time, and check in date/time. 

Checked out case materials will be the responsibility of the investigator who checked out the materials. The material will be in his/her physical possession and it is his/her responsibility to keep 

materials safeguarded at all times. Materials checked out overnight, will be stored in a cabinet or 

other container secured with a locking device. Materials taken into the field will be secured in 

the trunk of the vehicle. 

Special efforts and procedures will be put in place to handle medical data. It is anticipated that 

medical data will generally be obtained through signed medical releases. Upon receiving a 

signed medical release, a letter request will be made to the involved hospital. The request will 

include the patient name, date of the crash, and possibly the crash location. A medical request 

log will be used to track medical requests and to associate the requests to the case. The request 

log and any medical request correspondence will be kept in locked file cabinet. These materials 

will not be part of the working case materials and will only be accessible by the project staff 

member who is responsible for making the requests. 

Medical Request Log: 

Patient Name Case Number Request Date Hospital/ME Date obtained 

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Data Destruction 

After a case is completed it will go into Quality Control. After the Quality Control effort has 

been completed, all the case materials will be shredded by project staff. The data destruction 

process will be a formalized and structured effort. A checklist will be used to ensure that all materials are destroyed. The checklist will include the case number, the date, the person who destroyed the data, and a witness to the data destruction (management). DSI will use a commercial 

service that provides secure and bonded document and media (CDs, tapes, etc.) destruction. 

Data Destruction Checklist 

Case Number: 

Destruction Date:
 

Destroyed by: 

Verified by: 

o Police Report 

o Audio Tapes 

o Medical Records 

o Field Notes 

o Interview notes (interview and contact effort) 

o News articles 

o Data Forms 

L-2 
 

 

Corporate Promise of Confidentiality:
 

Pilot Study--Motorcycle Crash Causes and Outcomes 

Dynamic Science, Inc. (DSI) is committed to successfully meeting its contractual obligations in a 

disciplined and confidential basis. We place great importance on protecting the rights of our 

employees, customers, and those parties who are subject to our investigations and research. As 

such, we promise to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality as we complete the duties 

and responsibilities for the Pilot Study--Motorcycle Crash Causes and Outcomes. 

We understand and acknowledge that we will be obtaining some basic descriptive information 

about the parties in the study, to include age, physical status and health, riding/driving experience, 

and the circumstances leading to the crash. This information is confidential, and no published reports of the research will identify any participants. Each crash incident will be assigned a case 

number and all identifying information will be separated from the individual’s data. At no time 

will our researchers voluntarily disclose information collected in this study. 

Over the years, DSI has conducted numerous studies of a similar nature that involved the need to 

obtain and protect confidential data. For nearly 20 years, DSI has conducted crash investigations under the Special Crash Investigations (SCI) program for the National Highway Traffic 

Safety Administration. Investigators routinely obtain police reports, medical records, photograph vehicles and crash scenes, and interview involved parties. In the recent past, DSI was involved in on-scene investigations involving passenger rail car crashes. The main focus of the 

study was relating injuries to injury sources. Interviews were conducted on a regular basis. DSI 

also conducts investigations under contract to a major automobile manufacturer. For each of 

these studies, DSI has been committed to maintaining personal confidentiality. For example, 

there are procedures in place to protect hard copy case materials, such as filing the cases in 

locked cabinets in secure offices. The computers used for the SCI project, as another example, 

do not have access to the internet and are password protected at the boot, logon, and the program 

initiation levels. It is our standard practice to treat all collected data as confidential and to never 

share data with any party outside of a given project. 

Our corporate guidelines for addressing confidential information are outlined in Dynamic 

Science, Inc. Operating Policies and Procedures, No. Admin-1015, Confidentiality of Information. An excerpt with the applicable policy directives is provided below: 

“Safeguarding Confidential Information 

The primary responsibility for safeguarding confidential or proprietary information rests with 

management. Supervisors/managers at every level of DSI and other responsible DSI employees 

are expected to: 

•	 Identify confidential information and materials and instruct their employees in the handling of such information and materials. 

•	 Ensure that confidential information and materials are kept in safe and secure places and 

accessible only to those whose work requires them to access it. Paper records should be 

kept in secured cabinets. 

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•	 Ensure that confidential information is properly packaged prior to transmittal. This includes encryption when electronic data is being transmitted. 

•	 Ensure that recipients have a legitimate need to know. 

•	 Limit reproduction and distribution of sensitive information to what is absolutely necessary. 

•	 Ensure that proprietary information is properly identified and marked. This includes display screens in computer systems. 

•	 Ensure that computerized records have limited user access and computer display screens 

should be positioned so that only authorized users can view the data. Such users are responsible for securing their computers when they are left unattended. 

•	 Destroy by shredding any proprietary information that is in excess of requirements or no 

longer needed. 

•	 Ensure that employees who are hired into positions that require the handling of confidential information are required to keep such information safeguarded and not to disclose it, 

except as permitted or required in the course of their job duties. 

•	 Ensure that inquires from the news media regarding DSI are immediately be referred to 

the DSI President. 

•	 Ensure that inquiries from competitors regarding employees or DSI practices are immediately referred to the DSI President. 

•	 Ensure that inquires from attorneys should immediately be referred to the Exodyne, Inc. 

Chief Financial Officer or Corporate Human Resources Director. 

•	 Ensure that inquires from other outside agencies regarding DSI should be referred to the 

Exodyne, Inc. Chief Financial Officer or Corporate Human Resources Director. Such 

agencies include, but are not limited to: 

♦	 Government agencies such as the FBI, Social Security Administration, Equal Employment Commission, National Labor Relations Board, Department of Health and 

Human Services, Office of Civil Rights, or Office of Inspector General. 

♦	 Police. 

♦	 Credit bureaus or lending agencies. 

•	 Review these procedures regularly with all employees who are involved in the handling 

or securing of proprietary information. 

•	 Remind employees that their office, computers, desks, cases, and personal belongings are 

subject to inspection to ensure confidential information is not removed from DSI property 

without authorization. 

Storage 

When not in use or in transit, proprietary information should be stored in a cabinet or other container secured with a locking device. The combination or key should be similarly safeguarded, 

and kept in a locked desk or file cabinet as a convenience for daily access. Any willful, intentional, or unauthorized disclosure of proprietary information will be considered sufficient cause 

for disciplinary action, up to and including termination.” 

BRUCE E. BURDA 

Brigadier General (Retired), USAF 

President 

L-4 
 

CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMADYNAMIC SCIENCE, INC. TION 

OPERATING POLICIES 

AND PROCEDURES No. ADMIN-1015 Page 1 of 5 

Purpose 

To identify information considered to be confidential and to establish guidelines on the treatment 

and disclosure of confidential information. 

Scope 

All Employment Classifications 

Definitions 

Business Confidential refers to information of an impersonal nature, the disclosure of which 

would be detrimental to company interests. 

Personal and Confidential refers to information of a personal nature and certain types of business information that must be controlled on a strict need-to-know basis. 

Legal Confidential refers to any communication requesting or furnishing legal opinion, analysis, 

or advice. 

To Be Opened by Addressee Only refers to a marking on an envelope or package containing confidential information, indicating it is to be opened only by the person to whom it is addressed or 

by the person designated to act in his absence. 

Authorized Persons are individuals who have been authorized to receive Business Confidential, 

Personal and Confidential, or Legal Confidential information. 

Need to Know refers to any individual to whom proprietary information must be disclosed in the 

performance of his regular duties. 

Policy 

Employees shall not engage in private discussion of or otherwise disclose to third parties information regarding Dynamic Science, Inc. (DSI) matters (except when engaged in the conduct of 

the proper business of DSI). All information that is not a matter of public record, or not otherwise authorized by the appropriate authority to be disclosed as public, shall be considered confidential. 

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Procedure 

The protection of confidential business information and trade secrets is vital to the interests and 

success of DSI. Confidential information is any and all information disclosed to or known by an 

employee as a consequence of his employment with DSI that is not generally known to people 

outside DSI. This includes its business, marketing and sales strategies and plans, finances, operations, employees, methods, processes, compositions, computer software programs, research 

projects, customers, customer accounts, customer information, customer reports, product information and reports, supplies, accounts, billing methods, pricing data and strategy, business methods, and any and all information entrusted to DSI in confidence by third parties. 

Confidential information may be contained in written manuals and materials, verbal communications, or any other tangible method of expression, including hard disk and soft disk drive mechanisms. Confidential information, materials, and records include, but are not limited to, the 

following: 

Business Confidential Information 

•	 Financial, marketing, and statistical data. 

•	 Competitive relationships with other firms. 

•	 Budget information. 

•	 Improvements in processes, techniques, or methods. 

•	 Mergers, dissolutions, or significant reorganization. 

•	 Proposals and contract negotiations. 

•	 Reduction in Force (contemplated or in planning). 

•	 Research and development programs. 

•	 Business reports and summaries. 

Personal and Confidential Information 

•	 Personnel actions (promotions, demotions, resignations, bonuses, compensation and benefits data, performance appraisals, etc.—until released officially). 

•	 Controversies within or between DSI personnel. 

•	 Information of an embarrassing nature. 

B. Woodman 5-15-06 3-9-07 

Revision 

Date 

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Legal Confidential Information 

•	 Legal advice and opinion communicated by an attorney to DSI. 

•	 Documents revealing the substance of legal advice received from an attorney. 

•	 Communications to an attorney for the purpose of obtaining legal advice. 

•	 Information or data furnished at the request of our attorney to enable legal service or advice to be given. 

Safeguarding Confidential Information 

The primary responsibility for safeguarding confidential or proprietary information rests with 

management. Supervisors/managers at every level of DSI and other responsible DSI employees 

are expected to: 

•	 Identify confidential information and materials and instruct their employees in the handling of such information and materials. 

•	 Ensure that confidential information and materials are kept in safe and secure places and 

accessible only to those whose work requires them to access it. Paper records should be 

kept in secured cabinets. 

•	 Ensure that confidential information is properly packaged prior to transmittal. This includes encryption when electronic data is being transmitted. 

•	 Ensure that recipients have a legitimate need to know. 

•	 Limit reproduction and distribution of sensitive information to what is absolutely necessary. 

•	 Ensure that proprietary information is properly identified and marked. This includes display screens in computer systems. 

•	 Ensure that computerized records have limited user access and computer display screens 

should be positioned so that only authorized users can view the data. Such users are responsible for securing their computers when they are left unattended. 

•	 Destroy by shredding any proprietary information that is in excess of requirements or no 

longer needed. 

•	 Ensure that employees who are hired into positions that require the handling of confidential information are required to keep such information safeguarded and not to disclose it, 

except as permitted or required in the course of their job duties. 

•	 Ensure that inquires from the news media regarding DSI are immediately be referred to 

the DSI President. 

•	 Ensure that inquiries from competitors regarding employees or DSI practices are immediately referred to the DSI President. 

B. Woodman 5-15-06 3-9-07 

Revision 

Date 

Issued By Date Approved Date Approved 

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•	 Ensure that inquires from attorneys should immediately be referred to the Exodyne, Inc. 

Chief Financial Officer or Corporate Human Resources Director. 

•	 Ensure that inquires from other outside agencies regarding DSI should be referred to the 

Exodyne, Inc. Chief Financial Officer or Corporate Human Resources Director. Such 

agencies include, but are not limited to: 

♦	 Government agencies such as the FBI, Social Security Administration, Equal Employment Commission, National Labor Relations Board, Department of Health and 

Human Services, Office of Civil Rights, or Office of Inspector General. 

♦	 Police. 

♦	 Credit bureaus or lending agencies. 

•	 Review these procedures regularly with all employees who are involved in the handling 

or securing of proprietary information. 

•	 Remind employees that their office, computers, desks, cases, and personal belongings are 

subject to inspection to ensure confidential information is not removed from DSI property 

without authorization. 

Marking 

The employee who originates or produces proprietary information is responsible for marking or 

stamping such material as Business Confidential, Personal and Confidential, or Legal Confidential. The marking should appear at the top and bottom of the first page of the document, as well 

as in a visible position when the document is folded or rolled. With respect to diskettes, the label 

is to bear the proper classification and the first screen viewed is to also bear the proper classification. When practical, each page of material printer should bear a diagonal watermark created by 

the word processing software containing the proper marking. 

When in the employee’s judgment, proprietary information is extra sensitive in nature, the following special marking procedures must be followed: 

• All pages must be numbered to reflect the total (6-page document—Page 1 of 6). 

• All copies should be numbered in series (Copy 1 of 4). 

• A distribution list should be maintained and copies should be signed for. 

Reproduction 

Any employee who is responsible for reproducing proprietary information should make sure that 

access is kept to a minimum and granted only to those individuals with a need to know. If the 

nature or volume of the information being reproduced makes controlled access impractical, area 

controls should be instituted until the work is completed. 

B. Woodman 5-15-06 3-9-07 

Revision 

Date 

Issued By Date Approved Date Approved 

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When Business Confidential, Personal and Confidential, or Legal Confidential documents are 

reproduced by a graphic arts shop, duplicating room, etc., the material should be hand delivered 

to the supervisor/manager in charge, who should assign an authorized employee to complete the 

work and return it to the supervisor/manager, including all excess or spoiled copies. 

Storage 

When not in use or in transit, proprietary information should be stored in a cabinet or other container secured with a locking device. The combination or key should be similarly safeguarded, 

and kept in a locked desk or file cabinet as a convenience for daily access. 

Any willful, intentional, or unauthorized disclosure of proprietary information will be considered 

sufficient cause for disciplinary action, up to and including termination. 

B. Woodman 5-15-06 3-9-07 

Revision 

Date 

Issued By Date Approved Date Approved 

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Attachment 13 

Crash Investigator Confidentiality Statement
 
 

Personal Agreement of Confidentiality:
 

Pilot Study--Motorcycle Crash Causes and Outcomes 

Dynamic Science, Inc. (DSI) is committed to successfully meeting its contractual obligations in a disciplined and confidential basis. We place great importance on protecting the 

rights of our employees, customers, and those parties who are subject to our investigations and research. As such, we promise to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality as we complete the duties and responsibilities for the Pilot Study--Motorcycle 

Crash Causes and Outcomes. 

In consideration of my employment and the compensation paid to me by Dynamic 

Science, Inc., I agree as follows: 

I understand and acknowledge that we will be obtaining some basic descriptive information about the parties in the study, to include age, physical status and health, riding/driving 

experience, and the circumstances leading to the crash. This information is confidential, 

and no published reports of the research will identify any participants. Each crash incident will be assigned a case number and all identifying information will be separated from 

the individual’s data. At no time will I disclose information collected in this study to a 

third party without permission. 

More specifically, I will not, during the course of my employment or subsequent thereto, 

either directly or indirectly, except in the course of carrying out the business of DSI or as 

authorized in writing on behalf of DSI, use for my own benefit or purposes or disclose or 

communicate to any person, individual, firm or corporation, any information of any kind 

concerning any matters affecting or relating to the business of the Company or any of its 

subsidiaries, including, without limitation, any of the customers, investigation sources or 

subjects, plans, processes, trade secrets, or other data of DSI. I will not take or retain or 

copy any of the Company’s specifications, drawings, blueprints, reproductions, other documents, or any other personal/confidential information. 

In addition, I will comply with the directives regarding protection of confidential information as outlined in Dynamic Science, Inc. Operating Policies and Procedures, No. Admin1015, Confidentiality of Information, and provided below: 

“Safeguarding Confidential Information 

The primary responsibility for safeguarding confidential or proprietary information rests 

with management. Supervisors/managers at every level of DSI and other responsible DSI 

employees are expected to: 

•	 Identify confidential information and materials and instruct their employees in the 

handling of such information and materials. 

M-1
 
•	 Ensure that confidential information and materials are kept in safe and secure 

places and accessible only to those whose work requires them to access it. Paper 

records should be kept in secured cabinets. 

•	 Ensure that confidential information is properly packaged prior to transmittal. 

This includes encryption when electronic data is being transmitted. 

•	 Ensure that recipients have a legitimate need to know. 

•	 Limit reproduction and distribution of sensitive information to what is absolutely 

necessary. 

•	 Ensure that proprietary information is properly identified and marked. This includes display screens in computer systems. 

•	 Ensure that computerized records have limited user access and computer display 

screens should be positioned so that only authorized users can view the data. Such 

users are responsible for securing their computers when they are left unattended. 

•	 Destroy by shredding any proprietary information that is in excess of requirements or no longer needed. 

•	 Ensure that employees who are hired into positions that require the handling of 

confidential information are required to keep such information safeguarded and 

not to disclose it, except as permitted or required in the course of their job duties. 

•	 Ensure that inquires from the news media regarding DSI are immediately be referred to the DSI President. 

•	 Ensure that inquiries from competitors regarding employees or DSI practices are 

immediately referred to the DSI President. 

•	 Ensure that inquires from attorneys should immediately be referred to the Exodyne, Inc. Chief Financial Officer or Corporate Human Resources Director. 

•	 Ensure that inquires from other outside agencies regarding DSI should be referred 

to the Exodyne, Inc. Chief Financial Officer or Corporate Human Resources Director. Such agencies include, but are not limited to: 

♦	 Government agencies such as the FBI, Social Security Administration, Equal 

Employment Commission, National Labor Relations Board, Department of 

Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights, or Office of Inspector 

General. 

♦	 Police. 

♦	 Credit bureaus or lending agencies. 

•	 Review these procedures regularly with all employees who are involved in the 

handling or securing of proprietary information. 

•	 Remind employees that their office, computers, desks, cases, and personal belongings are subject to inspection to ensure confidential information is not removed 

from DSI property without authorization. 

M-2
 
Storage 

When not in use or in transit, proprietary information should be stored in a cabinet or 

other container secured with a locking device. The combination or key should be similarly safeguarded, and kept in a locked desk or file cabinet as a convenience for daily 

access. Any willful, intentional, or unauthorized disclosure of proprietary information 

will be considered sufficient cause for disciplinary action, up to and including termination.” 

It is further understood that breach of this Agreement may result in my immediate termination from Dynamic Science, Inc., and/or recovery from me by Dynamic Science, Inc., 

legal damages as provided by law. 

Employee (Print): _____________________________________________ 

Signature: _____________________________________________ 

Date: _____________________________________________ 

M-3
 
Attachment 14 

Institutional Review Board Approval
 
 

 

Date: September 09, 2008 

To: Fran Bents, Project Director 

From: Kerry Levin, Chair 

Westat Institutional Review Board 

Subject: Final Approval for Motorcycle Crash Causes and Outcomes Pilot Study, Project 

8191 

FWA 5551 

As Chair of the Westat Institutional Review Board (IRB), I have reviewed the materials submitted 

for the following: Motorcycle Crash Causes and Outcomes Pilot Study, Project 8191. Pursuant to 45 

CFR pt. 46, the IRB reviews all studies involving research on human subjects. This study is funded 

by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. 

On Tuesday, August 12th, 2008, the Westat Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviewed the Motorcycle Crash Causes and Outcomes Pilot Study including the following materials: Initial protocol application as well as the procedures, informed consent forms, assent scripts, and measures. 

This project is sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) to develop and conduct an on-scene investigation program focused on injury –producing motorcycle 

crashes. Westat is responsible for overall planning, project management, evaluation, and reporting. 

Dynamic Science Inc (DSI), the sub-contractor for the study, will recruit the crash investigators and 

conduct their training, perform the investigations, collect control group data, and enter the data into 

the database. The project team also requested that Westat serve as the IRB overseeing the protection 

of human subjects 

Following discussions with the Project Director and the IRB Representative, as well as two representatives from DSI, the Board decided to table the study as there was insufficient information to 

make a determination of approval. The IRB had several concerns about the study’s protocol, informed consent process, and relationship with DSI regarding their confidentiality and data security 

procedures. 

The following is a list of questions and comments that resulted from the discussion between the research team and the Board as well as the research team’s responses. 

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Information Needed from Dynamic Science Inc. 

1.	 Provide human subjects training certificates and signed confidentiality statements for current 

DSI staff who will be working on this project. 

•	 Response: Certificates for five staff members were included in the September 12th resubmission. 

2.	 Provide signed confidentiality statements of current staff and newly hired staff. 

•	 Response: Signed statements for five staff members were included in the September 12th 

resubmission. 

3.	 Provide a letter of written promise of confidentiality, including evidence of experience with 

similar work. 

•	 A Corporate Promise of Confidentiality was included in the September 12th resubmission 

package. 

Revisions to Informed Consent Forms 

4.	 Use DSI letterhead with Jim Perry as the contact for questions about the study and Sharon 

Zack, IRB Administrator, as the contact for questions about human subjects. 

•	 Response: These changes were inserted into the informed consent and assent forms. 

5.	 Revise language about confidentiality/anonymity to all consent forms to accurately reflect 

the language presented in the Certificate of Confidentiality. 

•	 Response: Language regarding confidentiality was inserted into the project overview and 

consent forms. 

6.	 Revise wording from, "This research is FUNDED by.... to "This research is SUPPORTED 

by....". 

•	 Response: done 

7.	 Provide copies of parental consent and teen assent forms. 

•	 The following attachments, on DSI letterhead, were included with the resubmission package. 

•	 Informed Consent Form- Crash 

•	 Informed Consent Form-Control 

•	 Parent Consent Form –Crash 

•	 Parent Consent Form- Control 

•	 Youth Assent Script- Crash 

•	 Youth Assent Script- Control 

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8.	 Provide sample patient release forms to be used to obtain medical records. 

•	 Response: done 

Data Protection and Security Issues 

9.	 Provide more details about safeguards that will be in place to protect case file folders during 

data collection both with interviewers and at the home office. 

•	 Response: DSI Data Protection and Security Procedures are included in the resubmission. 

10. Provide plans for data destruction. 

•	 Response: Plans for data destruction were included in the DSI Data Protection and Security 

Procedures’ document. 

11. Describe plans for future public use data file and NHTSA's role in this effort. 

•	 Response: The sponsor’s plans to develop a public use data set are included in the revised 

project overview. 

12. Describe types of methodological results (i.e., lessons learned) that will be provided to the 

Board upon completion of the pilot study. 

•	 Response: the purpose of the pilot study is to develop and test a research protocol and survey instruments that can be used in a larger scale study of motorcycle involved crashes. 

Crash investigation data will not be analyzed. A process evaluation of variables such as the 

number of hours required to inspect a motorcycle and the number of attempts needed to 

obtain passenger interviews, are included in the project revised overview. 

13. Provide a copy of Certificate of Confidentiality. 

•	 Response: Once the Certificate of Confidentiality becomes available, the Project Director 

will submit it to the IRB. 

14. The Board also requested that all data collection forms be submitted for review. 

•	 Response: done 

On September 9, 2008, the Board reconvened to assess the revised IRB submission. They found 

that the project team had adequately addressed the Board’s concerns. During the review, the Board 

requested several minor changes to the informed consent forms and assent scripts. The Project Director also requested two waivers of documentation of informed consent. These waivers were approved according to 45 CFR 46 117 (c) as the research presented no more than minimal of harm to 

the participants and involved no procedures for which written consent was normally required outside of the research context. The first waiver was to contact parents by telephone in order to obtain 

permission for their youth (driving or riding in the motorcycles including crash and control youth 

participants) to participate in the study. The second waiver was approved to use a script to verbally 

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3 

assent the youth participants without obtaining written informed consent document. The youth will 

be provided with a copy of the assent script/information sheet. 

In accordance with 45 CFR 46, this project was considered minimal risk and assigned a conditional 

approval. Once the following changes are made and returned to the IRB for review, a full approval 

will be assigned. 

The request for minor changes included the following: 

1.	 Resubmit your overview to include a request for a Waiver of Documentation of Informed Assent 

for youth participants in your project. 

Revisions to Informed Consent and Assent Forms and Scripts 

2. Remove the word "strictly" and any language that refers to "names will not be collected from 

participants". 

Insert appropriate language from the study's Certificate of Confidentially when it becomes 

available. 

4. Re order the assent script so that the introduction begins with the description of the study. 

5. Replace Fran Bent's name with the PI from DSI. 

6. Provide finalized copies of the overview, informed consent forms and assent scripts 

(including highlights or track changes of all revisions) and the Certificate of Confidentiality 

to the IRB. 

Please submit a copy of the Certificate of Confidentiality to the IRB when it becomes available. 

All minor changes have since been made to the informed consent forms and assent scripts. Therefore, this project has been granted a full approval. The Project Director is still obligated to submit 

this study for a continuing review on or before September 9, 2009. In the interim, the Project Director is responsible for notifying the Office of Research Administration as soon as possible if there are any 

injuries to the subjects, problems with the study, or changes to the study design that relate to human subjects. 

cc: Institutional Review Board 

 Mark Freedman 

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Attachment 15 

Certificate of Confidentiality
 
O-1 
O-2 
Attachment 16 

Motorcycle Crashes in Southern California, July 2007 
P-1 
Attachment 17 

Exemplar Memorandum of Understanding 
Motorcycle Crash Causes and Outcomes-Pilot Study 

Memorandum of Understanding 

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN WESTAT AND SUBCONTRACTOR DYNAMIC SCIENCE, INC. (DSI) [PARTY ONE] AND THE 

______________POLICE DEPARTMENT TWO] 

Background: 

Motorcycle crashes and related fatalities have increased dramatically during the past several 

years. There has been no in-depth study of the causes and outcomes of such crashes in the 

U.S. for more than 30 years. Westat and subcontractor DSI were awarded contract 

DTNH22-05-C-05079 to conduct the Motorcycle Crash Causes and Outcomes Pilot Study. 

This research is sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In order 

to conduct in-depth research on motorcycle crashes, it is necessary for trained crash investigators to initiate their investigation as soon as possible after a crash occurs. In addition, exposure data collection is needed to provide comparison information from non-crash involved motorcyclists, so that crash causation factors can be identified. This research approach can best be achieved with the cooperation and help of law enforcement agencies who 

can provide notifications of such crashes, and access to relevant information. The ______ 

Police Department is committed to cooperating in this study and will make every effort to 

ensure personnel are briefed on the importance of the study and the agreed upon guidelines 

for participation. 

Purpose: 

The purpose of this memorandum is to establish a basic framework for cooperation and 

coordination between Westat/DSI and the ______ Police Department in the implementation of the pilot test. This will enable identification of and response to motorcycle crashes 

and access to police accident reports and impounded vehicles. 

Objectives: 

1. To identify methods that will allow for prompt notification of motorcycle crashes. 

2. To establish protocol for the initiation of investigations that will not hinder or impede 

 police activities. 

3. To establish agreements with regard to data confidentiality. 

4. To identify methods for the collection of control cases that comply with 

agency protocol. 

Methods: 

DSI will conduct all crash investigation and control data collection tasks in areas covered by 

several police jurisdictions in the greater Los Angeles/Orange County area. It is expected 

that data collection will begin on December 8, 2008 and will continue for approximately 3 

Q-1 
months. A total of 37 on-site crashes will be investigated, plus two control cases for each 

on-site crash. The control cases will consist of non-crash involved motorcycle interviews and 

vehicle inspections conducted within a close proximity to the actual crash occurrence. Alcohol breath tests will also be administered to consenting participants. 

The ______ Police Department will notify DSI whenever an injury producing motorcycle 

crash occurs within their respective jurisdiction. DSI will be notified by phone or e-mail 

from ______ PD’s communications center. DSI personnel will be on-call to answer any 

phone call or e-mail, 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The phone number is [redacted]. The e-mail address is [redacted]. 

DSI investigators will respond to the scene as quickly as possible and obey all traffic laws enroute to the crash location. Upon arrival, the DSI investigator(s) will park their vehicle(s) in a 

safe location that will not impede any emergency response vehicles either arriving or leaving 

the scene. An amber safety light will be activated on the parked DSI investigator vehicle and 

the DSI investigators will wear Fluorescent Safety Vests with clear print that illustrates “DSI 

Investigator”. The DSI investigator(s) will check-in with the law enforcement Incident 

Commander or lead investigator prior to commencing any activity. It is acknowledged that 

some crash locations may be crime scenes, and access of the DSI investigator(s) may be denied / limited by the law enforcement Incident Commander or lead investigator. 

 If the scene is still active, and with the permission of the Incident Commander, DSI will 

begin its investigation. If the vehicles are at their final rest positions, then photographs will 

be secured by DSI in a fashion that will be in the periphery of the rescue and police efforts. 

The same amount of caution will be exercised while securing photographs of scene evidence 

and the debris field. The investigation activities will be undertaken so as not to interfere or 

impede the police and medical evacuation operations. DSI understands that officers on 

scene will be in full control and DSI investigators may be removed from the scene by the 

Incident Commander or lead law enforcement investigator for safety concerns. 

The ______ Police Department will provide DSI with enough information to locate the involved vehicle(s) and to acquire an early (not signed off) copy of the crash report from the 

Accident Investigation office. The vehicle inspections will be non-destructive (no components or parts removed). They include examination of direct and induced damage patterns 

on the exterior of vehicles, measurement of vehicle crush, diagrams of damage, and photographs of vehicle exteriors. Evidence of occupant contact points will also be measured and 

photographed. 

The DSI Motorcycle Pilot study investigators will attempt to conduct on-scene interviews of 

all involved riders/drivers and passengers. An interview will only be initiated upon receipt of 

a signed, two page interviewee consent form (refer to attached Consent Form). The consent 

form also explains that DSI would like to collect a voluntary breath sample. Should the crash 

produce potential legal charges and future prosecution, then the DSI investigator will proceed with interviews and breath samples under direction of the ______ Police Department 

and or the District Attorney. In those cases where alcohol is involved and an interview is 

declined, it would be helpful if the investigating police agency would relay the Blood Alcohol 

Content (BAC) level (verbally) for inclusion into DSI’s investigation report. 

Q-2 
 

________________________ ______________________ _______________________ 

If the rider/passenger is under the age of legal consent (18 years of age), a parent or legal 

guardian will be contacted and will provide verbal or written consent before any questioning 

of a minor commences (refer to the attached parental consent/legal guardian form). 

As aforementioned, DSI will collect comparison data one week following each crash and 

within a close proximity to the crash scene. This control group data will be collected from 

riders who traversed the same location of the crash and at approximately the same time 

frame in which the crash occurred. This control group will include two motorcyclist interviews and vehicle inspections for non-crash involved individuals. The control groups will be 

selected and their locations determined by DSI using their street signage or using vehicle collection areas such as gas stations or convenience stores. The acquisition of the control data 

will in no way present an added burden for the cooperating police agencies. 

It should be stressed that at no time will the cooperating police agencies be asked to commit 

any additional resources or delay or hamper the on-scene law enforcement efforts. 

DSI is solely responsible for their actions, safety of personnel, and any property damage 

caused by their investigators. 

DSI will provide the police agencies with the names of the investigators, a completed Human Subjects Training certificate, a copy of the investigator-signed confidentiality agreement, 

and the results of investigator employment background checks. 

 It should be stressed that in this research program, all identifiers regarding identification of 

the scene, vehicle operators or vehicle specifics (VINS) are completely sanitized. In addition, 

no information referring to dates, specific locations, jurisdictions or other identifiers are ever 

entered into any system of records. In addition, the DSI investigators are keenly aware of 

any potential conflicts of interest regarding the data collection involved in any aspect of the 

study and any other outside entity or corporation. All data is held confidential and is protected in accordance with established security protocol. 

The undersigned agree to uphold the terms of this agreement for the period of time that the 

project is being administered. This agreement may be terminated by either party with written notification. 

Mark Freedman Robert Swank 

Vice President, Westat Vice President, DSI ______ Police Department 

 Attachments 

1 – Crash Group Consent Form 

2 – Parental Consent 

Q-3 
Crash Investigation Group 

Informed Consent 

Purpose of Research: Thank you for volunteering to participate in this study. This study 

provides an opportunity to examine the many factors that can lead to motorcycle-related 

crashes and affect the severity of the injury outcome. This research is funded by the U.S. 

Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 

and is supported by the motorcycle industry. 

Research Procedures: Trained researchers will collect data on police-reported, motorcycleinvolved crashes. Information will be collected for each rider, passenger and driver of involved vehicles, along with vehicle and environmental characteristics. Data include interviews, examinations of vehicle condition, and measurement and diagrams of environmental 

characteristics and photographs of vehicle and scene information. Researchers will also ask 

for information regarding specific injuries sustained by crash victims. We are including your 

crash as part of the study so that the survey will cover all crash types and severities. 

We would like to ask you a series of questions about the crash circumstances, your current 

health status, and your riding/driving experience. The information may be audio recorded so 

that we can ensure that your responses are encoded accurately. All information will be kept 

strictly confidential, and you can refuse to answer any question. The entire interview will last 

approximately 45 minutes. We also may need your permission to examine and document the 

damage to your vehicle. You will also be provided with a consent form that we can submit 

to the hospital in order to obtain specific information about your injuries (if applicable). 

Foreseeable Risk: All data will be collected from a safe location and at your convenience. 

No personal identifiers are included in our forms, and all information is used strictly for statistical purposes by the federal government. 

Benefits of the Research: The number and severity of motorcycle crashes has risen greatly 

in recent years. There has been no comprehensive study of motorcycle crash causation for 

more than 30 years. Our objective is just to gain some insight into the causes of such crashes, and what can be done to prevent them or reduce their severity. The federal government 

may eventually use this information when making rules, or developing strategies and design 

changes to improve motorcyclist safety. 

Confidentiality: We will be asking you for some basic descriptive information about yourself. 

This includes your age and certain questions about physical status and health. We will also ask 

about your riding/driving experience and the circumstances leading to this crash. This information is confidential, and no published reports of the research will identify any participants. 

Likewise, all information collected during the study is confidential and will not be presented 

in any form that identifies individuals. Your crash will be assigned a case number and all 

identifying information will be separated from the data you provide. 

Q-4 
 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

 

Any data or documents containing personal identifiers, such as your name, address, and 

phone number, that we have obtained from Police Accident Reports or other related official 

records, along with any audio recording, will be kept in secure storage and will be destroyed 

at the end of this project. 

To help us protect your privacy, we have obtained a Certificate of Confidentiality from the 

National Institutes of Health. With this Certificate, the researchers cannot be forced to disclose information that may identify you, even by court subpoena, in any federal, state, or local civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, or other proceedings. 

You should understand that a Certificate of Confidentiality does not prevent you or a member of your family from voluntarily releasing information about yourself or your involvement 

in this research. If an insurer, employer, or other person obtains your written consent to 

receive research information, then the researchers may not use the certificate to withhold 

that information, but any such request would be immediately referred to our sponsors at the 

NHTSA. 

At no time will the researchers voluntarily disclose information collected in this study. 

Voluntary Withdrawal from the Survey: Your cooperation in this study is entirely voluntary. 

Refusal to participate will involve no penalty. You may discontinue participation at any time. 

Contact Person: If you have any questions about the research program, contact [redacted]. 

He can be reached at DSI, 299 W. Cerritos Avenue, Anaheim, California. 92805. If you have 

questions about the rights of research participants contact [redacted]. She can be reached at 

Westat, 1650 Research Blvd., Rockville Maryland 20850. 

Authorization: By signing this form you certify that you understand that your participation 

in this study is voluntary and that you consent to be interviewed and allow access to your 

vehicle for inspection. 

I have read (or heard) the above information and recognize the risks of this study. I agree to 

be a participant in the research. I understand that participation is voluntary and I may withdraw from the study at any time. 

Participant: _______________________ Date:___________ 

Investigator: _________________________Date:___________ 

Q-5 
Crash Group 

Parent/Guardian Consent Form 

OMB NO.: 2125-0619
 

Crash Involved Subject’s Name:_____________________________________________ 

Case Number_____________________________________________________________ 

Research Project Title: Pilot Study – Motorcycle Crash Causes and Outcomes 

Organization: Dynamic Science for U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) 

Principal Investigator: Frances D. Bents 

Project Research Dates: September 2008 to October 2009 

The U.S. Department of Transportation is sponsoring a study called the Pilot Test – Motorcycle Crash Causes and Outcomes to help identify the causes of motorcycle crashes and related injuries. The government will use the study to help develop safety programs to reduce 

the number and severity of such crashes. All data is confidential. No names or other personal identifiers are entered into any system of records. This information will not be shared 

with the police department or anyone else involved in this crash. 

Motorcycle operators of all ages who are involved in crashes will be asked to be part of this 

study and we would like your permission to ask your child to be in the study. If you and 

your child agree, he/she will spend about 45 minutes answering questions. Youth will be 

asked questions about their rider training and experience and their health status. They will 

also be asked questions about alcohol and drug use prior to this crash. No one will receive 

payment for participating in the study. 

Your child does not have to do the survey. It is entirely up to you whether we can interview 

your child, and then it is up to your child. If your child agrees to do the survey, he can stop 

answering questions at any point. If there is a question that your child does not want to answer, he/she can skip it. 

To help us protect privacy, we have obtained a Certificate of Confidentiality from the National Institutes of Health. With this Certificate, the researchers cannot be forced to disclose 

information that may identify you or your child, even by court subpoena, in any federal, 

state, or local civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, or other proceedings. 

You should understand that a Certificate of Confidentiality does not prevent you or a member of your family from voluntarily releasing information about yourself or your involvement 

in this research. If an insurer, employer, or other person obtains your written consent to 

receive research information, then the researchers may not use the certificate to withhold 

that information, but any such request would be immediately referred to our sponsors at the 

Q-6 
_______________________________ ____________________________ 

USDOT. At no time will the researchers voluntarily disclose information collected in this 

study. 

We will do everything we can to protect your child’s privacy. To help keep everything private: 

• The researcher who meets with your child will not ask for your child’s name. 

• All the answers will be confidential – that is, no one will know your child’s answers. 

•	 All of the researchers working on this study have signed a legal certificate saying that 

they will protect your child’s privacy and not to tell anyone anything that he/she has 

said. The researchers have to obey all of the state and federal laws and regulations 

regarding confidentiality and the family’s right to privacy. 

If you have any questions about the study, you can call the Project Manager, [redacted]. If 

you have questions about your child’s rights as a study participant, you can call [redacted]. 

Please indicate your choice by checking one of the boxes below and signing and dating the 

form. 

Yes, I give my permission for you to ask my child to take part in this study. 

No, I do not give you permission to ask my child to take part in this study. 

Your signature Date 

Q-7 
Attachment 18 

Pilot Study Data Collection Forms: 

Crash 

 Motorcycle Mechanical 

 Motorcycle Dynamics 

 Motorcycle Rider 

 Motorcycle Passenger 

 Other Vehicle 

 Other Vehicle Driver 

Injury 

Environment 

Control Motorcycle Mechanical 

Control Motorcycle Rider 

Control Motorcycle Passenger 
_______________________________________________ 

 

__________________________________________ 

Crash Form	 C-1 

Crash Form	 Case Number ________________________ 

1. Day of Week Crash Occurred	 ____ 

(1)	 Monday 

(2)	 Tuesday 

(3)	 Wednesday 

(4)	 Thursday 

(5)	 Friday 

(6)	 Saturday 

(7)	 Sunday 

2. Time of Day Crash Occurred ___ ___:___ ___ 

(24-hour clock) 

3. Motorcycle Involved in Collision With ___ ___ 

(01)	 other motor vehicle 

(02)	 other parked motor vehicle 

(03)	 roadway 

(04)	 off road environment, fixed object 

(05)	 bicycle 

(06)	 pedestrian 

(07)	 animal 

(98)	 other (specify)

 __________________________________________ 

(99)	 unknown 

4. If This Case is a MC vs. MC, 

Provide Matching Case Number 

5. Presence at Crash Scene ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO 4 

(00)	 not on-scene ____ ____ 

(01)	 nothing present 

(02)	 crash vehicles present ____ ____ 

(03)	 police present 

(04)	 EMS present ____ ____ 

(05)	 motorcycle rider present 

(06)	 motor vehicle driver(s) present 

(07)	 motorcycle passengers present 

(08)	 motor vehicle passengers present 

(09)	 non-motorists present 

(98)	 other present (specify): 

(99)	 unknown 

6. How Many Other Vehicles Were 

Involved in the Crash? ____ ____ 

(00)	 none 

(01)	 one 

(02)	 two 

(03)	 three 

(04)	 four or more 

(97)	 not applicable 

(98)	 other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99)	 unknown 

7. How Many Pedestrians Were Involved	 ____ ____ 

in the Crash? 

(00)	 none 

(01)	 one 

(02)	 two 

(03)	 three 

(04)	 four or more 

(97)	 not applicable 

(98)	 other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99)	 unknown 

8. Number of Passengers on the Motorcycle ____ ____ 

(00)	 none 

(01)	 one 

(02)	 two 

(03)	 three 

(04)	 four 

(05)	 five 

(06)	 six 

(99)	 unknown 

9. Are There Any Fatal Injuries Involved? ____ ____ 

(00)	 no 

(01)	 yes 

(99)	 unknown 
Crash Form C-2 

WEATHER AT TIME OF CRASH 10. Crash Configuration ____ ____ 

(01) head-on collision of MC and OV 13. Weather Description ____ ____ (02) OV into MC impact at intersection; both vehicles (01) clear proceeding straight ahead, paths perpendicular (02) cloudy, partly cloudy (03) MC into OV impact at intersection; both vehicles (03) overcast 

proceeding straight ahead, paths perpendicular (04) drizzle, light rain (04) OV turning left in front of MC, MC proceeding in (05) moderate or heavy rain either direction perpendicular to OV path (06) snow 

(05) OV turning right in front of MC, MC proceeding in (07) sleet, freezing rain either direction perpendicular to OV path (08) hail 

(06) MC and OV traveling in opposite directions, OV turns (09) fog in front of MC, crossing MC path, OV impacting MC (98) other (specify)_______________________________ (07) MC and OV traveling in opposite directions, OV turns (99) unknown 

in front of MC, crossing MC path, MC impacting OV 

(08) MC turning left in front of OV, OV proceeding in either 14. Wind Description ____ ____ direction perpendicular to MC path (00) none, calm (09) MC turning right in front of OV, OV proceeding in (01) light either direction perpendicular to MC path (02) moderate 

(10) MC overtaking OV while OV turning left (03) strong (11) MC overtaking OV while OV turning right (04) light with gusts (12) OV impacting rear of MC (05) moderate with gusts (13) MC impacting rear of OV (06) strong with gusts (14) sideswipe, OV and MC traveling in opposite directions (07) variable 

(15) sideswipe, OV and MC traveling in same directions (98) other (specify)_______________________________ (16) OV making U-turn or Y-turn ahead of MV (99) unknown 

(17) Other MC/OV impacts 

(18) MC falling on roadway, no OV involvement 15. Wind Direction With Respect to (19) MC running off roadway, no OV involvement Motorcycle Path ____ ____ (20) MC falling on roadway in collision avoidance with OV (00) none, no wind (21) MC running off roadway in collision avoidance with (01) left crosswind OV (02) headwind 

(22) Other MC accidents with no OV or other involvement (03) right crosswind (23) MC impacting pedestrian or animal (04) tailwind 

(24) MC impacting environmental object (98) other (specify)_______________________________ (98) other (specify)_______________________________ (99) unknown 

(99) unknown 

11. Light Conditions ____ ____ 

(01) daylight, bright 

(02) daylight, not bright 

(03) dusk, sundown 

(04) night, lighted 

(05) night, not lighted 

(06) dawn, sunup 

(07) night, continuous illumination 

(08) night, spot illumination 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

12. Ambient Temperature + ___ ___ ___ 

(CODE PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-); DEGREES F) 

(999) unknown 
 

Crash Form	 C-3 

CASE ADMINISTRATION
 

The following are NOT to be entered in the database 

16. Team/Investigator departure time, 24 hr clock	 ___ ___:___ ___ 

(0001 - 2400) actual time 

(9999) unknown 

17. Team/Investigator scene arrival time, 24 hr clock	 ___ ___:___ ___ 

(0001 - 2400) actual time 

(9999) unknown 

CODE THE FOLLOWING IN MM/DD/YYYY FORMAT 

18. Date of crash	 ___ ___/ ___ ___/ ___ ___ ___ ___ 

19. Date Scene Inspection Completed	 ___ ___/ ___ ___/ ___ ___ ___ ___ 

20. Motorcycle Inspection Completed	 ___ ___/ ___ ___/ ___ ___ ___ ___ 

21. Motor Vehicle Inspection Completed ___ ___/ ___ ___/ ___ ___ ___ ___ 

22. Assigned Investigator(s) a. _____________________________________________ 

b. _____________________________________________ 
 

 

 

 

 

Motorcycle Mechanical Form MCM-1 

Motorcycle Mechanical Form Case Number _______________________________ 

SPECIFICATIONS 

8. Odometer Reading in Miles ___ ___ ___, ___ ___ ___ 

(000,001 - 999,996)actual miles 

(999,999) unknown 1. Manufacture ____ ____ ____ 

________________________________________________ 

WRITE IN - DO NOT CODE 

2. Model 

________________________________________________ 

WRITE IN - DO NOT CODE 

3. Year ___ ___ ___ ___ 

CODE THE 4-DIGIT YEAR 

9. Registered Owner Category ____ ____ 

(01) motorcycle rider 

(02) motorcycle passenger 

(03) operated with consent of owner 

(04) dealer 

(05) stolen 

(97) not applicable, no registration available 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

4. Motorcycle Legal Category ____ ____ 

(01) L1 vehicle 

(02) L3 vehicle 

(03) mofa 

(98) other (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

5. Motorcycle Type ____ ____ 

(01) conventional street L1 or L3 vehicle 

(tank between knees), without modifications 

(02) conventional street L1 or L3 vehicle (tank between 

knees), with modifications 

(03) dual purpose, on-road off-road motorcycle 

(04) sport, race replica 

(05) cruiser 

(06) chopper, modified chopper 

(07) touring 

(08) scooter 

(09) step-through 

(10) sport-Touring 

(11) motorcycle plus sidecar, left 

(12) motorcycle plus sidecar, right 

(13) off-road motorcycle, motocross, enduro, trials 

(14) tri-cycle 

(15) law enforcement 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

6. Motorcycle Weight ___ ___ ___ ___ 

(0001-9996) In pounds, as specified by 

manufacturer 

(9999) unknown 

10. Predominant Color of Motorcycle ____ ____ 

(00) no dominating color, multi-colored 

(01) white 

(02) yellow 

(03) black 

(04) red 

(05) blue 

(06) green 

(07) silver, grey 

(08) orange 

(09) brown, tan 

(10) purple 

(11) gold 

(12) chrome, metallic 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

11. Did the Motorcycle Have Any ____ ____ 

Retroreflective Parts, Material or Paint? 

(00) no, none 

(01) yes 

(98) other (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

12. Motor Displacement ___ ___ ___ ___ 

CODE NUMBER IN CCS 

(0001-9996) actual number 

(9999) unknown 

13. Number of Cylinders ____ ____ 

CODE NUMBER OF CYLINDERS 

(01-96) actual number 

(99) Unknown 

7. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 

INPUT "9" IN ALL SPACES FOR UNKNOWN 

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ X X X 
 

Motorcycle Mechanical Form MCM-2 

MECHANICAL PROBLEMS 19. Tire Manufacturer front ____ ____ 

(A1) Avon 

(B1) Bridgestone rear ____ ____ 

(C1) Cheng Shin 

(C2) Continental 

(D1) Dico 

(D2) Dunlop 

(F1) Firestone 

(G1) Goodyear 

(H1) Hutchinson 

(I1) IRC 

(I2) ITP 

(K1) Kazan 

(K2) Kenda 

(M1) Metzeler 

(M2) Michelin 

(O1) Ohtsu 

(P1) Pirelli 

(S1) Skat Trak 

(98) other (specify)______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

20. Rim Size Front ___.___ ___ x ___ ___ in 

21. Rim Size Rear ___.___ ___ x ___ ___ in 

9.99x 99 - unknown (Example 2.25 x 17) 

22. Rim Manufacturer front ____ ____ 

(OE) original equipment 

(D1) Daido (DID) rear ____ ____ 

(D2) Douglas 

(E1) Enkai 

(E2) Excel 

(S1) Sun 

(T1) Talon Hubs 

(U1) Union 

(OT) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

23. Tread Type front ____ ____ 

(00) no tread pattern, slick 

(01) straight rib tread pattern rear ____ ____ 

(02) block pattern, trials type 

(03) knobby pattern, motocross type 

(04) all weather, cross or dog-bone pattern 

(05) all weather, diagonal or diamond pattern 

(06) all weather, angle groove 

(07) racing design, minimum groove design 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

24. Measured Tread Depth front ____ ____ . ____ 

Code in inches and tenths 

(00.0 - 99.6) actual number rear ____ ____ . ____ 

(99.9) unknown 

14. Symptom of Problem ____ ____ 

(00) none 

(01) stopped in traffic 

(02) front wheel lockup 

(03) rear wheel lockup 

(04) power loss 

(05) speed control problem 

(06) loss of control 

(07) uncontrolled acceleration or deceleration 

(08) motor stalled 

(09) front axle loose 

(10) rear axle loose 

(11) front axle fixing loose 

(12) rear axle fixing loose 

(13) loss of lighting 

(14) loss of electrical, other than lighting 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

15. Source of Problem ____ ____ 

(01) fuel starvation 

(02) electrical or ignition failure 

(03) mechanical failure of motor components 

(04) lubrication 

(05) cooling system 

(06) stuck or binding throttle 

(07) seized motor 

(08) transmission 

(09) clutch 

(10) lighting system 

(11) fuse, circuit breaker 

(12) missing axle security 

(13) axle bearings 

(14) front fork pinch bolts 

(15) axle adjust screws and set nuts 

(97) not applicable, no mechanical problem 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

TIRES 

16. Tire Size Measurement Units ____ ____ 

(01) inches 

(02) millimeters 

(03) alpha-Numeric 

(99) unknown 

17. Front Tire Measurement 

(999999999) - unknown 

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ 

18. Rear Tire Measurement 

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ 
 

 

 

Motorcycle Mechanical Form MCM-3 

25. Inflation Pressure Code in PSI front ___ ___ ___ 

(000) tire completely flat 

(999) unknown rear ___ ___ ___ 

NOTE: ONLY TAKE PRESSURE IF CONFIDENT THAT THE CRASH DID 

NOT CAUSE LOSS OF PRESSURE, OTHERWISE CODE 999. 

26. Braking Evidence on Tire front ____ ____ 

(00) none 

(01) evidence of moderate braking rear ____ ____ 

(02) evidence of heavy braking without wheel lock up 

(03) evidence of heavy locked wheel braking, one skid 

patch 

(04) evidence of heavy locked wheel braking, multiple skid 

patches 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

BRAKE SYSTEM 

30. Rider Brake Control Type lever/pedal 1 ____ ____ 

(00) none, not present 

(01) hand lever/pedal 2 ____ ____ 

(02) foot 

(99) unknown 

31. Rider Brake Control Side lever/pedal 1 ____ ____ 

(01) left 

(02) right lever/pedal 2 ____ ____ 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

32. Brake Actuation at Lever lever/pedal 1 ____ ____ 

or Pedal 

(01) hydraulic lever/pedal 2 ____ ____ 

(02) mechanical 

SUSPENSION 

27. Suspension Type Front ____ ____ 

(00) none, rigid wheel mount (03) electric 

(01) telescoping tube, conventional lower fork legs (97) not applicable 

(02) telescoping tube, inverted fork legs (98) other (specify)________________________________ 

(03) springer (99) unknown 

(04) girder 

(05) leading link, single or double sided 33. Brake Control System Type lever/pedal 1____ ____ 

(06) articulated multiple link (01) independent front brake 

(07) trailing link, single or double sided (02) independent rear brake lever/pedal 2____ ____ 

(08) telever (BMW, only) (03) combined front and 

(09) lower suspension rear brakes, CBS 

(98) other (specify)______________________________ (97) not applicable 

(99) unknown (99) unknown 

28. Suspension Type Rear ____ ____ 34. Connection to Front Brake lever/pedal 1 ____ ____ 

(00) none, rigid wheel mount Includes 

(01) conventional fork swing arm, double exterior tubular (01) no proportioning valve lever/pedal 2 ____ ____ 

shocks (02) fixed proportioning valve 

(02) conventional fork swing arm, mono-shock (03) variable proportioning valve 

(03) conventional fork swing arm, linkage articulated (97) not applicable 

mono-shock (99) unknown 

(04) one-sided swing arm, single exterior tubular shock 

(05) one-sided swing arm, mono-shock 

(06) one-sided swing arm, linkage articulated mono-shock 

(07) lower suspension 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

35. Connection to Rear Brake lever/pedal 1 ____ ____ 

Includes 

(01) no proportioning valve lever/pedal 2____ ____ 

(02) fixed proportioning valve 

(03) variable proportioning valve 

(97) not applicable 

29. Suspension Condition front ____ (99) unknown 

(00) no unusual condition; acceptable 

condition rear ____ 

(01) excessive wear in joints, sliders, 

pivot bolts; excessive mobility 

(02) seals or dampers leaking; deteriorated damping 

(03) loose or missing fasteners, inadequate clamping; 

36. ABS front ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes rear ____ ____ 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

excessive flexibility 

(04) suspension elements damaged prior to accident 

events 

(05) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 
 

Motorcycle Mechanical Form MCM-4 

37. ABS Type front ____ ____ 

(01) electro hydraulic 

(02) hydro mechanical rear ____ ____ 

(03) all hydraulic, fluidic 

(04) all mechanical 

(05) pneumatic hydraulic 

(06) electro mechanical 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

38. Brake Mechanism front ____ ____ 

(00) none, not present 

(01) caliper/shoe to wheel rim rear ____ ____ 

(02) drum, single leading shoe 

(03) drum, double leading shoe 

(04) single disc, single piston 

(05) single disc, multi piston 

(06) double disc, single piston 

(07) double disc, multi piston 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

39. Brake Mechanism Actuation front ____ ____ 

(01) hydraulic 

(02) mechanical rear ____ ____ 

(03) electric 

(04) electric regenerative 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

40. Were Brakes Operational front ____ ____ 

Before Crash? 

(00) no rear ____ ____ 

(01) yes 

(99) unknown 

41. Do the Brakes Appear to front ____ ____ 

be Defective? 

(00) No rear ____ ____ 

(01) Yes 

(99) Unknown 

42. Brakes Condition/Wear front ____ ____ 

(01) no significant wear 

(02) minimum wear to friction surfaces rear ____ ____ 

(03) moderate wear to friction surfaces 

(04) severe wear to friction surfaces, replacement and 

repair overdue 

(05) severe deterioration due to wear of friction surfaces 

(06) severe deterioration of operating system 

(07) brake components damaged prior to accident events 

(98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

43. Brake Adjustment front ____ ____ 

(00) no maladjustment 

(01) improper adjustment, rear ____ ____ 

significant control action 

required for braking action 

(02) severe adjustment problem 

(03) inoperable due to sabotage 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

FRAME 

44. Frame Type/Configuration ____ ____ 

(01) step-through, formed sheet metal 

(02) step-through, tubular frame 

(03) conventional tube cradle type with single down tube 

(04) conventional tube cradle type with double down tubes 

(05) backbone type, motor-transmission mounted 

independently 

(06) backbone type, motor-transmission integral with 

frame 

(07) perimeter frame, tube type 

(08) perimeter frame, extrusion element type 

(09) monocoque, shell only structure 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

45. Frame Material ____ ____ 

(01) steel 

(02) aluminum alloy 

(03) carbon fiber composite 

(04) other composite 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

46. Reduction in Wheelbase ___ ____ . ____ 

CODE IN INCHES AND TENTHS 

(00.0 - 99.6) actual number 

(99.9) unknown 

47. Did Front Wheel Displace Against ____ ____ 

Either the Motor or the Frame? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

48. Steering Stem Adjustment ____ ____ 

(01) secure, properly tightened 

(02) overly tightened, control interference 

(03) loose, contributes to control difficulty 

(04) very loose, control interference 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 
Motorcycle Mechanical Form MCM-5 

49. Steering Damper Installed ____ ____ 

(00) none installed or not applicable 

(01) center steering pivot adjustable friction discs 

(02) tubular friction damper 

(03) hydraulic tubular damper, one side 

(04) hydraulic tubular damper, both sides 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

50. Is Rear Swing Arm Loose? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

51. Rear Swing Arm Pivot Bearing ____ ____ 

Condition 

(01) pivot bolt loose; bearings in good condition 

(02) bearings loose or worn; deteriorated distinct swing 

arm mobility 

(03) severely loose or worn, badly deteriorated; severe 

mobility of swing arm 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

55. Side Stand Type ____ ____ 

(00) none 

(01) original equipment, right side, metal end or pad 

(02) original equipment, right side, rubber catch pad 

(03) original equipment, left side, metal end or pad 

(04) original equipment, left side, rubber catch pad 

(05) accessory, installed right side 

(06) accessory, installed left side 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

56. Center Stand Type ____ ____ 

(00) none 

(01) original equipment, installed 

(02) original equipment, removed 

(03) ride-off stand installed 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

57. Headlamp Assembly Type ____ ____ 

(00) none 

(01) single headlamp 

(02) double headlamp 

(03) single with auxiliary lights 

(04) double with auxiliary lights 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

58. Was Headlamp Illuminated at ____ ____ 

MISCELLANEOUS COMPONENTS 

52. Is the Motorcycle Equipped ____ ____ 

with Pedals? the Time of Crash? 

(00) no (00) no (01) yes (01) yes, rider controlled (99) unknown (02) yes, "Always On" technology 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 53. Rider Foot Pegs, Footrest Type ____ ____ (99) unknown 

(00) none 

(01) rigid metal pegs, no covers 59. Was Motorcycle Equipped With ____ ____ (02) rigid metal pegs, rubber covers an Airbag? (03) metal folding pegs, no covers (00) no (04) metal folding pegs, rubber covers (01) yes, but airbag did not deploy (05) rigid metal footrests, pegs, or footboards (02) yes, airbag did deploy (06) folding metal footrests, pegs, or footboards (99) unknown 

(07) accessory highway pegs, only 

(08) scooter footboards 60. Is Motorcycle Equipped With ____ ____ 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ or Pulling Any of the Following? 

(99) unknown (00) no, not applicable 

(01) side car 54. Passenger Foot Pegs, Footrest Type ____ ____ (02) trailer (00) none (03) training wheels (01) rigid metal pegs, no covers (04) outrigger (02) rigid metal pegs, rubber covers (98) other (specify) ______________________________ (03) metal folding pegs, no covers (99) unknown 

(04) metal folding pegs, rubber covers 

(05) rigid metal footrests, pegs, or footboards 

(06) folding metal footrests, pegs, or footboards 

(07) accessory highway pegs, only 

(08) scooter footboards 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 
 

Motorcycle Mechanical Form MCM-6 

61. Handlebar Type ____ ____ 

(01) original equipment 

(02) clip-on 

(03) clubman or racer 

(04) high sweep or tiller type touring 

(05) high rise 

(06) motocross, off-road 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

62. Handlebar Mounting ____ ____ 

(01) original equipment, solid 

(02) original equipment, rubber bushing 

(03) setbacks 

(04) dog bones 

(05) risers 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

63. Handlebar Construction ____ ____ 

(01) steel tube 

(02) aluminum alloy tube 

(03) titanium alloy tube 

(04) cast steel 

(05) forged steel 

(06) cast aluminum alloy 

(07) forged aluminum alloy 

(08) composite 

(09) cast steel with steel tube 

(98) other (specify)______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

64. Handlebar Measurements Width ____ ____.____ 

CODE IN INCHES AND TENTHS 

(00.1-99.6) actual number Rise ____ ____.____ 

(99.9) - Unknown 

Sweep ____ ____.____ 

65. Seat Type ____ ____ 

(01) conventional straddle seat, one level 

(02) straddle type, two level, raised passenger 

(03) bucket, single seat 

(04) bucket, double seat, one level 

(05) bucket, double seat, raised passenger 

(06) single racer seat, tail fairing behind 

(07) single straddle seat, pillion pad behind 

66. Seat Fastening ____ ____ 

(00) no seat/not attached 

(01) one side hinged, other side latched 

(02) tank tongue, both sides tab and screw attachment 

(03) tank tongue with double claw latch 

(04) forward hinge, button rest on frame, no latch 

(05) forward hinge, button rest with latch 

(06) multiple tab and screw attachment 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

FUEL TANK 

67. Fuel Tank Type ____ ____ 

(01) saddle 

(02) under seat 

(03) submerged in-frame 

(98) other (specify)______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

68. Fuel Tank Material ____ ____ 

(01) steel 

(02) aluminum alloy 

(03) fiberglass composite 

(04) other composite 

(05) injection molded plastic 

(06) injection molded plastic covered by metal 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

69. Fuel Tank Cap Type ____ ____ 

(00) none, cap missing, fuel filler open 

or stuffed with cloth, rag, rubber ball, etc. 

(01) external screw type, no cover 

(02) external screw type, covered 

(03) internal screw type, no ratchet, no cover 

(04) internal screw type, ratchet, no cover 

(05) internal screw type, ratchet, covered, or recessed 

(06) exposed bayonet type, no cover, no guard 

(07) covered, guarded, or recessed bayonet type 

(08) smooth with tank top surface, covered 

(09) smooth with tank top surface, no cover 

(10) monza, flip-up 

(11) press fit cap 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

(08) single pad, semi-bench type 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

70. Cap Retention ____ ____ 

(01) retained securely, no venting or 

fuel loss from cap 

(02) not retained, ejected completely from tank body 

(03) opened but remained attached to tank 

(04) displaced sufficiently to allow fuel loss 

(97) not applicable, cap missing, fuel filler open or stuffed 

with cloth, rag, rubber ball, etc. 

(98) other (specify)______________________________ 

(99) unknown 
 

 

Motorcycle Mechanical Form MCM-7 

71. Tank Retention ____ ____ 77. Source of Fuel Spills or Leaks ____ ____ 

(01) tank completely retained in motorcycle CODE UP TO FIVE; 00 IN OTHERS 

(02) partially separated, displaced from mounting (00) no leaks or spills ____ ____ 

(03) completely separated from mounting position (01) primary fuel tank 

(99) Unknown (02) auxiliary fuel tank ____ ____ 

(03) fuel lines and fittings 

72. Tank Deformation ____ ____ (04) fuel filter ____ ____ 

(00) none - SKIP TO # 74 (05) exhaust 

(01) mild denting (06) carburetor ____ ____ 

(02) moderate denting (07) fuel injection system 

(03) severe damage (08) fuel cap 

(99) unknown (09) fuel tank vent 

(97) not applicable 

73. Deformation Source ____ ____ (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(00) no deformation (99) unknown 

(01) contact from motorcyclist's body 

(02) collision contact from other motorcycle components 78. Did a Fire Occur? ____ ____ 

(03) collision contact with other vehicle (00) no - SKIP TO #83 

(04) collision contact with roadway surface (01) yes 

(05) collision contact with other objects in environment (97) not applicable 

(97) not applicable (99) unknown 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 79. When Did the Fire Occur? ____ ____ 

(01) pre-crash 

74. Was There a Fuel Tank Failure? ____ ____ (02) during crash 

(00) no - SKIP TO # 76 (03) post-crash 

(01) yes (97) not applicable, no fire 

(99) unknown (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

75. Tank Damage/Failure Type ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO FOUR 80. The Fire Occurred How Long ____ ____ 

(01) denting or crushing from blunt ____ ____ After the Crash? 

impact IN MINUTES 

(02) laceration or puncture from edge ____ ____ (01-96) actual time 

or sharp object (97) not applicable, no fire 

(03) metal tank welds separated ____ ____ (98) other (specify)____________________________ 

(04) metal tank weld defect (99) unknown 

(05) metal tank corrosion weakness 

(06) plastic tank material embrittlement 81. Fuel Source for Fire ____ ____ 

(07) plastic tank mold defect (01) other vehicle or environment 

(97) not applicable (02) primary fuel tank 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (03) auxiliary fuel tank 

(99) unknown (04) fuel lines and fittings 

(05) fuel filter 

76. Was There a Fuel Spill or Leak? ____ ____ (06) exhaust 

(00) no - SKIP TO #78 (07) carburetor 

(01) minor leaks, little or no fire hazard (08) fuel injection system 

(02) moderate leak or spill, some fire hazard (09) fuel cap 

(03) large quantity of fuel lost with severe fire hazard (10) fuel tank vent 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (97) not applicable, no fire 

(99) unknown (98) other on motorcycle (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 
Motorcycle Mechanical Form MCM-8 

82. Ignition Source for Fire ____ ____ 

(00) no source, no fire 

(01) other vehicle or environment 

(02) sliding motorcycle caused friction sparks 

(03) ignition system, high tension sparks 

(04) violation of electrical system other than lights/lamps 

(05) lights/lamps 

(06) exhaust system 

(07) smoking materials 

(08) cargo, parcels 

(09) traffic hazard flares 

(97) not applicable, no fire 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

THROTTLE CONTROL 

87. Does Throttle Control Work? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(99) unknown 

88. Drum Condition ____ ____ 

(00) no drum damage 

(01) grip interference; binds in rotation 

(02) base adjustment improper; binds in rotation 

(03) drum damaged prior to accident events; binds in 

rotation 

(04) cable draw interference; binds in rotation 

(05) needs lubrication; binds in rotation 

(06) has foreign matter in throttle base; binds in rotation 

(07) improper tightening of throttle base; rotation causes 

base rotation 

(97) not applicable, thumb throttle or squeeze throttle type 

(98) other (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

89. Condition of Cables ____ ____ 

(00) cables not damaged 

(01) bind due to bent sheath 

(02) bind due to corrosion, lack of lubrication 

(03) bind due to frayed wires 

(04) end collets loose 

(05) incorrect size causes malfunction 

(06) improper routing; steering causes throttle action 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

DRIVELINE 

83. Drive Line Type ____ ____ 

(01) sprockets, exposed chain 

(02) sprockets, enclosed chain 

(03) belt 

(04) shaft 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

84. Drive Chain, Belt, or Shaft Condition ____ ____ 

(00) no unusual condition, acceptable 

adjustment 

(01) excessively loose adjustment, excessive wear 

(02) drive chain or belt adjustment too tight 

(03) chain or belt broken 

(04) chain or belt derailed 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

85. When Did This Drive Line Damage ____ ____ 

Occur? 

(00) no drive line damage 

(01) pre-crash 

(02) during crash 

(03) post-crash 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

86. Drive Sprocket Condition ____ ____ 

(00) no unusual condition, acceptable 

condition 

(01) front sprocket teeth worn but serviceable 

(02) front sprocket teeth badly worn, hinders power 

application 

(03 ) rear sprocket teeth worn but serviceable 

(04) rear sprocket teeth badly worn, hinders power 

application 

(05) severe sprocket wear, related to chain or belt derailing, drive line failure 

(97) not applicable, no sprockets 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

90. Condition of Throttle Plate/Slides ____ ____ 

(00) throttle plate/slides not damaged 

(01) carburetor damage prior to accident events causes 

binding, throttle sticking 

(02) throttle plate damage prior to accident causes throttle 

sticking 

(03) foreign object in induction system causes throttle 

malfunction 

(04) missing air cleaner allows induction system contamination, sticking throttle 

(05) improper reassembly of carburetor after maintenance 

allows sticking slide or throttle plate 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 
Motorcycle Mechanical Form MCM-9 

91. Return springs condition ____ ____ 

(00) return springs not damaged 

(01) external return springs missing, sticking throttle 

(02) carburetor internal slide springs missing or damaged 

(03) external throttle plate springs altered, weaker springs; 

sticking throttle 

(04) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

92. Condition ____ ____ 

(00) no problems, good condition 

(01) worn or damaged 

(02) worn or damaged; excessive noise 

(03) performance equipment; noise level approximately 

same as original equipment 

(04) high performance equipment; excessive noise 

(98) other (specify) 

____________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

EXHAUST SYSTEM 

Codes for each blank cell (unless otherwise noted) 

(00) No 

(01) Yes 

(97) Not applicable 

MOTORCYCLE SUMMARY TABLE 

Front crash bars 

Rear crash bars 

Engine guard 

Windscreen 

Fairing, handlebar or steering 

mounted 

Fairing, frame mounted 

Headlamps 

Headlamp nacelle 

Auxiliary headlamp 

Front position lamp 

Front reflector, yellow 

Front reflector, white 

Front reflector, red 

Front reflector, silver 

Front turn signals 

Speedometer 

Tachometer 

Handlebars 

Equipped 

Original 

Equipment Aftermarket Operational Modified 

Damaged 

in Crash 

Throttle 
Motorcycle Mechanical Form MCM-10 

Codes unless otherwise noted 

(00) No 

(01) Yes 

(97) Not applicable Equipped 

Original 

Equipment Aftermarket Operational Modified 

Damaged 

in Crash 

Clutch lever 

Brake lever 

Right side rear view mirrors, posts 

Left side rear view mirrors, posts 

Front suspension 

Front tire/wheel 

Front fender 

Front brakes 

Seat 

Sissy bar/passenger back rest 

Side reflectors, yellow 

Side reflectors, red 

Side reflectors, silver 

Frame 

Grab rails/ hand holds 

Fuel tank 

Auxiliary fuel tank 

Motor crankcase, cylinders 

Radiator 

Water hose 

Motor power enhancement 

Transmission case 

Oil tank 

Battery, battery box 

Rear brake pedal 

Shift lever 

Foot pegs, footrests 
Motorcycle Mechanical Form MCM-11 

Codes unless otherwise noted 

(00) No 

(01) Yes 

(97) Not applicable Equipped 

Original 

Equipment Aftermarket Operational Modified 

Damaged 

in Crash 

Highway pegs/footrests 

Side stand 

Side stand interlock 

Center stand 

Muffler/exhaust system 

Tank bag 

Luggage/cargo rack 

Parcel rack 

Saddle bags 

Rear position lamps 

Stop lamp 

Rear reflectors, yellow 

Rear reflectors, red 

Rear reflectors, silver 

Rear turn signals 

Rear suspension 

Rear tire/wheel 

Rear fender 

Rear brakes 

Tools, tool box 

Side covers 

Trailer 

Side Car 
 

 

 

Motorcycle Dynamics Form MCDyn-1 

Motorcycle Dynamics Form Case Number ________________________ 

PRECRASH 2. Travel Speed ____ ____ ____ 

IN MPH, WHOLE NUMBERS, ONLY 

(000) stopped in traffic, speed is zero 

(999) unknown 

3. Travel Speed Confidence Interval + ____ ____ 

IN MPH, WHOLE NUMBERS, ONLY 

(99) unknown 

4. Line-of-Sight to Other Vehicle ____ ____ 

CLOCK FACE DIRECTION, RELATIVE TO MOTORCYCLE 

CENTER LINE 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

5. Pre-crash Motion after Precipitating Event ____ ____ 

USE SAME CODES AS IN #1 ABOVE 

6. Collision Avoidance Action ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO FOUR 

(00) none ____ ____ 

(01) braking 

(02) swerving ____ ____ 

(03) accelerating 

(04) counter-steering ____ ____ 

(05) cornering 

(98) other (specify)

1.Pre-crash Motion Prior to ____ ____ 

Precipitating Event 

(00) stopped in traffic, speed is zero 

(01) moving in a straight line, constant speed 

(02) moving in a straight line, throttle off 

(03) moving in a straight line, braking 

(04) moving in a straight line, accelerating 

(05) turning right, constant speed 

(06) turning right, throttle off 

(07) turning right, braking 

(08) turning right, accelerating 

(09) turning left, constant speed 

(10) turning left, throttle off 

(11) turning left, braking 

(12) turning left, accelerating 

(13) stopped at roadside, or parked 

(14) backing up, in a straight line 

(15) backing up, steering left 

(16) backing up, steering right 

(17) making U-turn right 

(18) making U-turn left 

(19) making Y-turn right 

(20) making Y-turn left 

(21) changing lanes to left 

(22) changing lanes to right 

(23) merging to left 

(24) merging to right 

(25) entering traffic from right shoulder, median, or parked 

(26) entering traffic from left shoulder, median, or parked 

(27) leaving traffic, turn out to right 

(28) leaving traffic, turn out to left 

(29) passing maneuver, passing on right 

(30) passing maneuver, passing on left 

(31) crossing opposing lanes of traffic 

(32) traveling wrong way, against opposing traffic 

(33) stripe-riding, filtering forward between lanes, 

longitudinal motion, only 

(34) filtering between lanes, lateral motion, only 

(35) filtering forward between lanes, both longitudinal 

and lateral motion 

(36) collision avoidance maneuver to avoid a different 

collision 

__________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

7. Braking Skid Marks on Roadway ____ ____ 

(00) none 

(01) skid marks from rear tire, only 

(02) skid marks from front tire, only 

(03) skid marks from both front and rear tires, front and 

rear equivalent and overlaying 

(04) long skid mark from rear tire, short terminal skid mark 

from front tire 

(05) light skid marks from both front and rear, no wheel 

lockup evidence. 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

(37) negotiating a curve, constant speed 

(38) negotiating a curve, throttle off 

(39) negotiating a curve, braking 

(40) negotiating a curve, accelerating 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other(specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

8. Length of Skid Marks on Roadway 

Front tire ____ ____ ____ feet ____ ____ inches 

Rear tire ____ ____ ____ feet ____ ____ inches 

(000 00) none 

(001-996) actual number 

(997 97) not applicable 

(999 99) unknown 
Motorcycle Dynamics Form MCDyn-2 

9. Braking Skid Mark Evidence on Roadway ____ ____ 

(00) none 

(01) dry roadway braking skid marks confirmed from crash 

motorcycle 

(02) wet roadway braking skid marks confirmed from crash 

motorcycle 

(03) deep water on roadway, aquaplaning most likely, no 

braking skid marks remaining 

(04) wet reverted rubber skidding in evidence, white steamcleaned skid paths shown on roadway confirmed from 

crash motorcycle 

(05) braking skid marks evidence most likely present but 

degraded by traffic after crash, no confirmation at 

scene examination 

(06) snow/ice on roadway, braking skid marks confirmed 

from crash motorcycle 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

10. Braking Tire Striation Evidence ____ ____ 

(00) none, front or rear tire 

(01) rear tire, only 

(02) front tire, only 

(03) both front and rear tires 

(04) prolonged skid patch on rear tire, only 

(05) prolonged skid patch on rear tire, plus braking striations on front tire 

(06) prolonged skid patch on rear tire, plus slide-out 

striations on front tire 

(07) prolonged skid patch on rear tire, plus slide-out 

striations on both front and rear tires 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

11. Swerve ____ ____ 

(00) no swerve 

(01) swerve to right, correct decision 

(02) swerve to right, incorrect decision 

(03) swerve to left, correct decision 

(04) swerve to left, incorrect decision 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

12. Acceleration Evidence on Rear Tire ____ ____ 

(00) none 

(01) moderate slip striations and tread block edge erosion 

(02) severe slip striations and tread block edge erosion 

(03) extreme slip striations, tread block edge erosion and 

tread rubber reversion 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

13. Counter-steering ____ ____ 

(00) no counter steering 

(01) counter-steering proper, produced desired swerve 

(02) counter-steering improper, produced undesired 

direction change 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

14. Cornering Skid Mark Evidence ____ ____ 

on Roadway 

(00) none 

(01) dry roadway cornering skid marks confirmed from 

crash motorcycle 

(02) wet roadway cornering skid marks confirmed from 

crash motorcycle 

(03) deep water on roadway, aquaplaning most likely, no 

cornering skid marks remaining 

(04) wet reverted rubber skidding in evidence, white 

steam-cleaned cornering skid paths shown on 

roadway confirmed from crash motorcycle 

(05) cornering skid marks evidence most likely present 

but degraded by traffic after crash, no confirmation 

at scene examination 

(06) snow/ice on roadway, cornering skid marks 

confirmed from crash motorcycle 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

15. Cornering Tire Striation Evidence ____ ____ 

(00) none 

(01) right cornering tire striations, rear tire 

(02) right cornering tire striations, front tire 

(03) right cornering striations, both front and rear tires 

(04) left cornering tire striations, rear tire 

(05) left cornering tire striations, front tire 

(06) left cornering tire striations, both front and rear tires 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Motorcycle Dynamics Form MCDyn-3 

CRASH MOTION AT IMPACT 

(LF) left front 

(CF) center front 

(RF) right front 

(LC) left center 

(RC) right center 

16. Motorcycle First Collision Contact Code ____ ____ 

(TC) top center 

(TR) top rear 

(UF) undercarriage front 

(UC) undercarriage center 

(LR) left rear 

(CR) center rear 

(RR) right rear 

(TF) top front 

(UR) undercarriage rear 

(NC) no direct contact to motorcycle 

(98) other (specify) 

_________________________ 

(99) unknown 

COLLISION WITH OTHER VEHICLE 

(01) other vehicle # 1 

(02) other vehicle # 2 

(03) other vehicle # 3 

COLLISION WITH FIXED OBJECT 

(04) tree (<=10 cm in diameter) 

(05) tree (>10 cm in diameter) 

(06) shrubbery or bush 

(07) embankment 

(08) concrete traffic barrier 

(09) other traffic barrier (includes guardrail)(specify) 

(10) impact attenuator 

(11) bridge 

(12) curb 

(13) fire hydrant 

(14) ground 

(15) ditch or culvert 

(16) building 

(17) wall 

(18) fence 

(19) nonbreakaway pole or post (<=10cm in diameter) 

(20) nonbreakaway pole or post (>10 cm but <=30 cm in 

diameter) 

(21) nonbreakaway pole or post (>30 cm in diameter) 

(22) nonbreakaway pole or post (diameter unknown) 

(23) breakaway pole or post (any diameter) 

(28) other fixed object (specify) 

_________________________________________ 

(29) unknown fixed object 

COLLISION WITH NONFIXED OBJECT 

(30) pedestrian 

(31) train 

(32) object fell from vehicle in-transport 

(33) trailer, disconnected in transport 

(34) animal 

(35) cyclist or cycle 

(36) vehicle occupant 

(37) other nonmotorist or conveyance (specify) 

________________________________________ 

(38) other nonfixed object (specify) 

________________________________________ 

(39) unknown nonfixed object 

NONCOLLISION 

(40) overturn-> rollover (excludes end-over-end) 

(41) rollover->end-over-end 

(42) fire or explosion 

(43) jackknife 

(44) other intra-unit damage specify) 

________________________________________ 

(45) noncollision injury 

(48) other noncollision (specify) 

________________________________________ 

(49) noncollision-details unknown 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other event (specify) 

________________________________________ 

(99) unknown event or object 

17. Object(s) Contacted, code up to 3 FIRST ____ ____ SECOND ____ ____ THIRD ____ ____

18. Motorcycle Impact Speed in MPH ___ ___ ___ 

(000) stopped in traffic, speed is zero 

(999) unknown 

19. Roll Attitude Angle in Degrees + ___ ___ ___ 

INDICATE "+" RIGHT SIDE DOWN, OR "-" LEFT SIDE DOWN 

(997) not applicable 

(999) unknown 

20. Sideslip Angle in Degrees + ___ ___ ___ 

INDICATE "+" CLOCKWISE OR "-" 

COUNTERCLOCKWISE RELATIVE TO THE MOTORCYCLE CENTER LINE 

(997) not applicable 

(999) unknown 

21. Relative Heading Angle + ___ ___ ___ 

ANGLE OF OTHER VEHICLE X AXIS RELATIVE 

TO MOTORCYCLE X AXIS, REGARDLESS OF RELATIVE POSITIONS OF 

OTHER VEHICLE AND MOTORCYCLE 

(997) not applicable 

(999) unknown 

22. PDOF 

PRINCIPAL DIRECTION OF FORCE IN DEGREES ___ ___ ___ 

(999) unknown 

23. Calculated Time from Precipitating 

Event to Impact ___ ___ .___ ____ 

IN SECONDS 

(99.99) unknown 
 

 

Motorcycle Dynamics Form	 MCDyn-4 

POST CRASH 26. Post-crash Scrape Marks on ____ ____ 

24. Motorcycle Motion Code	 ____ ____ 

(00)	 none, stopped at POI; point of rest 

POR and POI coincide 

(01)	 stopped within 6 feet of POI 

(02)	 rolled on wheels from POI to POR 

(03)	 rolled on wheels from POI, then impacted other object 

at POR 

(04)	 vehicle rollover from POI to POR 

(05)	 skidded, slid from POI to POR 

(06)	 skidded, slid from POI, then impacted other object at 

POR 

(07)	 vaulted above ride height from POI, then rolled to 

POR 

(08)	 vaulted above ride height from POI, then slid to POR 

(09)	 vaulted above ride height from POI, then impacted 

other object at POR 

(10)	 run over at POI 

(11)	 run over, dragged from POI to POR 

(12)	 caught by or landed on other vehicle; carried to POR, 

different from other vehicle POR 

(13)	 engaged, entangled, or entrapped with other vehicle 

(other than run over); POR same as other vehicle 

POR 

(14)	 vehicles did not separate; PORs are essentially same 

for motorcycle and other vehicle 

(15)	 spun or yawed, sliding from POI to POR 

(16)	 hit and run, rider departed scene of crash, with 

motorcycle, immediately after collision 

(17)	 rider/passenger departed scene immediately after 

collision but motorcycle still at scene 

(98)	 other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99)	 unknown 

25. Distance from POI to Motorcycle POR 

CODE DISTANCE IN FEET AND INCHES 

Distance along the POI path 

+ ___ ____ ____ feet ____ ___ in.

 Offset 

+ ____ ____ ____ feet ___ ___ in. 

(996 96) 996 feet or more 

(999 99) unknown

Motorcycle 

(00)	 none 

(01)	 motorcycle down on right side, sliding high side first 

(02) motorcycle down on right side, sliding low side first 

(03) motorcycle down on right side, sliding front end first 

(04) motorcycle down on right side, sliding rear end first 

(05) motorcycle down on left side, sliding high side first 

(06)	 motorcycle down on left side, sliding low side first 

(07)	 motorcycle down on left side, sliding front end first 

(08)	 motorcycle down on left side, sliding rear end first 

(09)	 motorcycle tumbling, side over side 

(10)	 motorcycle tumbling, end over end 

(11)	 scrape marks with unknown motorcycle dynamics 

(98)	 other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99)	 unknown 

27. Rider Motion Code	 ____ ____ 

(00) none, stopped at POI; POR and 

POI coincide 

(01) stopped within 6 feet of POI 

(02) tumbled and rolled from POI to POR 

(03) tumbled and rolled from POI, then impacted other 

object at POR 

(04) skidded, slid from POI to POR 

(05) skidded, slid from POI, then impacted other object at 

POR 

(06) vaulted above ride height from POI, then rolled to 

POR 

(07) vaulted above ride height from POI, then slid to POR 

(08) vaulted above ride height from POI, then impacted 

other object at POR 

(09) run over at POI 

(10) run over, dragged from POI to POR 

(11) caught by or landed on other vehicle; carried to POR, 

different from other vehicle POR 

(12) engaged, entangled, or entrapped with other vehicle 

(other than run over); POR same as other vehicle 

POR 

(13) did not separate from motorcycle, rode from POI to 

POR; POR same as motorcycle POR 

(14) hit and run, departed scene of crash immediately 

after collision 

(15) rider departed scene immediately after collision, but 

motorcycle still at scene 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

28. Distance from POI to Rider POR 

CODE IN FEET AND INCHES 

___ ___ ___ feet ___ ___ inches 

(996 96) 996 feet or more 

(999 99) unknown 
 

___________________________________________ 

Motorcycle Dynamics Form	 MCDyn-5 

CONTRIBUTING MOTORCYCLE FACTORS 

29. Passenger Motion Code	 ____ ____ 

(00)	 none, stopped at POI; POR and 32. Tire Size	 front ____ ____ POI coincide (01)	 original equipment (01)	 stopped within 6 feet of POI (02)	 not original equipment, rear ____ ____ (02)	 tumbled and rolled from POI to POR but specified size (03)	 tumbled and rolled from POI, then impacted other (03)	 proper rim size, oversize section object at POR (04)	 proper rim size, undersize section (04)	 skidded, slid from POI to POR (05)	 improper rim size, too large (05)	 skidded, slid from POI, then impacted other object at (06)	 improper rim size, too small POR (98)	 other (specify) _______________________________ (06)	 vaulted above ride height from POI, then rolled to (99)	 unknown POR 

(07)	 vaulted above ride height from POI, then slid to POR 33. Tire Inflation Pressure Post Crash front ____ ____ (08)	 vaulted above ride height from POI, then impacted (01)	 tire deflated during crash events other object at POR (02)	 tire inflation within 15% of rear ____ ____ (09)	 run over at POI recommended pressure (10)	 run over, dragged from POI to POR (03)	 tire inflation between 16% and 39% of recommended (11)	 caught by or landed on other vehicle; carried to pressure POR, different from other vehicle POR (04)	 tire grossly underinflated, greater than 40% below (12)	 engaged, entangled, or entrapped with other vehicle recommended pressure (other than run over); (05)	 tire grossly overinflated, greater than 40% above POR same as other vehicle POR recommended pressure (13)	 did not separate from motorcycle, rode from POI to (98)	 other (specify) ______________________________ POR; POR same as motorcycle POR (99)	 unknown (14)	 hit and run, departed scene of crash immediately 

after collision 34. Contributing Factor Related to (15)	 rider departed scene immediately after collision, but Tire or Wheel	 front ____ ____ motorcycle still at scene (00)	 no wheel or tire condition related (97)	 not applicable, no passenger to crash causation	 rear ____ ____ (98)	 other (specify) ______________________________ (01)	 tire mechanical failure caused loss (99)	 unknown of control 

(02)	 tire puncture/ flat caused loss of control 30. Distance from POI to Passenger POR (03)	 tire beads unseated and caused loss of control CODE IN FEET AND INCHES (04)	 gross underinflation contributed to loss of tire traction ___ ___ ___ feet ___ ___ inches and caused loss of control (000 00) no passenger (05)	 gross overinflation caused loss of traction and caused (999 99) unknown loss of control 

(06)	 gross error of inflation contributed to stability problem 31. Post-crash Crash Scene	 ____ ____ and caused loss of control Scrape Marks (07)	 wheel mechanical failure caused loss of control, (00)	 none including valve failure (01)	 made by motorcycle (98)	 other (specify) ______________________________ (02)	 made by other vehicle (99)	 unknown (03)	 made by motorcycle and other vehicle 

(98)	 other (specify) 35. Contributing Factor Related to 

Suspension Condition front ____ ____ (99)	 unknown (00)	 suspension condition made no 

contribution to crash causation rear ____ ____ 

(01)	 deteriorated suspension caused 

control distress, limited collision avoidance 

(02)	 deteriorated suspension caused unstable dynamics, 

loss of control 

(97)	 not applicable, rigid suspension 

(98)	 other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99)	 unknown 
Motorcycle Dynamics Form MCDyn-6 

36. Contributing Factor Related to 40. Contributing Factor Related to ____ ____ 

Frame Condition ____ ___ the Exhaust System Condition 

(00) no contribution (00) no contribution 

(01) cracked or broken frame caused loss of control (01) hot exhaust system caused contact burns 

(02) loose motor-transmission mounting bolts or screws (02) exhaust system components involved in contact 

caused loss of control impact injury 

(03) deteriorated steering head bearings/steering stem (03) hot exhaust system components were fire ignition 

caused loss of control source 

(04) deteriorated rear swing arm bearings caused loss of (04) exhaust system noise prevented motorcyclist from 

control hearing critical traffic sounds 

(05) general frame deterioration caused uncontrolled (05) exhaust system noise caused motorcyclist fatigue and 

dynamic response inattention (as claimed by rider) 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ (06) exhaust system noise alerted other vehicle driver of 

(99) unknown motorcycle presence, but could not avoid collision 

(97) not applicable, no exhaust system 

37. Contributing Factor Related to ____ ____ (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

Cornering Clearance (99) unknown 

(00) no contribution 

(01) exhaust system grounded out first 41. Contributing Motorcycle Vehicle Failure ____ ____ 

(02) foot pegs, foot rests grounded out first (00) no contribution 

(03) side stand not retracted, grounded out first (01) tire or wheel failure 

(04) side stand retracted but grounded out first (02) brake failure 

(05) center stand grounded out first (03) steering failure 

(06) accessory or cargo limited ground clearance (04) power transmission failure 

(07) passenger weight or extremities limited ground (05) electrical failure 

clearance (06) suspension failure 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (07) vehicle structural failure, other than suspension, tire, 

(99) unknown or wheel 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

38. Contributing Factor Related to ____ ____ (99) unknown 

the Seat 

(00) no contribution 42. Was a Pre-Crash Fire a Contributing ____ ____ 

(01) seat came loose, distracted rider Factor? 

(02) seat came loose caused rider loss of control (00) no 

(03) seat cover material slippery, caused rider displace­ (01) yes 

ment and loss of control (99) unknown 

(04) seat cover treated with slippery preservative, caused 

rider displacement and loss of control 43. Was The Cargo/Luggage a ____ ____ 

(05) seat cover and cushion severely deteriorated, caused Contributing Factor? 

rider displacement and loss of control (00) no contribution 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (01) cargo/luggage came loose, caused rider loss of 

(99) unknown control 

(02) cargo/luggage interfered with controls, caused loss of 

39. Contributing Factor Related to ____ ____ control 

the Drive Chain, Belt, or Shaft Condition (03) cargo/luggage interfered with controls, prevented 

(00) no contribution successful collision avoidance action 

(01) chain or belt broken or derailed, drive failure crash (04) cargo/luggage entrapped in rear suspension or wheel 

related (05) cargo/luggage entrapped in front suspension or wheel 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (06) cargo/luggage against motor and exhaust system, 

(99) unknown heat damage or fire caused rider distraction 

(07) cargo/luggage container began to spill contents, 

distracted rider 

(97) not applicable, no cargo or luggage 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 
Motorcycle Rider Form MCR-1 

Motorcycle Rider Form 

Case Number _____________________________ 

Source: Rider Surrogate 

RIDER'S DESCRIPTION OF CRASH EVENTS AND RELATED FACTORS 

SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO ASK INTERVIEWEE 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
Motorcycle Rider Form MCR-2 

CRASH DIAGRAM 

Use this diagram to aid in relating interview crash trajectory data to identifiable objects in the environment. 

North 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
Motorcycle Rider Form MCR-3 

PRECRASH DATA 2.Where Were You Looking At ____ ____ 

1.How Were You Operating Your Motorcycle Immediately Prior to the Crash? 

(00) stopped in traffic, speed is zero 

(01) moving in a straight line, constant speed 

(02) moving in a straight line, throttle off 

(03) moving in a straight line, braking 

(04) moving in a straight line, accelerating 

(05) turning right, constant speed 

____ ____ the Start of the Crash Sequence? 

(01) looking straight ahead 

(02) looking right 

(03) looking left 

(04) looking rearward 

(05) looking at own motorcycle 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

(06) 

(07) 

(08) 

(09) 

(10) 

(11) 

(12) 

turning right, throttle off 

turning right, braking 

turning right, accelerating 

turning left, constant speed 

turning left, throttle off 

turning left, braking 

turning left, accelerating 

3. Were Your Motorcycle Brakes ____ ____ 

Functioning Before the Crash? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

(13) 

(14) 

(15) 

(16) 

(17) 

(18) 

(19) 

(20) 

(21) 

stopped at roadside, or parked 

backing up, in a straight line 

backing up, steering left 

backing up, steering right 

making U-turn right 

making U-turn left 

making Y-turn right 

making Y-turn left 

changing lanes to left 

4. Did You Have Your Hands/Fingers ____ ____ 

Positioned on the Front Brake

 Prior to the Crash Event? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable, no front brake or brake lever 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

(22) 

(23) 

(24) 

(25) 

(26) 

(27) 

(28) 

(29) 

(30) 

(31) 

changing lanes to right 

merging to left 

merging to right 

entering traffic from right shoulder, median, or parked 

entering traffic from left shoulder, median, or parked 

leaving traffic, turn out to right 

leaving traffic, turn out to left 

passing maneuver, passing on right 

passing maneuver, passing on left 

crossing opposing lanes of traffic 

5. In Which Lane Were You Traveling ____ ____ 

Just Before the Precipitating Event? 

(01) lane 1 (right curb lane) 

(02) lane two 

(03) lane three 

(04) lane four 

(97) not applicable, not in a travel lane 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

(32) 

(33) 

(34) 

(35) 

(36) 

traveling wrong way, against opposing traffic 

stripe-riding, filtering forward between lanes, 

longitudinal motion, only 

filtering forward between lanes, lateral motion, only 

filtering forward between lanes, both 

longitudinal and lateral motion 

collision avoidance maneuver to avoid a different 

collision 

6. What Was Your Travel Speed Just ____ ____ 

Before the Precipitating Event? 

(00) stopped 

(01-95) actual miles per hour 

(96) 96 mph or more 

(98) other (specify) ____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

(37) 

(38) 

(39) 

(40) 

(97) 

(98) 

(99) 

negotiating a curve, constant speed 

negotiating a curve, throttle off 

negotiating a curve, braking 

negotiating a curve, accelerating 

not applicable 

other (specify) _______________________________ 

unknown 

7. What Were the Lateral Movements 

of Your Motorcycle Immediately 

Before Impact? 

(00) no movement/avoidance maneuver 

(01) lane departure-left side 

(02) lane return-left side 

(03) lane departure-right side 

____ ____ 

(04) lane return-right side 

(05) road departure-left side 

(06) road return-left side 

(07) road departure-right side 

(08) road return-right side 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

Motorcycle Rider Form MCR-4 

8. What Collision Avoidance Actions ____ ____ RECOGNITION OR DECISION 

Were You Taking (If Any)? If not multi-vehicle crash, code not applicable CODE UP TO FOUR ____ ____ to questions 11 through 13 (00) no avoidance actions 11. Where Was The Other Vehicle ____ ____ (01) braking ____ ____ Coming From In Relation To You? (02) downshifting (01) 180 degrees opposed (oncoming) (03) releasing brakes ____ ____ (02) from left front 

(04) steering left (03) from left 

(05) steering right (04) from left rear 

(06) accelerating (05) from right front (07) laid the bike down (06) from right (08) use of horn (07) from right rear (09) flashing headlamp (08) from behind 

(10) drag feet (97) not applicable/no other vehicle (11) jump or bail out (98) other (specify) ______________________________ (98) other (specify) ______________________________ (99) unknown 

(99) unknown 

9. Did You Lose Control Of ____ ____ 12. Was Your Line Of Sight To The ____ ____ The Motorcycle? Other Vehicle Clear? 

(00) no loss of control - SKIP TO # 11 (01) yes, clear (01) capsized or fell over (02) no, view obstructed by road curvature (02) braking slide out-low side (03) no, view obstructed by roadway grade (03) braking slide out-high side (04) no, view obstructed by roadside objects (shrubs, (04) cornering slide out-low side vehicles, buildings) (05) cornering slide out-high side (05) other vehicle in blind spot of mirror (06) ran wide on turn, ran off road (97) not applicable, no other vehicle (07) lost wheelie (98) other (specify) ______________________________ (08) low speed wobble (99) unknown 

(09) high speed wobble 

(10) weave, no pitch 13. Was Your View Of The Other Vehicle ____ ____ (11) pitch weave, low speed Obscured? 

(12) pitch weave, high speed cornering (00) no, not obscured (13) end over, flying W (01) yes, obscured by sun glare (14) continuation, no control actions (02) yes, obscured by headlight glare (15) lost stoppie (03) yes, obscured by other glare (specify) (97) not applicable ___________________________________________ (98) other (specify) ______________________________ (04) yes, obscured by darkness (99) unknown (05) yes, obscured by nighttime and color of vehicle 

(06) obscured by dust, smoke, smog, fog 10. Was There Any Control Loss Due ____ ____ (07) obscured by windscreen or eye wear condition (dirt, To Weather, Roadway Or Mechanical condensation, etc) Problems? (97) not applicable (00) no control loss due to weather, roadway or (98) yes, obscured by other (specify) mechanical problems ___________________________________________ (01) yes, control loss due to weather (99) unknown 

(02) yes, control loss due to mechanical problems 

(03) yes, control loss due to both weather and mechanical 

(04) yes, control loss due to roadway 

(05) yes, control loss due to roadway and weather 

(06) yes, control loss due to roadway and mechanical 

(07) yes, control loss due to all three 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

Motorcycle Rider Form MCR-5 

SITUATION TRIP INFORMATION 

14. What Was Your Position On The ____ ____ 

Motorcycle At The Time of The 

Collision? 

(00) not on motorcycle 

(01) normal seating position 

(02) standing on footrests, foot pegs 

(03) seated, head down 

(04) shoulder check, left 

(05) shoulder check, right 

(06) dismounting, jumping to side 

(07) dismounting, jumping upward 

(08) dragging feet, foot down 

(09) abnormal seating position 

(10) standing on seat 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

15. Were You Distracted By Any Of ____ ____ 

The Following? 

(00) attentive and not distracted 

(01) looked but did not see 

DISTRACTIONS 

(02) by other occupants (specify)____________________ 

(03) by moving object in vehicle (specify) _____________ 

(04) while talking or listening to cellular phone/intercom/ 

shortwave radio (specify location and type of 

device) _____________________________________ 

(05) while dialing cellular phone/intercom/shortwave radio 

(specify location and type of device) 

___________________________________________ 

(06) while adjusting climate controls 

(07) while adjusting radio/cassette/CD (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(08) while using other device/controls integral to vehicle 

(specify) ___________________________________ 

(09) while using/reaching for device/object brought into 

vehicle (specify) _____________________________ 

(10) sleepy or fell asleep 

(11) distracted by outside person/object/event (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(12) eating or drinking 

(13) smoking related 

(14) while listening to or adjusting GPS device 

(96) distracted, details unknown 

(98) other distraction (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

16. Where Did Your Trip Begin Today? ____ ____ 

(01) home 

(02) work, business 

(03) recreation/social 

(04) school 

(05) errand, shopping 

(06) family, friends, relatives 

(07) meals, restaurant, café, etc. 

(08) transport someone 

(09) medical/dental 

(10) bar, pub 

(11) religious activity 

(12) personal business/obligations 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

17. Did You Do Any Safety Or Maintenance ____ ____ 

Checks On Your Motorcycle Before 

Leaving For This Trip? ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO 4 

(00) none ____ ____ 

(01) exterior, visual inspection, only 

(02) checked fluids ____ ____ 

(03) checked lights 

(04) checked brakes 

(05) checked tire pressure 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

18. What Was Your Trip Destination? ____ ____ 

(01) home 

(02) work, business 

(03) recreation/social 

(04) school 

(05) errand, shopping 

(06) family, friends, relatives 

(07) meals, restaurant, café, etc. 

(08) transport someone 

(09) medical/dental 

(10) bar, pub 

(11) religious activity 

(12) personal business/obligations 

(13) no destination, joy riding 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

19. About How Many Miles Would ___ ___ ___ 

The Trip Have Been One Way? 

(001) one mile or less 

(002-995) actual number of miles 

(996) 996 miles or greater 

(997) not applicable 

(999) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

Motorcycle Rider Form MCR-6 

20. How Frequently Do You Travel ____ ____ 

This Road On/In Any Vehicle? 

(01) first time 

(02) daily use, i.e., once per day 

(03) weekly use, i.e., once per week 

(04) monthly use, i.e., once per month 

(05) quarterly, i.e., once per quarter 

(06) annually, i.e., once per year 

(07) less than annually 

(99) unknown 

21. How Long Had You Been Riding Today 

Prior To The Crash? 

USE ZEROS TO FILL IN BLANKS

 ___ ___ Hours ___ ___Minutes 

(00-96) hours (00-59) minutes 

(97-97) not applicable, had not yet begun trip 

(98-98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99-99) unknown 

22. How Many Miles Had You Ridden ___ ___ ___ 

Before The Crash Occurred? 

(001) one mile or less 

(002-095) actual miles 

(096) 96 or more 

(997) not applicable, had not yet begun trip 

(998) other (specify) __________________________ 

(999) unknown 

25. Do You Ever Wear A Helmet? ____ ____ 

(00) no - SKIP TO # 37, IMPAIRMENT 

(01) yes - SKIP TO QUESTION # 35 

(02) occasionally - SKIP TO QUESTION # 35 

(97) not applicable, rider is wearing a helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

26. Was Your Helmet Properly ____ ____ 

Adjusted On Your Head? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable, no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

27. Was Your Helmet Securely Fastened ____ ____ 

To Your Head? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable, no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

28. What Type Of Helmet Is It? ____ ____ 

(00) not a motorcycle helmet 

(01) half/police motor vehicle, motorcycle helmet 

(02) open face motor vehicle, motorcycle helmet 

(03) full face motor vehicle, motorcycle helmet 

(04) novelty helmet 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify)______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

29. What Is The Type Of Helmet Coverage? ____ ____ 

(01) partial coverage 

(02) full coverage 

(03) full facial, integral chin bar but no face shield 

(04) full facial, removable chin bar 

(05) full facial, retractable chin bar 

(06) full facial coverage, integral chin bar and face shield 

(07) wrap around face shield 

(08) bubble type face shield 

(09) visor/face shield combo 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

HELMET DATA 

23. At The Time Of The Crash, Were 

You Wearing A Helmet? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes - SKIP TO # 26 

(02) helmet available, but not used 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

24. What Is Your Reason For Not ____ ____ 

Wearing A Helmet? 

(01) not required by law 

(02) no expectation of accident involvement 

(03) helmets too expensive 

(04) helmets are inconvenient and uncomfortable 

(05) helmets reduce traffic awareness, limit hearing and 

vision 

(06) helmets ineffective in reducing head injury 

(07) helmets cause neck injury 

(08) helmets can not be used, physical or religious 

reasons 

(09) do not own a helmet 

(10) forgot to bring helmet today 

(97) not applicable, rider is wearing a helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Motorcycle Rider Form MCR-7 

30. What Is The Predominant Color ____ ____ 

Of Your Helmet? 

(01) no dominating color, multi-colored 

(02) white 

(03) yellow 

(04) black 

(05) red 

(06) blue 

(07) green 

(08) silver, grey 

(09) orange 

(10) brown, tan 

(11) purple 

(12) gold 

(13) chrome, metallic 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

31. What Is The Color Of The Face Shield? ____ ____ 

(01) clear 

(02) green 

(03) grey, smoke 

(04) amber, yellow 

(05) blue 

(06) reflective (any color) 

(97) not applicable/no face shield 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

32. Do You Own This Helmet? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable, no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

33. How Well Does This Helmet Fit? ____ ____ 

(01) acceptable fit 

(02) too large, too loose 

(03) too small, too tight 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

34. Was The Helmet Retained In Place ____ ____ 

On Your Head During The Crash? 

(00) no helmet 

(01) no, helmet ejected from head during pre-crash time 

period 

(02) no, helmet ejected from head during crash 

(03) no, helmet ejected from head after collision 

(04) yes, helmet retained in place to completion of crash 

events 

(05) yes, helmet moved on head but was retained 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

35. What Percentage Of Time Do You ___ ___ ___ % 

Wear Your Helmet When Riding? 

CODE FROM 001-100 PERCENT 

(000) never wear a helmet 

(997) not applicable/no helmet 

(999) unknown 

36. Under What Conditions Do You ____ ____ 

Usually Wear Your Helmet? 

CODE UP TO FOUR; INPUT "97" ____ ____ 

FOR REMAINING RESPONSES 

(00) never use helmet ____ ____ 

(01) long trips 

(02) highway traffic ____ ____ 

(03) in adverse weather 

(04) never in hot weather 

(05) always 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

IMPAIRMENT 

37. Do You Have Any Of The Following ____ ____ 

Permanent Physical Conditions? 

CODE UP TO THREE; INPUT "00" ____ ____ 

IN REMAINING RESPONSES 

(00) no ____ ____ 

(01) vision reduction or loss 

(02) hearing reduction or loss 

(03) respiratory, cardiovascular condition 

(04) paraplegia 

(05) amputee 

(06) neurological, epilepsy, stroke 

(07) endocrine system, diabetes, digestive system 

(08) infirmity, arthritis, senility 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

38. At The Time Of The Crash, Were You ____ ____ 

Experiencing Any Of The Following? 

CODE UP TO THREE; INPUT "00" ____ ____ 

IN REMAINING RESPONSES 

(00) no ____ ____ 

(01) fatigue 

(02) hunger 

(03) thirst 

(04) elimination urgency 

(05) muscle spasm, cramp, itch 

(06) headache, minor malaise, fever 

(07) siesta syndrome (tired in afternoon) 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

 

 

Motorcycle Rider Form MCR-8 

39. Were You Concerned About Any Of ____ ____ 

The Following Issues On The Day 

Of The Crash? ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO THREE; INPUT "00" 

IN REMAINING RESPONSES ____ ____ 

(00) no problems 

(01) conflict with friends, relatives, divorce, separation 

(02) work related problems 

(03) financial distress 

(04) school problems 

(05) legal, police problems 

(06) reward stress 

(07) traffic conflict, road rage 

(08) death of family, friend 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

40. How Many Hours Of Sleep Did You ____ ____ 

Have in The 24 Hours Prior To 

The Crash? 

(00) no sleep 

(01-24) number of hours slept 

(98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

41. Did You Drink Any Alcohol Or Take ____ ____ 

Any Drugs Or Medications In The 24 

Hours Prior To The Crash? 

(00) no - SKIP TO # 44 

(01) alcohol use, only - SKIP TO # 44 

(02) drug/medication use, only 

(03) combined alcohol and drug/medication use 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

42. What Is The Type Of Drugs Other ____ ____ 

Than Alcohol? 

(00) no drugs other than alcohol 

(01) stimulant 

(02) depressant 

(03) drugs taken, type unknown 

(04) multiple drugs taken 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

43. What Is The Source Of The Drugs ____ ____ 

Other Than Alcohol? 

(00) no drugs other than alcohol 

(01) prescription 

(02) non-prescription, over the counter 

(03) illegal 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

44. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)? ___ ___ ___ 

CODE RESULTS IN MG/100ML 

(000) negative BAC 

(995) BAC tested, results not known 

(996) BAC not tested 

(998) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(999) unknown 

45. Source of BAC Information? ____ ____ 

(00) not tested 

(01) breath testing 

(02) unknown if tested 

(03) tested, results unknown 

(04) tested, results not available 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown source 

RIDING/DRIVING EXPERIENCE 

46. Are You The Owner Of This Motorcycle? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

47. Where Did You Purchase This ____ ____ 

Motorcycle? 

(01) dealership (store front or internet) 

(02) family, friend, or neighbor 

(03) newspaper want ad or internet ad 

(04) motorcycle was a gift 

(97) not applicable, rider does not own this motorcycle 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

48. How Long Have You Owned The Crash-Involved 

Motorcycle?

 USE ZEROS TO FILL IN BLANKS 

___ ___Years ___ ___ Months 

(00-00) less than two weeks 

(00-96) years (00-11) months 

(97-97) not applicable, rider does not own this motorcycle 

(98-98) other (specify) ____________________________ 

(99-99) unknown 

49. How Long Have You Operated A Street 

Motorcycle? 

USE ZEROS TO FILL IN BLANKS 

___ ___Years ___ ___ Months 

(00-00) less than two weeks 

(00-96) years (00-11) months 

(97-97) not applicable 

(98-98) other (specify) ____________________________ 

(99-99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motorcycle Rider Form MCR-9 

50. How Long Have You Operated The 55. Please Tell Me The Reason For Not ____ ____ 

Crash-Involved Motorcycle? Taking Motorcycle Safety Training 

USE ZEROS TO FILL IN BLANKS (01) not offered 

___ ___Years ___ ___ Months (02) enrolled for future date 

(00-00) this is the first time (03) tried unsuccessfully to enroll 

(00-96) years (00-11) months (04) not interested/don't need it 

(97-97) not applicable (05) cost 

(98-98) other (specify) ____________________________ (97) not applicable, took training 

(99-99) unknown (98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

51. What Is The Average Number Of ___ ___ ___ 

Days Per Year You Ride Motorcycles? 56. How Old Were You When You First ____ ____ 

(001-365) actual number of days per year Began To Ride A Street Motorcycle? 

(997) not applicable, first time CODE ACTUAL AGE 

(998) other (specify) __________________________ (00) never rode before, or rarely ever ride 

(999) unknown (01-96) actual age 

(98) other (specify) ____________________________ 

52. About How Many Miles Per Year Do You (99) unknown 

Ride Motorcycles? 

___ ___, ___ ___ ___ 57. Were There Years In Which You Did ____ ____ 

(00000) none Not Ride A Motorcycle? 

(00001-99,995) actual miles (00) no - SKIP TO # 59 

(99996) 99,996 or greater miles (01) yes 

(99998) other (specify) ______________________ (97) not applicable, never before rode 

(99999) unknown (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

53. What Kind Of Motorcycle Training ____ ____ 

Have You Had? 58. How Many Years Was Your Most ____ ____ 

(00) none - SKIP TO # 55 Recent Hiatus? 

(01) state recognized, entry level motorcycle course (00) never stopped riding 

(02) experienced rider course (01-96) actual number of years 

(03) high performance/competitive track course (97) not applicable, never before rode 

(04) self taught (98) other ____________________________________ 

(05) taught by family and/or friends (99) unknown 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 59. When You Ride or Drive, What is the Percentage 

of Time You Ride a Motorcycle Versus Driving 

54. In What Years Have You Taken ___ ___ ___ ___ Another Type of Vehicle? 

Any Formal Motorcycle Training? INDICATE % OF TOTAL RIDING/DRIVING TIME FOR EACH CATEGORY 

BEGIN WITH YOUR MOST RECENT COURSE ___ ___ ___ ___ 

AND WORK BACKWARDS Motorcycle ___ ___ ___ 

CODE UP TO THREE AND SKIP TO # 56 ___ ___ ___ ___ 

(9997) not applicable Other Vehicle Type ___ ___ ___ 

(9999) unknown (000) first time use 100% 

(997) not applicable 

(999) unknown 

60. When You Ride A Motorcycle, What Is The 

Percentage Of Time You Use It For Each Of These 

Categories? 

INDICATE % OF TOTAL RIDING/DRIVING TIME FOR EACH CATEGORY 

Recreation ___ ___ ___ 

Basic transportation ___ ___ ___ 

(000) first time use 100% 

(997) not applicable 

(999) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

 

Motorcycle Rider Form MCR-10 

61. How Long Have You Been Driving Any Kind 

Of Motor Vehicle? 

___ ___Years ___ ___ Months 

(00-00) less than two weeks 

(00-96) years (00-11) months 

(97-97) not applicable 

(98-98) other (specify) ____________________________ 

(99-99) unknown 

62. How Many Miles Per Year Do You 

Drive a Car Or Truck? 

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ 

(00000) none, do not drive car or truck 

(00001-99995) actual miles 

(99996) 99996 or greater miles 

(99998) other (specify) ______________________ 

(99999) unknown 

63. Have You Had Any Car Or Truck ____ ____ 

Driver Training? 

(00) no training 

(01) self taught 

(02) taught by friends or family 

(03) official driver training class 

(04) voluntary drivers education 

(05) compulsory drivers education 

(06) professional training for commercial license 

(07) compulsory motor vehicle training ordered by judge/ 

police/etc. 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

64. How Many Moving Traffic ____ ____ 

Convictions Have You Had In 

The Previous 5 Years? 

CODE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MOVING TRAFFIC 

CONVICTIONS - ANY VEHICLE 

(00) none 

(01-96) actual number 

(99) unknown 

65. How Many Motorcycle Moving Traffic ____ ____ 

Crashes Have You Had In The 

Past 5 Years? 

CODE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PREVIOUS MOTORCYCLE CRASHES 

(00) none 

(01-96) actual number 

(99) unknown 

66. How Many Car Or Truck Traffic ____ ____ 

Crashes Have You Had In The 

Past 5 Years? 

CODE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PREVIOUS CAR OR TRUCK CRASHES 

(00) none 

(01-96) actual number 

(99) unknown 

67. How Much Experience Do You Have ____ ____ 

Riding With Passengers On A 

Motorcycle? 

(00) never carry passengers 

(01) first time carrying passenger(s) 

(02) very little experience 

(03) moderate experience 

(04) extensive experience 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

68. How Much Experience Do You ____ ____ 

Have Riding With Cargo/Luggage? 

(00) no experience with cargo/luggage 

(01) first time 

(02) seldom carries similar cargo/luggage 

(03) frequently carries similar cargo/luggage 

(04) always carries similar cargo/luggage 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

RIDING HABITS 

69. Are You A Motorcycle Club Member? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(99) unknown 

70. Were You Riding With Other ____ ____ 

Motorcyclists At The Time Of The Crash? 

IF THE ANSWER IS NO, SKIP TO QUESTION # 74 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

71. How Many Other Motorcycles Were ____ ____ 

In The Group? 

(00) none, no group 

(01-95) code number of motorcycles 

(96) 96 motorcycles or more 

(98) other (specify) ____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

72. Was The Group Riding In A Specific ____ ____ 

Formation? 

(00) no group 

(01) single file 

(02) staggered 

(03) side-by-side 

(04) no formation - SKIP TO # 74 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

Motorcycle Rider Form MCR-11 

73. If In A Formation, Where Was ____ ____ 

Your Motorcycle Placed In 

The Formation? 

(00) not in formation 

(01) front area 

(02) middle area 

(03) rear area 

(07) not applicable 

(08) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(09) unknown 

79. What Kind Of Shoes Or Boots ____ ____ 

Were You Wearing? 

(00) no shoes or boots, barefoot - SKIP TO # 82 

(01) light sandal 

(02) medium street shoe, loafer 

(03) athletic, training shoe 

(04) heavy shoe or boot 

(05) reinforced work boot or motorcycle boot 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

80. Did This Footwear Go Up Over ____ ____ 

Your Ankle? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable, no footwear worn 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

81. Was The Footwear ____ ____ 

Motorcycle-Oriented? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable, no footwear worn 

(99) unknown 

82. What Kind Of Gloves Were You ____ ____ 

Wearing? 

(00) none - SKIP TO # 84 

(01) light cloth garment, i.e., thin cotton 

(02) medium cloth garment, i.e., denim, nylon 

(03) heavy cloth garment, i.e., imitation leather 

(04) leather garment 

(05) Kevlar 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

83. Are The Gloves Motorcycle-Oriented? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes, full fingered 

(02) yes-shorties 

(97) not applicable, no gloves worn 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

84. Is Any Of This Clothing Retroreflective? ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO 3 RESPONSES 

(00) no retroreflective clothing or gloves ____ ____ 

(01) upper body (shirt/jacket/vest) 

(02) lower body (pants/ shorts) ____ ____ 

(03) gloves 

(04) special arm bands, or similar items 

(97) not applicable, no clothing or gloves 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING/GEAR 

WHEN RIDING 

74. What Kind Of Clothing Was On ____ ____ 

Your Upper Body? 

(00) none - SKIP TO #76 

(01) light cloth garment, i.e., thin cotton 

(02) medium cloth garment, i.e., denim, nylon 

(03) heavy cloth garment, i.e., imitation leather 

(04) leather garment 

(05) Kevlar 

(98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

75. Was This Upper Body Clothing ____ ____ 

Motorcycle-Oriented? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable/no clothing 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

76. What Kind Of Clothing Was On ____ ____ 

Your Lower Body? 

(00) none - SKIP TO # 78 

(01) light cloth garment, i.e., thin cotton 

(02) medium cloth garment, i.e., denim, nylon 

(03) heavy cloth garment, i.e., imitation leather 

(04) leather garment 

(05) Kevlar 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

77. Was This Lower Body Clothing ____ ____ 

Motorcycle-Oriented? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable/no clothing 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

78. Were You Wearing An Inflatable ____ ____ 

Safety Vest? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

Motorcycle Rider Form MCR-12 

85. What Is The Clothing Color Of The Following? BACKGROUND INFORMATION 

Upper Body Clothing ___ ___ 89. How Old Are You? ____ ____ 

(01-96) code actual age in years 

Lower Body Clothing ___ ___ (99) unknown 

Footwear ___ ___ 90. What State/Country Issued Your ____ ____ 

Current Driver's License? 

Gloves ___ ___ (00) no license 

(01) no dominating color, multi-colored (01) Canada 

(02) white (02) California 

(03) yellow (03) other state (list)______________________________ 

(04) black (04) military 

(05) red (97) no license required (49cc scooter) 

(06) blue (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(07) green (99) unknown 

(08) silver 

(09) orange 91. What Kind Of Operator's License Is It? ____ ____ 

(10) brown CODE UP TO 4; INPUT "00" 

(11) purple IN REMAINING RESPONSES ____ ____ 

(12) gold (00) no license held 

(13) grey (01) learner's permit, only ____ ____ 

(97) not applicable/no clothing (02) motorcycle license 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (03) automobile license ____ ____ 

(99) unknown (03) commercial license 

(05) motorcycle driver and competition license 

86. Are You Required To Wear Corrective ____ ____ (06) license to transport people 

Lenses When Riding/Driving? (07) heavy truck license 

(00) no (08) no license required (49 cc scooter) 

(01) yes (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ (99) unknown 

(99) unknown 

92. What Year Was/Were The ___ ___ ___ ___ 

87. What Kind Of Eye Protection Were ____ ____ License(s) Issued? 

You Wearing At The Time Of The Crash? Listed in same order as licenses above ___ ___ ___ ___ 

(00) none - SKIP TO # 89 (9997) not applicable 

(01) non-prescription clear glasses (9999) unknown ___ ___ ___ ___ 

(02) prescription clear glasses 

(03) non-prescription sunglasses ___ ___ ___ ___ 

(04) prescription sunglasses 

(05) goggles, non-prescription 93. How Many Times Have You Acquired ____ ____ 

(06) goggles, prescription A Motorcycle Learner's Permit? 

(07) industrial safety glasses (00) never 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (01-96) actual number of times 

(99) unknown (97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ____________________________ 

88. What Color Was The Eye ____ ____ (99) unknown 

Coverage Lens? 

(01) clear 94. How Long Have You Held A Motorcycle License?

(02) green USE ZEROS TO FILL IN BLANKS 

(03) grey, smoke 

(04) amber, yellow ___ ___Years ___ ___ Months 

(05) blue (00-00) less than two weeks 

(06) reflective (any color) (00-96) years (00-11) months 

(97) not applicable, not wearing eye coverage (97-97) not applicable, no license held 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (98-98) other (specify) ____________________________ 

(99) unknown (99-99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

Motorcycle Rider Form MCR-13 

95. Are You Of Hispanic Or Latino Origin? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(02) refused to answer 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

96. What Is Your Race? ____ ____ 

PLEASE SELECT ONE OR MORE, CODE "97" IN OTHERS 

(01) white ____ ____ 

(02) black or African American 

(03) Asian ____ ____ 

(04) Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 

(05) American Indian or Alaska native 

(06) refused to answer 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

97. What Is Your Height? ____ft. ____ ____ in. 

(01-12) actual number 

(9 99) unknown 

98. What Is Your Weight in Pounds? ___ ___ ___ 

(001-996) actual number 

(999) unknown 

99. Gender ____ ____ 

(01) male 

(02) female 

(99) unknown 

100. How Much Formal Education ____ ____ 

Have You Had? 

(00) no formal schooling 

(01) less than high school diploma 

(02) high school diploma or GED 

(03) partial college/university 

(04) college/university graduate 

(05) graduate school, advanced degree, professional 

degree 

(06) specialty/technical school 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

101. What Is Your Current Occupation? ____ ____ 

(01) management occupations 

(02) business and financial 

(03) computer and mathematical 

(04) architecture and engineering 

(05) life, physical, and social science 

(06) community and social services 

(07) legal 

(08) education, training or library 

(09) arts, design, entertainment, sports or media 

(10) healthcare practitioners and technical jobs 

(11) healthcare support 

(12) protective services 

(13) food preparation and serving related 

(14) building and grounds maintenance 

(15) personal care and services 

(16) sales and related occupations 

(17) office and administrative support 

(18) farming, fishing or forestry 

(19) construction or extraction 

(20) installation, maintenance or repair 

(21) transportation and material moving 

(22) military 

(23) full time student 

(97) not applicable, not in workforce at present 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

102. Are You Married? ____ ____ 

(01) single 

(02) married 

(03) separated 

(04) divorced 

(05) widowed 

(06) cohabitating 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

103. How Many Children Do You Have? ____ ____ 

(00) none 

(01) one 

(02) two 

(03) three 

(04) four 

(05) five 

(06) six or more 

(97) more than six 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

Motorcycle Passenger Form MCP-1 

Motorcycle Passenger Form Case Number _____________________________ 

Passenger Number ____ ____ 

Source: Passenger Surrogate 

PASSENGER'S DESCRIPTION OF CRASH EVENTS AND RELATED FACTORS 

SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO ASK INTERVIEWEE 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
Motorcycle Passenger Form MCP-2 

CRASH DIAGRAM 

Use this diagram to aid in relating interview crash trajectory data to identifiable objects in the environment. 

North 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
Motorcycle Passenger Form MCP-3 

SITUATION 5. What Is Your Reason For Not ____ ____ 

Wearing A Helmet? 

(01) not required by law 

(02) no expectation of accident involvement 

(03) helmets too expensive 

(04) helmets are inconvenient and uncomfortable 

(05) helmets reduce traffic awareness, limit hearing and 

vision 

(06) helmets ineffective in reducing head injury 

(07) helmets cause neck injury 

(08) helmets can not be used, physical or religious 

reasons 

(09) do not own a helmet 

(10) forgot to bring helmet today 

(97) not applicable, passenger is wearing a helmet 

(98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

6. Do You Ever Wear A Helmet? ____ ____ 

(00) no - SKIP TO # 18, IMPAIRMENT 

(01) yes - SKIP TO # 16 

(02) occasionally - SKIP TO # 16 

(97) not applicable, passenger is wearing a helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

7. Was your helmet properly adjusted ____ ____ 

on your head? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable, no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

8. Was Your Helmet Securely Fastened ____ ____ 

To Your Head? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable, no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

9. What Type Of Helmet Is It? ____ ____ 

(00) not a motorcycle helmet 

(01) half/police motor vehicle, motorcycle helmet 

(02) open face motor vehicle, motorcycle helmet 

(03) full face motor vehicle, motorcycle helmet 

(04) novelty helmet 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

1. Where Were You Located at the ____ ____ 

Time of The Crash? 

(01) immediately behind the motorcycle rider 

(02) immediately in front of the motorcycle rider 

(03) behind passenger in location 1 

(04) behind passenger in location 2 

(05) dismounting, jumping to side 

(97) not applicable, unseated prior to the crash 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

2. Where Was Your Riding Position at ____ ____ 

the Time of the Collision? 

(01) normal, straddle seated behind rider 

(02) riding with both legs on left side of motorcycle 

(03) riding with both legs on right side of motorcycle 

(04) straddle seated on pillion behind rider 

(05) straddle seated on tank ahead of rider 

(06) in sidecar 

(07) straddle seated, behind rider, facing rear 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

3. Did Any Of Your Actions Contribute ____ ____ 

To The Crash? 

(01) yes, passenger weight contributed to loss of control 

during evasive action 

(02) yes, passenger lost hold or fell and contributed to 

rider loss of control 

(03) yes, passenger interfered with motorcycle balance, 

caused rider loss of control 

(04) yes, passenger interfered with motorcycle controls 

and contributed to crash 

(05) yes, passenger's lower extremities entrapped in rear 

suspension or wheel and contributed to crash 

(06) yes, passenger action distracted motorcycle rider and 

contributed to crash, (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(97) not applicable, no action by passenger contributed to 

crash. 

(98) other passenger action that contributed to crash, 

(specify)____________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

HELMET DATA 

4. At The Time Of The Crash, Were You ____ ____ 

Wearing A Helmet? 

(00) no 

(01) yes - SKIP TO # 7 

(02) helmet available but not used 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

 

Motorcycle Passenger Form MCP-4 

10. What Is The Type Of Helmet Coverage? ____ ____ 

(01) partial coverage 

(02) full coverage 

(03) full facial, integral chin bar but no face shield 

(04) full facial, removable chin bar 

(05) full facial, retractable chin bar 

(06) full facial coverage, integral chin bar and face shield 

(07) wrap around face shield 

(08) bubble type face shield 

(09) visor/face shield combo 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

11. What Is The Predominant Color Of ____ ____ 

Your Helmet? 

(01) no dominating color, multi-colored 

(02) white 

(03) yellow 

(04) black 

(05) red 

(06) blue 

(07) green 

(08) silver, grey 

(09) orange 

(10) brown, tan 

(11) purple 

(12) gold 

(13) chrome, metallic 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

12. What Is The Color Of The Face Shield? ____ ____ 

(01) clear 

(02) green 

(03) grey, smoke 

(04) amber, yellow 

(05) blue 

(06) reflective (any color) 

(97) not applicable/no face shield 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

13. Do You Own This Helmet? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable, no helmet 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

14. How Well Does This Helmet Fit? ____ ____ 

(01) acceptable fit 

(02) too large, too loose 

(03) too small, too tight 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

15. Was The Helmet Retained In Place ____ ____ 

On Your Head During The Crash? 

(00) no helmet 

(01) no, helmet ejected from head during pre-crash time 

period 

(02) no, helmet ejected from head during crash 

(03) no, helmet ejected from head after collision 

(04) yes, helmet retained in place to completion of crash 

events 

(05) yes, helmet moved on head but was retained 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

16. What Percentage Of Time Do You ___ ___ ___ % 

Wear Your Helmet (When Riding 

As A Passenger)? 

CODE FROM 001 - 100 PERCENT 

(000) never wear a helmet 

(001-100) percent helmet worn 

(997) not applicable/no helmet 

(999) unknown 

17. Under what conditions do you ____ ____ 

usually wear your helmet? 

CODE UP TO FOUR; INPUT "97" ____ ____ 

FOR REMAINING RESPONSES 

(00) never uses helmet ____ ____ 

(01) long trips 

(02) highway traffic ____ ____ 

(03) in adverse weather 

(04) never in hot weather 

(05) always 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

IMPAIRMENT 

18. Do You Have Any Of The Following ____ ____ 

Permanent Physical Conditions? 

CODE UP TO THREE; INPUT "00" ____ ____ 

IN REMAINING RESPONSES 

(00) no ____ ____ 

(01) vision reduction or loss 

(02) hearing reduction or loss 

(03) respiratory, cardiovascular condition 

(04) paraplegia 

(05) amputee 

(06) neurological, epilepsy, stroke 

(07) endocrine system, diabetes, digestive system 

(08) infirmity, arthritis, senility 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motorcycle Passenger Form MCP-5 

19. At The Time Of The Crash, Were You ____ ____ 

Experiencing Any Of The Following? 

CODE UP TO THREE; INPUT "00" ____ ____ 

IN REMAINING RESPONSES 

(00) no ____ ____ 

(01) fatigue 

(02) hunger 

(03) thirst 

(04) elimination urgency 

(05) muscle spasm, cramp, itch 

(06) headache, minor malaise, fever 

(07) siesta syndrome (tired in afternoon) 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

20. Were You Concerned About Any ____ ____

 Of The Following Issues On The 

Day Of The Crash? ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO THREE; INPUT "00" 

IN REMAINING RESPONSES ____ ____ 

(00) no problems 

(01) conflict with friends, relatives, divorce, separation 

(02) work related problems 

(03) financial distress 

(04) school problems 

(05) legal, police problems 

(06) reward stress 

(07) traffic conflict, road rage 

(08) death of family, friend 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

21. How Many Hours Of Sleep Did You ____ ____ 

Have In The 24 Hours Prior To The 

Crash? 

(00) no sleep 

(01-24) number of hours slept 

(98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

22. Did You Drink Any Alcohol Or ____ ____ 

Take Any Drugs Or Medications 

In The 24 Hours Prior To The Crash? 

(00) no - SKIP TO QUESTION # 25 

(01) alcohol use, only - SKIP TO QUESTION # 25 

(02) drug/medication use, only 

(03) combined alcohol and drug/medication use 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

23. What Type Of Drugs Other Than ____ ____ 

Alcohol? 

(00) no drugs other than alcohol 

(01) stimulant 

(02) depressant 

(03) drugs taken, type unknown 

(04) multiple drugs taken 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

24. What Is The Source Of Drugs ____ ____ 

Other Than Alcohol? 

(00) no drugs other than alcohol 

(01) prescription 

(02) non-prescription, over the counter 

(03) illegal 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

25. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)? ___ ___ ___ 

CODE RESULTS IN MG/100ML 

(000) negative BAC 

(995) BAC tested, results not known 

(996) BAC not tested 

(998) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(999) unknown 

26. Source of BAC Information? ____ ____ 

(00) not tested 

(01) breath testing 

(02) unknown if tested 

(03) tested, results unknown 

(04) tested, results not available 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown source 

RIDING/DRIVING EXPERIENCE 

27. How Long Have You Been Riding 

as a Passenger on the 

Crash-Involved Motorcycle? 

___ ___ Years ___ ___ Months 

(00-00) less than two weeks 

(01-96) years, (01-11) months 

(97-97) not applicable/no previous experience, first time 

(99-99) unknown 

28. How Long Have You Been Riding 

As A Passenger In Any Kind 

Of Motor Vehicle? 

___ ___ Years ___ ___ Months 

(00-00) less than two weeks 

(01-96) years, (01-11) months 

(97-97) not applicable/no previous experience, first time 

(99-99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Motorcycle Passenger Form MCP-6 

29. How Long Have You Ridden As 

A Passenger On Any 

Street Motorcycle 

___ ___ Years ___ ___ Months 

(00-00) less than two weeks 

(01-96) years, (01-11) months 

(97-97) not applicable/no previous experience, first time 

(99-99) unknown 

30. What is The Average Number Of ___ ___ ___ 

Days Per Year You Ride As A 

Passenger On Motorcycles? 

(001-365) code actual number of days per year 

(999) unknown 

31. What Kind Of Motorcycle Training ____ ____ 

Have You Had? 

(00) none 

(01) state recognized, entry-level motorcycle course 

(02) experienced rider course 

(03) high performance/competitive track course 

(04) self taught 

(05) taught by family and/or friends 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

32. When You Travel as a Passenger, 

What is the Percentage of Time You 

Ride on a Motorcycle Versus Riding as 

a Passenger in Another Type of Vehicle? 

INDICATE % OF TOTAL RIDING TIME AS A 

PASSENGER FOR EACH CATEGORY 

Motorcycle ___ ___ ___ 

Other Vehicle Type ___ ___ ___ 

100% 

(000) first time use 

(001-100) actual percentage 

(997) not applicable 

(999) unknown 

33. When You Ride A Motorcycle As A Passenger, 

What Is The Percentage Of Time It Is For Each Of 

These Categories? 

INDICATE % OF TOTAL RIDING TIME AS A 

PASSENGER FOR EACH CATEGORY 

Recreation ___ ___ ___ 

Basic transportation ___ ___ ___ 

100% 

(000) first time use 

(001-100) actual percentage 

(997) not applicable 

(999) unknown 

34. How Much Experience Do You Have ____ ____ 

Riding As A Passenger On Motorcycles? 

(00) never rode as a passenger before 

(01) very little experience 

(02) moderate experience 

(03) extensive experience 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

35. How Many Motorcycle Moving ____ ____ 

Traffic Crashes Have You Had 

As A Passenger In The Past 5 Years? 

CODE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PREVIOUS MOTORCYCLE CRASHES 

(00) none 

(01-96) actual number 

(99) unknown 

36. How Many Car Or Truck Traffic ____ ____ 

Crashes Have You Had As A 

Passenger In The Past 5 Years? 

CODE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PREVIOUS CAR OR TRUCK CRASHES 

(00) none 

(01-96) actual number 

(99) unknown 

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING/GEAR 

WHEN RIDING 

37. What Kind of Clothing Was On Your ____ ____ 

Upper Body? 

(00) none - SKIP TO # 39 

(01) light cloth garment, i.e., thin cotton 

(02) medium cloth garment, i.e., denim, nylon 

(03) heavy cloth garment, i.e., imitation leather 

(04) leather garment 

(05) Kevlar 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

38. Was This Upper Body Clothing ____ ____ 

Motorcycle-Oriented? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable/no clothing 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

39. What Kind Of Clothing Was On ____ ____ 

Your Lower Body? 

(00) none - SKIP TO # 41 

(01) light cloth garment, i.e., thin cotton 

(02) medium cloth garment, i.e., denim, nylon 

(03) heavy cloth garment, i.e., imitation leather 

(04) leather garment 

(05) Kevlar 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

Motorcycle Passenger Form MCP-7 

40. Was This Lower Body Clothing ____ ____ 47. Is Any Of This Clothing Retroreflective? ____ ____ 

Motorcycle-Oriented? CODE UP TO 3 RESPONSES 

(00) no (00) no retroreflective clothing or gloves ____ ____ 

(01) yes (01) upper body (shirt/jacket/vest) 

(97) not applicable/no clothing (02) lower body (pants/ shorts) ____ ____ 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (03) gloves 

(99) unknown (04) special arm bands, or similar items 

(97) not applicable, no clothing or gloves 

41. Were you Wearing An Inflatable ____ ____ (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

Safety Vest? (99) unknown 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 48. What is The Clothing Color Of the Following? 

(99) unknown 

Upper body clothing ___ ___ 

42. What Kind of Shoes or Boots ____ ____ 

Were You Wearing? Lower body clothing ___ ___ 

(00) no shoes or boots, barefoot - SKIP TO # 45 

(01) light sandal Footwear ___ ___ 

(02) medium street shoe, loafer 

(03) athletic, training shoe Gloves ___ ___ 

(04) heavy shoe or boot (01) no dominating color, multi-colored 

(05) reinforced work boot or motorcycle boot (02) white 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (03) yellow 

(99) unknown (04) black 

(05) red 

43. Did This Footwear Go Up Over ____ ____ (06) blue 

Your Ankle? (07) green 

(00) no (08) silver 

(01) yes (09) orange 

(97) not applicable, no footwear worn (10) brown 

(98) other, specify _______________________________ (11) purple 

(99) unknown (12) gold 

(13) grey 

44. Was The Footwear ____ ____ (97) not applicable/no clothing 

Motorcycle-Oriented? (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(00) no (99) unknown 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable, no footwear worn 49. What Kind Of Eye Protection Were ____ ____ 

(99) unknown You Wearing At The Time 

Of The Crash? 

45. What Kind Of Gloves Were You ____ ____ (00) none - SKIP TO # 51 

Wearing? (01) non-prescription clear glasses 

(00) none - SKIP TO # 47 (02) prescription clear glasses 

(01) light cloth garment, i.e., thin cotton (03) non-prescription sunglasses 

(02) medium cloth garment, i.e., denim, nylon (04) prescription sunglasses 

(03) heavy cloth garment, i.e., imitation leather (05) goggles, non-prescription 

(04) leather garment (06) goggles, prescription 

(05) Kevlar (07) industrial safety glasses 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown (99) unknown 

46. Are the Gloves Motorcycle-Oriented? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes, full fingered 

(02) yes, shorties 

(97) not applicable, no gloves worn 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

 

 

Motorcycle Passenger Form MCP-8 

50. What Color Was The Eye ____ ____ 

Coverage Lens? 

(01) clear 

(02) green 

(03) grey, smoke 

(04) amber, yellow 

(05) blue 

(06) reflective (any color) 

(97) not applicable, not wearing eye coverage 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

55. Are You Of Hispanic Or ____ ____ 

Latino Origin? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(02) refused to answer 

(98) other (describe) _____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

56. What Is Your Race? ____ ____ 

PLEASE CODE ONE OR MORE, CODE "97" IN OTHERS 

(01) white ____ ____ 

(02) black or African American 

(03) Asian ____ ____ 

(04) Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 

(05) American Indian or Alaska native 

(06) refused to answer 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

57. What is Your Height? ____ft. ____ ____ in. 

(01-12) actual number 

(9 99) unknown 

58. What Is Your Weight in Pounds? ___ ___ ___ 

(001-996) actual number 

(999) unknown 

59. Gender ____ ____ 

(01) male 

(02) female 

(99) unknown 

60. How Much Formal Education ____ ____ 

Have You Had? 

(00) no formal schooling 

(01) less than high school diploma 

(02) high school diploma or GED 

(03) partial college/university 

(04) college/university graduate 

(05) graduate school, advanced degree, professional 

degree 

(06) specialty/technical school 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 

51. How Old Are You? ____ ____ 

CODE ACTUAL AGE IN YEARS 

(01-96) actual age 

(99) unknown 

52. Where Did You Get Your Current ____ ____ 

Driver's License? 

(00) no license 

(01) Canada 

(02) California 

(03) other state (list)______________________________ 

(04) military 

(97) no license required (49 cc scooter) 

(98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

53. What Kind Of Operator's ____ ____ 

License Is It? 

CODE UP TO 4; INPUT "97" ____ ____ 

IN REMAINING RESPONSES 

(00) no license held ____ ____ 

(01) learner's permit, only 

(02) motorcycle license ____ ____ 

(03) automobile license 

(04) commercial license 

(05) motorcycle driver and competition license 

(06) license to transport people 

(07) heavy truck license 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

54. What Year Was/Were The ___ ___ ___ ___ 

License(s) Issued? 

LISTED IN SAME ORDER AS LICENSES ABOVE ___ ___ ___ ___ 

(9997) not applicable, no license 

(9999) unknown ___ ___ ___ ___ 

___ ___ ___ ___ 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
Motorcycle Passenger Form MCP-9 

61. What is Your Current Occupation? ____ ____ 

(01) management occupations 

(02) business and financial 

(03) computer and mathematical 

(04) architecture and engineering 

(05) life, physical, and social science 

(06) community and social services 

(07) legal 

(08) education, training or library 

(09) arts, design, entertainment, sports or media 

(10) healthcare practitioners and technical jobs 

(11) healthcare support 

(12) protective services 

(13) food preparation and serving related 

(14) building and grounds maintenance 

(15) personal care and services 

(16) sales and related occupations 

(17) office and administrative support 

(18) farming, fishing or forestry 

(19) construction or extraction 

(20) installation, maintenance or repair 

(21) transportation and material moving 

(22) military 

(23) full time student 

(97) not applicable, not in workforce at present 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

62. Are You Married? ____ ____ 

(01) single 

(02) married 

(03) separated 

(04) divorced 

(05) widowed 

(06) cohabitating 

(98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

63. How Many Children Do You Have? ____ ____ 

(00) none 

(01) one 

(02) two 

(03) three 

(04) four 

(05) five 

(06) six or more 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

 

Other Vehicle Form OV-1 

Other Vehicle Form Case Number _____________________________ 

Vehicle Number ____ ____ 

MECHANICAL FACTORS VEHICLE DYNAMICS 

1. Vehicle Body Type ____ ____ 

SEE CODING MANUAL FOR CODES AND DEFINITIONS 

Enter Text 

________________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

2. Vehicle Manufacturer ____ ____ ____ 

ENTER TEXT 

___________________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

3. Vehicle Model ____ ____ - ____ ____ ____ 

ENTER TEXT 

___________________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

4. Model Year ___ ___ ___ ___ 

(9999) unknown 

5. Vehicle Identification Number 

CODE ALL 9S FOR UNKNOWN 

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ X X X X 

6. Vehicle Curb Weight ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 

CODE ACTUAL WEIGHT IN POUNDS 

(99996)99996 or greater pounds 

(99999)unknown 

7. Is This Vehicle Equipped With ABS? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes, equipped rear only 

(02) yes, equipped front and rear 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

8. Did This Vehicle Experience ____ ____ 

Mechanical Problems? 

(00) none 

(01) tire or wheel failure 

(02) brake failure 

(03) steering failure 

(04) power transmission failure 

(05) electrical failure 

(06) suspension failure 

(07) vehicle structural failure, other than suspension, tire, 

or wheel 

(08) maintenance related mechanical problem 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

9. Pre-crash Motion Prior to ____ ____ 

Precipitating Event 

(00) stopped in traffic, speed is zero 

(01) moving in a straight line, constant speed 

(02) moving in a straight line, foot off accelerator and/or 

throttle off 

(03) moving in a straight line, braking 

(04) moving in a straight line, accelerating 

(05) turning right, constant speed 

(06) turning right, foot off accelerator/throttle off 

(07) turning right, braking 

(08) turning right, accelerating 

(09) turning left, constant speed 

(10) turning left, foot off accelerator/throttle off 

(11) turning left, braking 

(12) turning left, accelerating 

(13) stopped at roadside, or parked 

(14) backing up, in a straight line 

(15) backing up, steering left 

(16) backing up, steering right 

(17) making U-turn right 

(18) making U-turn left 

(19) making Y-turn right 

(20) making Y-turn left 

(21) changing lanes to left 

(22) changing lanes to right 

(23) merging to left 

(24) merging to right 

(25) entering traffic from right shoulder, median, or 

parked 

(26) entering traffic from left shoulder, median, or parked 

(27) leaving traffic, turn out to right 

(28) leaving traffic, turn out to left 

(29) passing maneuver, passing on right 

(30) passing maneuver, passing on left 

(31) crossing opposing lanes of traffic 

(32) traveling wrong way, against opposing traffic 

(36) collision avoidance maneuver to avoid a different 

collision 

(37) negotiating a curve, constant speed 

(38) negotiating a curve, foot off accelerator/throttle off 

(39) negotiating a curve, braking 

(40) negotiating a curve, accelerating 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

10. Travel Speed At Time of ___ ___ ___ 

Precipitating Event 

IN MPH, WHOLE NUMBERS ONLY 

(000) stopped in traffic, speed is zero 

(999) unknown 
 

 

 

 

Other Vehicle Form OV-2 

11. Line-of-Sight to Motorcycle ____ ____ 

USE CLOCK FACE DIRECTION, RELATIVE TO 

VEHICLE CENTER LINE 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

12. Pre-crash Motion after Precipitating ____ ____ 

Event 

(00) stopped in traffic, speed is zero 

(01) moving in a straight line, constant speed 

(02) moving in a straight line, foot off accelerator/throttle 

off 

(03) moving in a straight line, braking 

(04) moving in a straight line, accelerating 

(05) turning right, constant speed 

(06) turning right, foot off accelerator/throttle off 

(07) turning right, braking 

(08) turning right, accelerating 

(09) turning left, constant speed 

(10) turning left, foot off accelerator/throttle off 

(11) turning left, braking 

(12) turning left, accelerating 

(13) stopped at roadside, or parked 

(14) backing up, in a straight line 

(15) backing up, steering left 

(16) backing up, steering right 

(17) making U-turn right 

(18) making U-turn left 

(19) making Y-turn right 

(20) making Y-turn left 

(21) changing lanes to left 

(22) changing lanes to right 

(23) merging to left 

(24) merging to right 

(25) entering traffic from right shoulder, median, or 

parked 

(26) entering traffic from left shoulder, median, or parked 

(27) leaving traffic, turn out to right 

(28) leaving traffic, turn out to left 

(29) passing maneuver, passing on right 

(30) passing maneuver, passing on left 

(31) crossing opposing lanes of traffic 

(32) traveling wrong way, against opposing traffic 

(36) collision avoidance maneuver to avoid a different 

collision 

(37) negotiating a curve, constant speed 

(38) negotiating a curve, foot off accelerator/throttle off 

(39) negotiating a curve, braking 

(40) negotiating a curve, accelerating 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

13. Collision Avoidance Action ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO 4, THEN CODE 00 

(00) none ____ ____ 

(01) braking 

(02) swerve ____ ____ 

(03) accelerating 

(04) counter-steering ____ ____ 

(05) cornering 

(98) other (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

14. Braking Skid Marks on Roadway ____ ____ 

(00) none 

(01) skid marks from rear tires, only 

(02) skid marks from front tires, only 

(03) skid marks from both front and rear tires, front and 

rear equivalent and overlaying 

(04) long skid marks from rear tires, short terminal skid 

marks from front tires 

(05) light skid marks from both front and rear tires, no 

wheel lockup evidence 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other, specify: ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

15. Length of Skid Marks on Roadway 

IN FEET AND INCHES 

Left front tire ___ ___ ___ feet ___ ___ inches

 Left rear tire ___ ___ ___ feet ___ ___ inches 

Right front tire ___ ___ ___ feet ___ ___ inches 

Right rear tire ___ ___ ___ feet ___ ___ inches 

(000 00) none, no skid marks visible 

(001-996) actual number 

(999 99) unknown 
Other Vehicle Form	 OV-3 

16. Braking Skid Mark Evidence ____ ____ 19. Cornering Skid Mark Evidence ____ ____ on Roadway on Roadway (00)	 none (00)	 none 

(01)	 dry roadway braking skid marks confirmed from (01)	 dry roadway cornering skid marks confirmed from motor vehicle motor vehicle/motorcycle (02)	 wet roadway braking skid marks confirmed from (02)	 wet roadway cornering skid marks confirmed from motor vehicle motor vehicle/motorcycle (03)	 deep water on roadway, dynamic hydroplaning most (03)	 deep water on roadway, aquaplaning most likely, no likely, no braking skid marks remaining cornering skid marks remaining (04)	 wet reverted rubber skidding in evidence, white (04)	 wet reverted rubber skidding in evidence, white steam-cleaned skid paths shown on roadway con­ steam-cleaned cornering skid paths shown on road- firmed from motor vehicle way confirmed from motor vehicle/motorcycle (05)	 braking skid marks evidence most likely present, but (05)	 cornering skid marks evidence most likely present, degraded by traffic after accident, no confirmation at but degraded by traffic after accident, no confirmation scene examination at scene examination 

(06)	 snow/ice on roadway, braking skid marks confirmed (06)	 snow/ice on roadway, cornering skid marks con- from other vehicles firmed from other vehicle 

(97)	 not applicable (97)	 not applicable (98)	 other (specify) _____________________________ (98)	 0ther (specify) ______________________________ (99)	 unknown (99)	 unknown 

17. Braking Tire Striation Evidence ____ ____ 20. Cornering Tire Striation Evidence ____ ____ (00)	 none, front or rear tires (00)	 none 

(01)	 rear tires, only (01)	 right cornering tire striations, rear tires (02)	 front tires, only (02)	 right cornering tire striations, front tires (03)	 both front and rear tires (03)	 right cornering striations, both front and rear tires (04)	 prolonged skid patch on rear tires, only (04)	 left cornering tire striations, rear tires (05)	 prolonged skid patch on rear tires, plus braking (05)	 left cornering tire striations, front tires striations on front tires (06)	 left cornering tire striations, both front and rear tires (06)	 prolonged skid patch on rear tires, plus slide-out (97)	 not applicable striations on front tires (98)	 other (specify) ______________________________ (07)	 prolonged skid patch on rear tires, plus slide-out 

striations on both front and rear tires 

(97)	 not applicable 

(98)	 other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99)	 unknown 

18. Acceleration Evidence on Tires ____ ____ 

(00)	 none 

(01)	 moderate slip striations and tread block edge erosion 

(02)	 severe slip striations and tread block edge erosion 

(03)	 extreme slip striations, tread block edge erosion and 

tread rubber reversion 

(97)	 not applicable 

(98)	 other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99)	 unknown 
 

Other Vehicle Form OV-4 

CRASH MOTION AT IMPACT 

21. Other Vehicle First Collision Contact Code ____ ____ ____ ____ 

Code the appropriate vehicle component, plus "L," "R," or "C" for left, right, or center of OV longitudinal center line 

respectively, i.e., "front bumper, left of center line" is coded as "F01L" 

(99) unknown 

F: Vehicle Front 

F01 bumper 

F02 push bar, bull bar 

F03 grille 

F04 front corner, headlamp nacelle 

F05 front edge or side of hood 

F06 top of hood, front 

F07 front side of upper A-pillar 

F08 front cowl 

F09 windshield lower molding 

F10 windshield surface 

F11 windshield header 

F12 front roof top 

F13 external rear view mirror 

F14 accessory lights, light bar 

F15 underride bar 

F98 other front (specify) 

_______________________ 

F99 unknown front 

T: Vehicle Top Surfaces 

T01 top of hood, front 

T02 top of hood, center 

T03 top of hood, rear 

T04 front cowl 

T05 roof top, front 

T06 sun roof, moon roof 

T07 roof top, center 

T08 roof top, rear 

T09 rollbar 

T10 trunk lid, front 

T11 trunk lid, center 

T12 trunk lid, rear 

T13 custom work/tool box 

T14 top rail of tailgate 

T15 top rail of truck bed 

T16 floor of truck bed 

T17 accessory lights, light bar 

T18 accessory equipment, air horns, 

etc. 

T98 other top (specify) 

_______________________ 

T99 unknown top 

R: Vehicle rear 

R01 bumper 

R02 step bumper 

R03 push bar,bull bar 

R04 power lift gate 

R05 trailer hitch 

R06 rear lamp, sub-trunk panel 

R07 top rail of tailgate 

R08 tailgate 

R09 rear door panel, top 

R10 rear door panel, center 

R11 rear door panel, bottom 

R12 rear door handles, hardware 

R13 rear corner, truck bed 

R14 lower rear corner, attached truck cab 

R15 upper rear corner, attached truck cab 

R16 lower rear corner, van 

R17 upper rear corner, van 

R18 B-pillar, rear (truck only) 

R19 truck upper rear corner of cab 

R20 back light (window) header 

R21 back light glass 

R22 back light lower molding 

R23 lower C-pillar 

R24 upper C-pillar 

R25 rear door frame header 

R26 rear door or window, frame sill 

R27 rear door side frame posts, hinges 

R28 spare tire/spare tire housing 

R29 accessory lights, light bar 

R30 underride bar 

R98 other rear (specify) 

_______________________ 

R99 unknown rear 

U: Vehicle Undercarriage 

RUN OVER OR SNAG 

U01 front of undercarriage 

U02 rear of undercarriage 

U03 side of undercarriage 

U04 spare tire/spare tire mount 

U98 other undercarriage (specify) 

_______________________ 

U99 unknown undercarriage 

S: Vehicle Side 

S01 side of front bumper 

S02 side corner, headlamp nacelle 

S03 front mudguard (fender) 

S04 front mudguard (fender) wheel house 

S05 front tires 

S06 side of bonnet (hood), edge 

S07 rocker panel, sill beam, steps 

S08 lower A-pillar 

S09 upper A-pillar 

S10 front door, front 

S11 front door, rear 

S12 front door belt line 

S13 front door side glass 

S14 front door handle 

S15 front roof rail, including drip channel 

molding 

S16 rear roof rail, including drip channel 

molding 

S17 lower B-pillar 

S18 upper B-pillar 

S19 rear door, front 

S20 rear door, rear 

S21 rear door belt line 

S22 rear door side glass (window) 

S23 rear door handle 

S24 back light (window) side frame 

S25 center panel (van, bus) 

S26 lower C-pillar 

S27 upper C-pillar 

S28 rear mudguard (fender) wheel 

house 

S29 rear tires 

S30 rear mudguard (fender), rear bed 

side panel, rear panel 

S31 side of boot (trunk) lid, edge 

S32 lower rear corner 

S33 upper rear corner 

S34 side of rear bumper 

S35 side mount fuel tank 

S36 battery box, tool box, fire extinguishers 

S37 frame rail 

S38 semi-trailer spare tire, chain racks 

S39 trailer landing gear, struts 

S40 semi-trailer tie down hook points, 

strap anchors, ratchet locks 

S41 accessory lights, light bar 

S42 underride bar 

S43 external rear view mirror 

S44 front wheel 

S45 rear wheel 

S98 other side (specify) 

________________________ 

S99 unknown side 

M: Motorcycle/Moped 

MCLF left front 

MCCF center front 

MCRF right front 

MCLC left center 

MCLR left rear 

MCCR center rear 

MCRR right rear 

MCRC right center 

MCTR top rear 

MCTC top center 

MCTF top front 

MCUR undercarriage rear 

MCUC undercarriage center 

MCUF undercarriage front 

MC98 other motorcycle/moped 

location 

MC99 unknown motorcycle, moped 

location 

(9998) other (specify) 

_______________________ 

(9999) unknown 
 

 

 

Other Vehicle Form OV-5 

22. Object(s) Contacted ___ ___ 

CODE UP TO THREE 

COLLISION WITH OTHER VEHICLE ___ ___ 

(01) other vehicle # 1 

(02) other vehicle # 2 ___ ___ 

(03) other vehicle # 3 

COLLISION WITH FIXED OBJECT 

(04) tree (<=10 cm in diameter) 

(05) tree (>10 cm in diameter) 

(06) shrubbery or bush 

(07) embankment 

(08) concrete traffic barrier 

(09) other traffic barrier (includes guardrail)(specify) 

(10) impact attenuator 

(11) bridge 

(12) curb 

(13) fire hydrant 

(14) ground 

(15) ditch or culvert 

(16) building 

(17) wall 

(18) fence 

(19) nonbreakaway pole or post (<=10cm in diameter) 

(20) nonbreakaway pole or post (>10 cm but <=30 cm in 

diameter) 

(21) nonbreakaway pole or post (>30 cm in diameter) 

(22) nonbreakaway pole or post (diameter unknown) 

(23) breakaway pole or post (any diameter) 

(28) other fixed object (specify) ____________________ 

(29) unknown fixed object 

COLLISION WITH NONFIXED OBJECT 

(30) pedestrian 

(31) train 

(32) object fell from vehicle in-transport 

(33) trailer, disconnected in transport 

(34) animal 

(35) cyclist or cycle 

(36) vehicle occupant 

(37) other nonmotorist or conveyance (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(38) other nonfixed object (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(39) unknown nonfixed object 

___________________________________________ 

Noncollision 

(40) overturn-> rollover (excludes end-over-end) 

(41) rollover->end-over-end 

(42) fire or explosion 

(43) jackknife 

(44) other intra-unit damage 

(specify)____________________________________ 

(45) noncollision injury 

(48) other noncollision 

(specify)____________________________________ 

(49) noncollision-details unknown 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other event (specify) __________________________ 

(99) unknown event or object 

23. Impact Speed ___ ___ ___ 

IN MPH 

(000) stopped in traffic, speed is zero 

(999) unknown 

24. PDOF - Principal Direction 

of Force (In Degrees) ___ ___ ___ 

(000) non-horizontal 

(010-350) actual value 

(999) unknown 

POST CRASH MOTION 

25. Other Vehicle Post Crash Motion Code ____ ____ 

(00) none, stopped at point of impact (POI); 

point of rest (POR) and POI coincide 

(01) stopped within 6 feet of POI 

(02) rolled on wheels from POI to POR 

(03) rolled on wheels from POI, then impacted other object 

at POR 

(04) vehicle rollover from POI to POR 

(05) skidded, slid from POI to POR 

(06) skidded, slid from POI, then impacted other object at 

POR 

(07) vehicles did not separate; PORs are essentially same 

for motorcycle and other vehicle 

(08) spun or yawed, sliding from POI to POR 

(09) hit and run, driver departed scene of accident with 

other vehicle, immediately after collision 

(10) driver departed scene immediately after collision, but 

other vehicle still at scene 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other, specify: _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

26. Distance from POI to POR 

CODE IN FEET AND INCHES 

Distance along the POI path

 ___ ___ ___ feet ___ ___ in. 

Offset

 ___ ___ ___ feet ___ ___ in. 

(000 00 - 995 11) actual value 

(996 11) 996 feet or greater 

(997 97) not applicable 

(999 99) unknown 

+ 

+ 
Other Vehicle Driver Form MVD-1 

Other Vehicle Driver Form 

Case Number _____________________________ 

Motor Vehicle Number ____ ____ 

Source: Driver Surrogate 

DRIVER'S DESCRIPTION OF CRASH EVENTS AND RELATED FACTORS 

SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO ASK INTERVIEWEE 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
Other Vehicle Driver Form MVD-2 

CRASH DIAGRAM 

Use this diagram to aid in relating interview crash trajectory data to identifiable objects. 

North 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

(11)	 turning left, braking 

(12)	 turning left, accelerating 

(13)	 stopped at roadside, or parked 

(14)	 backing up, in a straight line 

(15)	 backing up, steering left 

(16)	 backing up, steering right 

(17)	 making U-turn right 

(18)	 making U-turn left 

(19)	 making Y-turn right 

(20)	 making Y-turn left 

(21)	 changing lanes to left 

(22)	 changing lanes to right 

(23)	 merging to left 

(24)	 merging to right 

(25)	 entering traffic from right shoulder, median, or parked 

(26)	 entering traffic from left shoulder, median, or parked 

(27)	 leaving traffic, turn out to right 

(28)	 leaving traffic, turn out to left 

(29)	 passing maneuver, passing on right 

(30)	 passing maneuver, passing on left 

(31)	 crossing opposing lanes of traffic 

(32)	 traveling wrong way, against opposing traffic 

(03)	 lane three

(04)	 lane four

(97)	 not applicable, not in a travel lane

(98)	 other (specify) ______________________________

(99)	 unknown

4. What Was Your Travel Speed Just ____ ____

Before the Precipitating Event? 

(00) stopped

(01-95) actual miles per hour 

(96) 96 mph or more

(98) other (specify) ____________________________ 

(99) unknown

5.What Collision Avoidance Actions ____ ____

Were You Taking (if any)? 

CODE UP TO THREE	 ____ ____

(00)	 no avoidance actions

(01)	 braking ____ ____

(02)	 steering

(03)	 braking and steering

(04)	 accelerating

(05)	 steering and accelerating (33)	 stripe riding, filtering forward between lanes, longitu­ (06)	 releasing brakes dinal motion, only (07)	 honked horn (34)	 filtering forward between lanes, lateral motion only (08)	 flashing headlamps (35)	 filtering forward between lanes, both longitudinal and (98)	 other (specify) ______________________________ lateral motions (99)	 unknown (36)	 collision avoidance maneuver to avoid a different 

collision 6.Was There Any Control Loss Due ____ ____ (37)	 negotiating a curve, constant speed to Weather, Roadway or Mechanical (38)	 negotiating a curve, foot off accelerator/throttle Problems? (39)	 negotiating a curve, braking (00)	 no control loss due to weather, roadway or (40)	 negotiating a curve, accelerating mechanical problems (97)	 not applicable (01)	 yes, control loss due to weather (98)	 other (specify) _______________________________ (02)	 yes, control loss due to mechanical problems (99)	 unknown (03)	 yes, control loss due to both weather and mechanical 

(04)	 yes, control loss due to roadway 

(05)	 yes, control loss due to roadway and weather 

(06)	 yes, control loss due to roadway and mechanical 

(07)	 yes, control loss due to all three 

(98)	 other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99)	 unknown 

(10)	 turning left, foot off accelerator/throttle 

OMB No. 2125-0619 

(02)	 lane two

Other Vehicle Driver Form	 MVD-3 

PRECRASH DATA 2.Where Were You Looking Prior ____ ____ 

to the Start of the Crash Sequence? 1.How Were You Operating Your Motor ____ ____ (01)	 looking straight ahead Vehicle Immediately Prior to the Crash? (02)	 looking right (00)	 stopped in traffic, speed is zero (03)	 looking left (01)	 moving in a straight line, constant speed (04)	 looking rearward (02)	 moving in a straight line, foot off accelerator/throttle (05)	 looking at own motorcycle (03)	 moving in a straight line, braking (98)	 other (specify) _______________________________ (04)	 moving in a straight line, accelerating (99)	 unknown (05)	 turning right, constant speed 

(06)	 turning right, foot off accelerator/throttle 3.In Which Lane Were You Traveling ____ ____ (07)	 turning right, braking Just Before the Precipitating Event? (08)	 turning right, accelerating (01)	 lane 1 (right curb lane) (09)	 turning left, constant speed 
 

 

 

Other Vehicle Driver Form MVD-4 

7.How Many Passengers Were in ____ ____ 

Your Vehicle? 

(00) none - SKIP TO QUESTION # 9 

(01-08) actual number 

(09) nine or more 

(99) unknown 

8.Did the Passengers in Your Vehicle ____ ____ 

Contribute to the Crash? 

(00) passengers present, but they made no contribution to 

the crash 

(01) yes, passenger activities distracted driver and contributed to the crash 

(02) yes, passenger interfered with vehicle control and 

contributed to the crash 

(97) not applicable, no passengers 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

9.Was Your Line of Sight to the ____ ____ 

Motorcycle Clear? 

(00) no - GO TO QUESTION # 10, 

FOR ALL OTHER RESPONSES, - GO TO # 11 

(01) yes, clear 

(02) other vehicle in blind spot of mirror 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

10. What Obstructed Your View? ____ ____ 

(01) view obstructed by road curvature 

(02) view obstructed by roadway grade 

(03) view obstructed by roadside objects (shrubs, vehicles, 

buildings) 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

11. Was Your View of the Motorcycle ____ ____ 

Vehicle Obscured? 

(00) no, not obscured 

(01) yes, obscured by sun glare 

(02) yes, obscured by headlight glare 

(03) yes, obscured by other glare (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(04) yes, obscured by darkness 

(05) yes, obscured by nighttime and color of vehicle 

(06) obscured by dust, smoke, smog, fog 

(07) obscured by windshield/windscreen or eye wear 

condition (dirt, condensation, etc) 

(97) not applicable 

(98) yes, obscured by other (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

SITUATION 

12. Were You Distracted by Any of the ____ ____ 

Following? 

(00) attentive and not distracted 

(01) looked, but did not see 

DISTRACTIONS 

(02) by other occupants (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(03) by moving object in vehicle (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(04) while talking or listening to cellular phone/intercom/ 

shortwave radio (specify location and type of device) 

__________________________________________ 

(05) while dialing cellular phone/intercom/shortwave radio 

(specify location and type of device) 

__________________________________________ 

(06) while adjusting climate controls 

(07) while adjusting radio/cassette/CD (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(08) while using other device/controls integral to vehicle 

(specify) __________________________________ 

(09) while using/reaching for device/object brought into 

vehicle (specify) ____________________________ 

(10) sleepy or fell asleep 

(11) distracted by outside person/object/event (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(12) eating or drinking 

(13) smoking related 

(14) while listening to or adjusting GPS device 

(96) distracted, details unknown 

(98) other distraction (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

TRIP INFORMATION 

13. Where Did Your Trip Begin Today? ____ ____ 

(01) home 

(02) work, business 

(03) recreation/social 

(04) school 

(05) errand, shopping 

(06) family, friends, relatives 

(07) meals, restaurant, café, etc. 

(08) transport someone 

(09) medical/dental 

(10) bar, pub 

(11) religious activity 

(12) personal business/obligations 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Vehicle Driver Form	 MVD-5 

IMPAIRMENT
 

14. What Was Your Trip Destination? ____ ____ 

(01)	 home 

(02)	 work, business 

(03)	 recreation/social 

(04)	 school 

(05)	 errand, shopping 

(06)	 family, friends, relatives 

(07)	 meals, restaurant, café, etc 

(08)	 transport someone 

(09)	 medical/dental 

(10)	 bar, pub 

(11)	 religious activity 

(12)	 personal business/obligations 

(13)	 no destination, joy riding 

(98)	 other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99)	 unknown 

15. About How Many Miles Would	 ___ ___ ___ 

the Trip Be One Way? 

(001) one mile or less 

(002-995) actual number of miles 

(996) 996 miles or greater 

(997) not applicable 

(999) unknown 

16.How Frequently Do You Travel This ____ ____ 

Road On/In Any Vehicle? 

(01)	 first time 

(02)	 daily use, i.e., once per day 

(03)	 weekly use, i.e., once per week 

(04)	 monthly use, i.e., once per month 

(05)	 quarterly, i.e., once per quarter 

(06)	 annually, i.e., once per year 

(07)	 less than annually 

(99)	 unknown 

17.How Long Have You Been Driving 

Today Since Your Trip Departure? 

USE ZEROS TO FILL IN BLANKS 

___ ___ Hours ___ ___ Minutes 

(00-24) hours (00-59) minutes, actual time 

(97-97) not applicable, had not yet begun trip 

(98-98) other (specify) ____________________________ 

(99-99) unknown 

18.How Many Miles Have You Gone ___ ___ ___ 

Since Your Trip Departure? 

(001) one mile or less 

(002-995) actual miles 

(996) 996 or more 

(997) not applicable, had not yet begun trip 

(998) other (specify) ___________________________ 

(999) unknown 

19. Do You Have Any of the Following ____ ____

 Permanent Physical Conditions? 

CODE UP TO THREE; INPUT "00" ____ ____ 

IN REMAINING RESPONSES 

(00) no ____ ____ 

(01) vision reduction or loss 

(02) hearing reduction or loss 

(03) respiratory, cardiovascular condition 

(04) paraplegia 

(05) amputee 

(06) neurological, epilepsy, stroke 

(07)	 endocrine system, diabetes, digestive system 

(08)	 infirmity, arthritis, senility 

(98)	 other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99)	 unknown 

20. At the Time of the Crash, Were You	 ____ ____ 

Experiencing Any of the Following? 

CODE UP TO THREE; INPUT "00" ____ ____ 

IN REMAINING RESPONSES 

(00) no	 ____ ____ 

(01) fatigue 

(02) hunger 

(03) thirst 

(04) elimination urgency 

(05) muscle spasm, cramp, itch 

(06) headache, minor malaise, fever 

(07) siesta syndrome (tired in afternoon) 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

21. At the Time of the Crash, Were You	 ____ ____ 

Concerned About Any of the 

Following Issues? ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO THREE; INPUT "00" 

IN REMAINING RESPONSES ____ ____ 

(00)	 no problems 

(01)	 conflict with friends, relatives, divorce, 

separation 

(02)	 work related problems 

(03)	 financial distress 

(04)	 school problems 

(05)	 legal, police problems 

(06)	 reward stress 

(07)	 traffic conflict, road rage 

(08)	 death of family, friend 

(98)	 other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99)	 unknown 

22. How Many Hours of Sleep Did You	 ____ ____ 

Have in the 24 Hours Prior to the 

Crash? 

(00) no sleep 

(01-24) number of hours slept 

(98) other (specify) ____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

 

Other Vehicle Driver Form MVD-6 

23. Did You Drink Any Alcohol or Take 

Any Drugs or Medications Within 

the 24 Hours Prior to the Crash? ____ ____ 

(00) no - SKIP TO # 26 

(01) alcohol use, only - SKIP TO # 26 

(02) drug/medication use, only 

(03) combined alcohol and drug/medication use 

(98) other (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

24.What is the Type of Drugs Other ____ ____ 

Than Alcohol? 

(00) no drugs other than alcohol 

(01) stimulant 

(02) depressant 

(03) drugs taken, type unknown 

(04) multiple drugs taken 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) 

_________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

RIDING/DRIVING EXPERIENCE 

28. How long have you been driving 

any kind of motor vehicle?

 USE ZEROS TO FILL IN BLANKS

 ____ ____Years ____ ____ Months 

(00-00) this is the first time 

(00-96) years (00-11) months, actual number 

(98-98) other (specify) ____________________________ 

(99-99) unknown 

29. How Long Have You Been Driving the CrashInvolved Motor Vehicle/Motorcycle?

 USE ZEROS TO FILL IN BLANKS

 ____ ____Years ____ ____ Months 

(00-00) this is the first time 

(00-96) years (00-11) months, actual number 

(98-98) other (specify) ____________________________ 

(99-99) unknown 

25.What is the Source of Drugs Other ____ ____ 

Than Alcohol? 

(00) no drugs other than alcohol 

(01) prescription 

(02) non-prescription, over the counter 

(03) illegal 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

26. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)? ___ ___ ___ 

CODE RESULTS IN MG/100ML 

(000) negative BAC 

(001-100) actual result 

(995) BAC tested, results not known 

(996) BAC not tested 

(998) other (specify) 

______________________________________ 

(999) unknown 

27. Source of BAC Information? ____ ____ 

(00) not tested 

(01) breath testing 

(02) unknown if tested 

(03) tested, results unknown 

(04) tested, results not available 

(98) other (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(99) unknown source 

30. About How Many Miles Per Year 

Do You Drive a Car or a Truck? 

___ ___, ___ ___ ___ 

(00000) none 

(00001-99,995) actual miles 

(99996) 99,996 or greater miles 

(99998) other (specify) ______________________ 

(99999) unknown 

31. What Kind of Driver Training Have ____ ____ 

You Had? 

(00) none 

(01) state recognized, entry-level motorcycle course 

(02) experienced rider course 

(03) high performance/competitive track course 

(04) self taught 

(05) taught by family and/or friends 

(06) state recognized entry-level passenger vehicle 

course 

(07) professional training for a commercial license 

(08) complusory motor vehicle training ordered by judge/ 

police, etc. 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

32. How Many Moving Traffic Convictions ____ ____ 

Have You Had in the Previous 5 Years? 

CODE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MOVING TRAFFIC 

CONVICTIONS - ANY VEHICLE 

(00) none 

(01-96) actual number 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Vehicle Driver Form MVD-7 

33. How Many Motorcycle Moving Traffic ____ ____ 

Crashes Have You Had in the Past 5 Years? 

CODE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PREVIOUS 

MOTORCYCLE CRASHES 

(00) none 

(01-96) actual number 

(99) unknown 

34. How Many Car or Truck Traffic Crashes ____ ____ 

Have You Had in the Past 5 Years? 

CODE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PREVIOUS CAR 

OR TRUCK CRASHES 

(00) none 

(01-96) actual number 

(99) unknown 

35. Do You Currently Ride a Street ____ ____ 

Motorcycle? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(02) refused to answer 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

39. When You Ride or Drive, What is the 

Percentage of Time You Ride a Motorcycle 

Versus Driving Another Type of Vehicle 

INDICATE % OF TOTAL RIDING/DRIVING TIME FOR EACH CATEGORY 

Motorcycle ___ ___ ___ 

Other Vehicle Types ___ ___ ___ 

100% 

(000) first time use 

(001-100) actual percentage 

(997) not applicable 

(999) unknown 

40. When You Ride a Motorcycle, What is the 

Percentage of Time You Use it for Each of These 

Categories? 

INDICATE % OF TOTAL RIDING/DRIVING TIME FOR EACH CATEGORY 

Recreation ___ ___ ___ 

Basic transportation ___ ___ ___ 

100% 

(000) first time use 

(001-100) actual percentage 

(997) not applicable 

(999) unknown 

If not currently operating a motorcycle, code questions 

36-40 as N/A and go to Question 41. 

36. How Long Have You Operated a Street Motorcycle? 

USE ZEROS TO FILL IN BLANKS 

____ ____Years ____ ____ Months 

(00-00) this is the first time 

(00-96) years (00-11) months, actual number 

(97-97) not applicable, not currently riding 

(98-98) other (specify) ____________________________ 

(99-99) unknown 

37. What is The Average Number of Days 

Per Year You Ride Motorcycles? ___ ___ ___ 

(001-365) actual number of days per year 

(997) not applicable, just started 

(998) other (specify) ___________________________ 

(999) unknown 

38. About How Many Miles Per Year 

Do You Ride Motorcycles? ___ ___, ___ ___ ___ 

(00000) none 

(00001-99,995) actual miles 

(99996) 99,996 or greater miles 

(99997) not applicable 

(99998) other (specify) _____________________ 

(99999) unknown 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 

41. How Old Are You? ____ ____ 

(01-96) code actual age in years 

(99) unknown 

42. What State/Country Issued Your 

Current Driver's License? ____ ____ 

(00) no license 

(01) Canada 

(02) California 

(03) other state (list) ______________________________ 

(04) military 

(97) no license required (49cc scooter) 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

43. What Kind of Operator's License is it? ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO 4; INPUT "97" IN REMAINING RESPONSES 

(00) no license held ____ ____ 

(01) learner's permit, only 

(02) motorcycle license ____ ____ 

(03) automobile license 

(04) commercial license ____ ____ 

(05) motorcycle driver and competition license 

(06) license to transport people 

(07) heavy truck license 

(08) no license required (49 cc scooter) 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

Other Vehicle Driver Form MVD-8

44. What Year Was/Were the ___ ___ ___ ___ 

License(s) Issued? 

LISTED IN SAME ORDER AS LICENSES ABOVE ___ ___ ___ ___ 

(9997) not applicable 

(9999) unknown ___ ___ ___ ___ 

___ ___ ___ ___ 

45. Does Your License Qualify You to ____ ____ 

Operate This Motor Vehicle? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

46. Are You of Hispanic or Latino Origin? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(02) refused to answer 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

47. What is Your Race? ____ ____ 

PLEASE SELECT ONE OR MORE, CODE "97" IN OTHERS 

(01) white ____ ____ 

(02) black or African American 

(03) Asian ____ ____ 

(04) Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 

(05) American Indian or Alaska native ____ ____ 

(06) refused to answer 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

48. What is Your Height? _____ ft. ___ ___ in. 

(01-12) actual number 

(9/99) unknown 

49. What is Your Weight? ___ ___ ___ lbs. 

(001-996) actual number 

(999) unknown 

51. How Much Formal Education Have ____ ____ 

You Had? 

(00) no formal schooling 

(01) less than high school diploma 

(02) high school diploma or GED 

(03) partial college/university 

(04) college/university graduate 

(05) graduate school, advanced degree, professional 

degree 

(06) specialty/technical school 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

52. What is Your Current Occupation? ____ ____ 

(01) management occupations 

(02) business and financial 

(03) computer and mathematical 

(04) architecture and engineering 

(05) life, physical, and social science 

(06) community and social services 

(07) legal 

(08) education, training or library 

(09) arts, design, entertainment, sports or media 

(10) healthcare practitioners and technical jobs 

(11) healthcare support 

(12) protective services 

(13) food preparation and serving related 

(14) building and grounds maintenance 

(15) personal care and services 

(16) sales and related occupations 

(17) office and administrative support 

(18) farming, fishing or forestry 

(19) construction or extraction 

(20) installation, maintenance or repair 

(21) transportation and material moving 

(22) military 

(23) full time student 

(97) not applicable, not in workforce at present 

(98) other (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

50. Gender ____ ____ 

(01) male 

(02) female 

(99) unknown 

53. Are You Required to Wear Corrective ____ ____ 

Lenses When Riding/Driving? 

(00) no - SKIP TO #55 

(01) yes 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

54. Were You Wearing Corrective ____ ____ 

Lenses at the Time of the Crash? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(98) other (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
Other Vehicle Driver Form MVD-9 

55. Are You Married? ____ ____ 56. How Many Children Do You Have? ____ ____ 

(01) single (00) none 

(02) married (01) one 

(03) separated (02) two 

(04) divorced (03) three 

(05) widowed (04) four 

(06) cohabitating (05) five 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (06) six or more 

(99) unknown (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
Rider/Occupant Injury Form R/OI - 1 

Rider/Occupant Injury Form Case Number _________________________________ 

Motorcycle or Motor Vehicle Number ____ ____ ____ 

Rider/Occupant Number ____ ____ 

INJURY DATA 

Record below the actual injuries sustained by this occupant that were identified from the official and unofficial data sources. Remember not to double count an injury 

just because it was identified from two different sources. If greater than ten injuries have been documented, encode the balance on the next page. 

ICD-9 

A.I.S. 2005 

Source of 

Injury 

Data 

Body 

Region 

Type of 

Anatomic 

Structure 

Specific 

Anatomic 

Structure 

Level of 

Injury Severity 

1st Injury 

Source 

Injury 

Source 

Conf 

Level 1 

Occupant 

Direct/ 

Indirect 

Injury FCI 

2nd Injury 

Localizer 1 Localizer 2 Source

Injury 

Source 

Conf.

 Level 2 

1 2 3 4 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 5 6 7 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 8 9 10 11 ___ 12 13 14 15 ___ ______ _______ 

16 ___ ___ ___ 17 18 19 ___ ___ ___ ___ 20 21 22 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 ___ ___ ______ _______ 

31 ___ ___ ___ 32 33 34 ___ ___ ___ ___ 35 36 37 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 ___ ___ ______ _______ 

46 ___ ___ ___ 47 48 49 ___ ___ ___ ___ 50 51 52 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 ___ ___ ______ _______ 

61 ___ ___ ___ 62 63 64 ___ ___ ___ ___ 65 66 67 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 ___ ___ ______ _______ 

76 ___ ___ ___ 77 78 79 ___ ___ ___ ___ 80 81 82 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 ___ ___ ______ _______ 

91 ___ ___ ___ 92 93 94 ___ ___ ___ ___ 95 96 97 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 98 99 100 101 ___ 102 ___ 103 104 ______ 105_______ 

106 ___ ___ ___ 107 108 109 ___ ___ ___ ___ 110 111 ___ 112 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 113 114 115 116 ___ 117 ___ 118 119 ______ 120_______ 

121 ___ ___ ___ 122 123 124 ___ ___ ___ ___ 125 126 ___ 127 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 128 129 130 131 ___ 132 ___ 133 134 ______ 135_______ 

136 ___ ___ ___ 137 138 139 ___ ___ ___ ___ 140 141 ___ 142 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 143 144 145 146 ___ 147 ___ 148 149 ______ 150_______ 
Rider/Occupant Injury Form R/OI - 2 

INJURY DATA (continued) 

A.I.S. 2005 

Injury Injury Occupant 

Source of Type of Specific Source Source Direct/ 

Injury Body Anatomic Anatomic Level of 1st Injury 2nd Injury Conf Conf. Indirect 

Data Region Structure Structure Injury Severity Localizer 1 Localizer 2 Source Source Level 1 Level 2 Injury FCI ICD-9 

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _______ 

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _______ 

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _______ 

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _______ 

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _______ 

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _______ 

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _______ 

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _______ 

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _______ 

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _______ 

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _______ 

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _______ 

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _______ 

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _______ 

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _______ 
 

Rider/Occupant Injury Form R/OI - 3 

OCCUPANT INJURY CLASSIFICATION 

Source of Injury Data 

OFFICIAL RECORDS 

(1) autopsy records with or 

without hospital/medical 

records 

(2) hospital/medical records other than 

emergency room (e.g., discharge 

summary) 

(3) emergency room records only 

(including associated X-rays or other 

lab reports) 

(4) private physician, walk-in 

or emergency clinic 

UNOFFICIAL RECORDS 

(5) lay coroner report 

(6) E.M.S. personnel 

(7) interviewee 

(8) other source (specify): 

___________________________ 

(9) police 

Body Region 

(0) other trauma 

(1) head 

(2) face 

(3) neck 

(4) thorax 

(5) abdomen 

(6) spine 

(7) upper extremity 

(8) lower extremity 

(9) external (skin) and thermal 

Type of Anatomic Structure 

(0) whole area NFS 

(1) skin 

(2) vessels 

(3) nerves 

(4) organs (includes 

muscles/ligaments/tendons) 

(5) skeletal 

(6) head - concussive injury 

(7) joints 

Specific Anatomic Structure 

Vessels, Nerves, Organs. Bones, 

Joints are assigned consecutive 

two digit numbers beginning with 

00. 

SEE AIS 2005 CODING MANUAL 

Level of Injury 

Specific injuries are assigned 

consecutive two-digit numbers 

beginning with 00. 

To the extent possible, within the 

organizational framework of the 

AIS, 00 is assigned to an injury 

NFS as to severity or where only 

one injury is given in the dictionary for that anatomic structure. 

99 is assigned to any injury NFS 

as to lesion or severity. 

Severity Code 

(1) minor injury 

(2) moderate injury 

(3) serious injury 

(4) severe injury 

(5) critical injury 

(6) maximum (untreatable) 

(9) injured, unknown severity 

Localizer 

SEE AIS 2005 CODING MANUAL 

Injury Source 

SEE CODES ON NEXT PAGES 

Injury Source Confidence Level 

(1) certain 

(2) probable 

(3) possible 

(9) unknown 

Direct/Indirect Injury 

(1) direct contact injury 

(2) indirect contact injury 

(3) noncontact injury 

(7) injured, unknown source 

Functional Capacity Index (FCI) 

SEE AIS 2005 CODING MANUAL 
Rider/Occupant Injury Form R/OI - 4 

INJURY SOURCES 

Motor Vehicle (MV) FRONT 

(001) Windshield 

(002) Mirror 

(003) Sunvisor 

(004) Steering wheel rim 

(005) Steering wheel hub/spoke 

(006) Steering wheel (combination of codes 

004 and 005) 

(007) Steering column, transmission 

selector lever, other attachment 

(008) Cellular telephone or CB radio 

(009) Add on equipment (e.g., tape deck, 

air conditioner) 

(010) Left instrument panel and below 

(011) Center instrument panel and below 

MV RIGHT SIDE 

(101) Right side interior surface, 

excluding hardware or armrests 

(102) Right side hardware or armrest 

(103) Right A (A1/A2)-pillar 

(104) Right B-pillar 

(105) Other right pillar (specify): 

____________________________ 

(106) Right side window glass 

(107) Right side window frame 

(108) Right side window sill 

(109) Right side window glass including 

one or more of the following: frame, 

window sill, A (A1/A2)-pillar, B-pillar, 

or roof side rail. 

(182) 

(183) 

(184) 

(185) 

(186) 

(187) 

(188) 

(189) 

(190) 

Air bag-passenger side and jewelry 

Air bag-passenger side and object held 

Air bag-passenger side and object in 

mouth 

Air bag compartment cover-passenger 

side 

Air bag compartment cover-passenger 

side and eyewear 

Air bag compartment cover-passenger 

side and jewelry 

Air bag compartment cover-passenger 

side and object held 

Air bag compartment cover-passenger 

side and object in mouth 

Other air bag (specify) 

(408) Additional or relocated switches, 

(specify):_________________________ 

(409) Raised roof 

(410) Wall mounted head rest (used behind 

wheel chair) 

(411) Other adaptive device 

(specify):________________________ 

EXTERIOR OF MV OCCUPANT’S VEHICLE 

(451) Hood 

(452) Outside hardware (e.g., outside mirror, 

antenna) 

(453) Other exterior surface or tires 

(specify):________________________ 

(454) Unknown exterior objects 

(012) Right instrument panel and below 

(013) Glove compartment door 

(014) Knee bolster 

(015) Windshield including one or more of 

the following: front header, A (A1/ 

A2)-pillar, instrument panel, mirror, or 

steering assembly (driver side only) 

(016) Windshield including one or more of

 the following: front header, A (A1/ 

A2)-pillar, instrument panel, or Mirror 

(passenger side only) 

(017) Windshield reinforced by exterior 

object (specify) 

______________________________ 

(019) Other front object (specify): 

______________________________ 

MV LEFT SIDE 

(110) Other right side object (specify): 

____________________________ 

MV INTERIOR 

(151) Seat, back support 

(152) Belt restraint webbing/buckle 

(153) Belt restraint B-pillar or door frame 

attachment point 

(154) Other restraint system component 

(specify):____________________ 

(155) Head restraint system 

(160) Other occupants (specify): 

____________________________ 

(161) Interior loose objects 

(162) Child safety seat (specify): 

____________________________ 

(163) Other interior object (specify): 

____________________________ 

_______________________________ 

(195) Other air bag compartment cover 

(specify) 

_______________________________ 

MV ROOF 

(201) Front header 

(202) Rear header 

(203) Roof left side rail 

(204) Roof right side rail 

(205) Roof or convertible top 

MV FLOOR 

(251) Floor (including toe pan) 

(252) Floor or console mounted 

transmission lever, including console 

(253) Parking brake handle 

(254) Foot controls including parking brake 

EXTERIOR OF OTHER MOTOR VEHICLE 

(501) Front bumper 

(502) Hood edge 

(503) Other front of vehicle (specify): 

________________________________ 

(504) Hood 

(505) Hood ornament 

(506) Windshield, roof rail, A-pillar 

(507) Side surface 

(508) Side mirrors 

(509) Other side protrusions (specify): 

________________________________ 

(510) Rear surface 

(511) Undercarriage 

(512) Tires and wheels 

(513) Other exterior of other motor vehicle 

(specify): 

(051) Left side interior surface, excluding 

hardware or armrests MV AIR BAG MV REAR (514) 

________________________________ 

Unknown exterior of other motor vehicle 

(052) 

(053) 

(054) 

(055) 

Left side hardware or armrest 

Left A (A1/A2)-pillar 

Left B-pillar 

Other left pillar (specify): 

_____________________________ 

(170) 

(171) 

(172) 

(173) 

(174) 

Air bag-driver side 

Air bag-driver side and eyewear 

Air bag-driver side and jewelry 

Air bag-driver side and object held 

Air bag-driver side and object in 

(301) 

(302) 

(303) 

Backlight (rear window) 

Backlight storage rack, door, etc. 

Other rear object (specify): 

______________________________ 

OTHER VEHICLE OR OBJECT IN THE 

ENVIRONMENT 

(551) Ground 

(598) Other vehicle or object (specify): 

(056) 

(057) 

Left side window glass 

Left side window frame (175) 

mouth 

Air bag compartment cover-driver 

MV ADAPTIVE (ASSISTIVE) DRIVING 

EQUIPMENT (599) 

________________________________ 

Unknown vehicle or object 

(058) 

(059) 

(060) 

Left side window sill 

Left side window glass including one 

or more of the following: frame, 

window sill, A (A1/A2)-pillar, B-pillar, 

or roof side rail. 

Other left side object (specify): 

_____________________________ 

(176) 

(177) 

(178) 

(179) 

side 

Air bag compartment cover-driver 

side and eyewear 

Air bag compartment cover-driver 

side and jewelry 

Air bag compartment cover-driver 

side and object held 

Air bag compartment cover-driver 

(401) 

(402) 

(403) 

(404) 

(405) 

Hand controls for braking/acceleration 

Steering control devices (attached to 

OEM steering wheel) 

Steering knob attached to steering 

wheel 

Replacement steering wheel (i.e., 

reduced diameter) 

Joy stick steering controls 

NONCONTACT INJURY 

(601) Fire in vehicle 

(602) Flying glass 

(603) Other noncontact injury source 

(specify): _______________________ 

(604) Air bag exhaust gases 

(697) Injured, unknown source 

side and object in mouth (406) Wheelchair tie-downs 

(180) Air bag-passenger side (407) Modification to seat belts, 

(181) Air bag-passenger side and eyewear (specify): _______________________ 
Rider/Occupant Injury Form	 R/OI - 5 

INJURY SOURCE MOTORCYCLE 151. Blood Alcohol Concentration 

____ . ____ ____ 

BAC = ________mg/dl (701) front crash bars	 (737) foot pegs, footrests 

(702) rear crash bars	 (738) highway pegs/footrests 152. Alcohol/drug impairment?	 ____ ____ (703) engine guard	 (739) side stand (00) no impairment (704) windscreen	 (740) center stand (01) not legally impaired (705) fairing	 (741) muffler/exhaust system (02) legally impaired (706) headlamps	 (742) drive chain/belt (98) other (specify)__________________________ (707) front reflector	 (743) drive shaft 

(708) front turn signals	 (99) unknown (744) tank bag 

(709) instrument panel	 (745) luggage/cargo rack 

(710) GPS/Nav system	 (746) parcel rack 153. Source of BAC information?	 ____ ____

(711) entertainment/radio/CD controls (747) saddle bags (00) not tested 

(712) cruise control	 (748) rear position lamps (01) breath testing

(713) ignition/power control (749) stop lamp (02) blood test 

(714) intercom/2-way radio control (750) rear reflectors (03) urine test 

(715) handlebar	 (751) rear turn signals (04) unknown if tested (716) throttle	 (752) rear tire/wheel 

(717) clutch lever	 (753) rear fender 154.Time span from crash to BAC collection (718) brake lever	 (754) rear brakes 

(719) right side rear view mirrors, posts (755) tools, tool box ___ ___ Hours ___ ___ Minutes (720) left side rear view mirrors, posts (756) cup holder (00-00) no test done (721) front suspension	 (757) side covers (01-12) hours, and (00-60) minutes (722) front tire/wheel	 (758) trailer (98-98) other (specify) ____________________________ (723) front fender	 (759) side car (99-99) unknown (724) front brakes	 (798) other motorcycle component (specify) 

(725) seat	 ____________________________________ 

(726) sissy bar/passenger back rest (799) unknown motorcycle component 155. Type of drugs other than alcohol? ____ ____

(727) side reflectors (00) no drugs other than alcohol

(728) frame	 OTHER (01) stimulant 

(729) grab rails/ hand holds (997) not applicable (02) depressant 

(730) arm rests	 (998) other (specify) (03) drugs taken, type unknown 

(731) fuel tank _____________________________________	 (04) multiple drugs taken (732) auxiliary fuel tank	 (999) unknown injury source (97) not applicable (733) radiator (98) other (specify)__________________ (734) battery, battery box (99) unknown (735) rear brake pedal 

(736) shift lever 156. Source of drugs other than alcohol? ____ ____ 

(00) no drugs other than alcohol 

(01) prescription 

(02) non-prescription, over the counter 

(03) illegal 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 
Rider/Occupant Injury Form R/OI - 6 

OFFICAL INJURY DATA - SOFT TISSUE INJURIES 

Indicate the Location, Specific Anatomic Structure, Detail (size, depth, fracture type, head injury clinical signs and neurological deficits), and Source of all injuries indicated by official 

sources (or from PAR or other unofficial sources if medical records and interviewee data are unavailable. 
Rider/Occupant Injury Form R/OI - 7 

OFFICIAL INJURY DATA - SKELETAL INJURIES 

Indicate the Location, Specific Anatomic Structure, Detail (size, depth, fracture type, head injury clinical signs and neurological deficits), and Source of all injuries indicated by official 

sources (or from PAR or other unofficial sources if medical records and interviewee data are unavailable. 
Rider/Occupant Injury Form R/OI - 8 

Indicate the Location, Specific Anatomic Structure, Detail (size, depth, fracture type, head injury clinical signs and neurological deficits), and Source of all injuries indicated by official 

sources (or from PAR or other unofficial sources if medical records and interviewee data are unavailable. 

OFFICIAL INJURY DATA - INTERNAL INJURIES 
Rider/Occupant Injury Form R/OI - 9 

ISS Region Injury AIS Code Highest AIS in 

3 worst regions 

Highest AIS 

Code Squared 

Head 

Face 

Chest 

Abdominal/Pelvic contents 

Extremities/Pelvic Girdle 

General (external) 

Note: ISS equals the sum of squares of the highest AIS (severity) 

code in each of the three most severly injured areas. 

INJURY SEVERITY SCORE (ISS) WORKSHEET

 157. Injury Severity Score 

158. Trauma Status ____ ____ 

(00) no medical aid sought 

(01) first aid at scene only 

(02) treated at hospital/clinic and 

released 

(03) hospitalized, code number of days 

in Question 159 

(04) disabled, institutionalized 

(05) fatal, dead on scene 

(06) fatal, dead on arrival at hospital 

(07) fatal, code days until death in 

Question 160 

(98) other (specify) 

_____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

159. Number of Days of ____ ____ 

Hospital Admission 

(00) not hospitalized 

(01-95) actual days 

(96) 96 days or more 

(98) other(specify) 

___________________________ 

(99) unknown 

160. Death Within How ____ ____ 

Many Days? 

(00) not fatal 

(01-30) actual days 

(98) other (specify) 

___________________________ 

(99) unknown 

TRAUMA STATUS 
 Environment Enviro-1

Environment Form Case Number __________________________ 

Vehicle Number ____ ____ ____ (ex. MC1, OV2) 

TRAFFICWAY DEFINITION 5. Roadway Function ____ ____ 

(00) none 

(01) interstate/freeway mainline 

(02) freeway entrance ramp 

(03) freeway exit ramp 

(04) freeway transition (freeway to freeway) 

(05) freeway frontage road 

(06) principal arterial, non-freeway 

(07) minor arterial 

(08) collector 

(09) local road/street 

(10) construction detour 

(11) parking area, off-street 

(12) alley 

(13) driveway 

(14) round about or traffic circle (describe) 

__________________________________________ 

(15) overpass mainline 

(16) overpass entrance ramp 

(17) overpass exit ramp 

(18) underpass mainline 

(19) underpass entrance ramp 

(20) underpass exit ramp 

(21) dedicated bicycle/moped path separated from 

ordinary vehicular traffic roadway 

(22) dedicated bicycle/moped path not separated from 

ordinary vehicular roadway 

(23) unseparated HOV lane 

(24) separated HOV lane 

(98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

6. Posted Speed Limit in MPH ____ ____ 

(01-96) actual speed limit 

(97) not applicable, no posted limit 

(98) other (specify) ___________________________ 

(99) unknown 

7. Number of Through Lanes ____ ____ 

(01-08) number of lanes 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

8. Lane Vehicle was Traveling ____ ____ 

(01-09) actual lane number 

(10) right turn only 

(11) left turn only 

(12) vehicle traveling opposite intended traffic, any lane 

(97) not applicable, vehicle not in a lane 

(98) other (specify) 

________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

1. Type of Land Development 

same side of street ____ ____ 

other side of street ____ ____ 

(01) urban industrial 

(02) commercial/business 

(03) housing: apartments 

(04) housing: single-family homes 

(05) urban school 

(06) urban park 

(07) rural farming, ranching, etc. 

(08) rural wilderness 

(09) rural school 

(10) rural park 

(98) other ( specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

2. Relation to Junction ____ ____ 

(00) non-junction 

(01) at-grade intersection area 

(02) interchange area 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

3. Type of At-Grade Intersection ____ ____ 

(00) not at intersection 

(01) four-leg intersection, not skewed 

(02) four-leg intersection, skewed 

(03) T intersection 

(04) Y intersection 

(05) alley, driveway 

(06) offset intersection 

(07) intersection as part of interchange 

(08) roundabout or traffic circle (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(09) multi-leg (five-leg or more) intersection (describe) 

__________________________________________ 

(10) rail/light-rail crossing 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

ROADWAY VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 

4. Trafficway Description ____ ____ 

(01) two-way, undivided 

(02) two-way, with a continuous left-turn lane 

(03) two-way, divided, no median barrier 

(04) two-way, divided, with median barrier 

(05) one-way 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 
 

 

 

 Environment Enviro-2

9. Lane Width In Feet/Inches 

___ ___feet ___ ___ inches 

(01-96) actual number 

(97/97) not applicable, vehicle not in a lane 

(99/99) unknown 

10. Travel-way Width In 

Feet/Inches ___ ___feet ___ ___ inches 

(01-96) actual number 

(97/97) not applicable 

(99/99) unknown 

13. Surface Special Features ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO THREE, THEN CODE 00 

(00) none ____ ____ 

(01) surface cracking (longitudinal, 

transverse) ____ ____ 

(02) spalling (breaking up, splintering) 

(03) potholes 

(04) ruts 

(05) bump 

(06) ripples, ridges 

(07) pavement edge drop 

(08) overbanding and tar snakes (describe) 

__________________________________________ 

(09) bitumen repair (describe) 

__________________________________________ 

(10) tram//train rails 

(11) rumble strips 

(12) grooved pavement 

(13) steel plates 

(14) speed bumps/humps 

(15) bridge grating 

(16) expansion joints 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

14. Vertical Alignment ____ ____ 

(01) level 

(02) upgrade 

(03) crest vertical curve 

(04) downgrade 

(05) sag vertical curve 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

15. Horizontal Alignment ____ ____ 

(01) straight 

(02) curve right 

(03) curve left 

(04) corner right 

(05) corner left 

(06) reverse curve right: turn to right, then left, resuming 

approximate original direction 

(07) reverse curve left: turn to left, then right, resuming 

approximate original direction 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

16. Horizontal Curve Data 

(0000) no curve 

(0001-9996) actual number 

(9998) other (specify) _____________________ 

(9999) unknown 

Radius (ft) ____ ____ ____ ____ 

Chord (ft) ____ ____ 

Middle Ordinate (ft) ____ ____ 

Superelevation rate (%) ____ ____ 

Length of horizontal curve (ft) ____ ____ ____ ____ 

ROADWAY SURFACE 

11. Type of Surface ____ ____ 

(01) concrete 

(02) asphalt 

(03) brick 

(04) stone 

(05) gravel 

(06) dirt 

(07) metallic 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

12. Surface Condition ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO FOUR, THEN CODE 00 

(00) none ____ ____ 

(01) dry 

(02) wet ____ ____ 

(03) snow 

(04) slush ____ ____ 

(05) ice/frost 

(06) water (standing, moving) 

(07) mud, dirt 

(08) sand 

(09) gravel 

(10) oil 

(11) debris (tire tread, construction materials, 

tree limbs, etc.) 

(12) loads dropped from another vehicle 

(98) other (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 
__________________________________________ 

__________________________________________ 

__________________________________________ 

______________________________________ 

__________________________________________ 

 Environment	 Enviro-3

TRAFFIC CONTROLS ON PATH OF TRAVEL 

17. Exclusive Turn Lane Presence	 ____ ____ 19. Was Traffic Control Functioning ____ ____ 

and Type of Signal Phasing Properly? 

(00)	 none (00)	 no, non-operational 

(01)	 no exclusive left-turn lane, permissive LT signal (01) yes
 

phasing
 (02)	 operational, but malfunctioning (ex: signal turn timing 

(02)	 no exclusive left-turn lane, protected/permissive LT is incorrect)
 

signal phasing
 (97)	 not applicable, no traffic control 

(03)	 no exclusive right-turn lane, permissive RT signal (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

phasing (99)	 unknown 

(04)	 no exclusive right-turn lane, protected/permissive RT 

signal phasing 20. Traffic Control Visible to Vehicle ____ ____ (05)	 exclusive left-turn lane, protected-only LT signal Operator? 

phasing with leading green (00)	 no 

(06)	 exclusive left-turn lane, protected-only LT signal (01) yes
 

phasing with lagging green
 (97)	 not applicable, no traffic control 

(07)	 exclusive left-turn lane, protected/permissive LT (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

signal phasing with separate signal face (99)	 unknown 

(08)	 exclusive left-turn lane, protected/permissive LT 

signal phasing with shared signal face 21. Traffic Control Violated by Vehicle ____ ____ (09)	 exclusive right-turn lane, protected-only RT signal Operator 

phasing with leading green (00)	 no 

(10)	 exclusive right-turn lane, protected-only RT signal (01) yes
 

phasing with lagging green
 (97)	 not applicable, no traffic control 

(11)	 exclusive right-turn lane, protected/permissive RT (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

signal phasing with separate signal face (99)	 unknown 

(12)	 exclusive right-turn lane, protected/permissive RT 

signal phasing with shared signal face 22. Traffic Density at Time of Crash ____ ____ (13)	 exclusive turn lane, no traffic signal As reported by: 

(14)	 no exclusive turn lane, no traffic signal 

(98)	 other, specify (00)	 no other traffic 

(01)	 light traffic 

(99)	 unknown (02)	 moderate traffic 

(03)	 heavy traffic, traffic moving 

18. Type of Traffic Control	 ____ ____ (04) heavy traffic, congested roadway 

(00)	 no traffic control - SKIP TO #22 (98)	 other (specify) ______________________________ 

(01)	 yield sign (99)	 unknown 

(02)	 stop sign 

(03)	 three-way, four-way, all-way stop 23. Visibility Limitation Due To	 ____ ____ (04)	 traffic control signal (00)	 not significantly limited 

(05)	 traffic officer (01)	 dust 

(06)	 construction personnel (02)	 smoke 

(07)	 gate, toll gate (03)	 smog 

(08)	 pedestrian crossing (04)	 fog 

(09)	 traffic calming/speed bumps (05)	 precipitation 

(10)	 traffic advisory signage (describe) (06)	 glare 

(07)	 windscreen, visor condition (describe) 

(11)	 traffic warning signage (describe) 

(08)	 misaligned/obscured roadside curved mirror 

(12)	 traffic signal, actuated, two-phase (98)	 other (specify)

(13)	 traffic signal, actuated, multi-phase _________________________________________ (14)	 traffic signal, pre-timed, two-phase (99)	 unknown 

(15)	 traffic signal, pre-timed, multi-phase 

(16)	 traffic control signal, mid-block pedestrian crossing 

(17)	 flasher red 

(18)	 flasher yellow 

(98)	 other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99)	 unknown 
 Environment Enviro-4

24. Direction of Traffic Flow in Lane 

Adjacent to Vehicle right side ____ ____ 

(00) no adjacent lane 

(01) same direction left side ____ ____ 

(02) opposite direction 

(03) both directions 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

25. Parked Vehicle Presence in Lane 

Adjacent to Vehicle right side ____ ____ 

(00) no parked vehicles 

(01) parallel parked vehicles left side ____ ____ 

(02) angle parked vehicles 

(03) loading zone, parked vehicles 

(97) not applicable, no adjacent lane 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

26.Shoulder and Sidewalk Presence 

in Area Adjacent to Vehicle right side ____ ____ 

Lane of Travel 

(00) no shoulder or sidewalk left side ____ ____ 

(01) shoulder, (describe) 

___________________________________________ 

(02) sidewalk, (describe) 

___________________________________________ 

(98) other (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

28. Pavement Markings Material right side ____ ____ 

(00) no markings 

(01) paint left side ____ ____ 

(02) thermoplastic 

(03) raised markers 

(04) tape 

(97) not applicable, no adjacent lane 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

29. Delineator Presence right side ____ ____ 

(00) no delineator 

(01) delineator left side ____ ____ 

(97) not applicable, no adjacent lane 

(98) other (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

30. Roadside Environment right side ____ ____ 

(01) level ground, no remarkable 

features 

(02) grass, ground cover left side ____ ____ 

(03) shrubbery 

(04) dirt, soft soil, sand 

(05) gravel preparation 

(06) sidewalk 

(07) paved or topped surface 

(08) trees, posts 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

31. Roadside Fixed Objects right side ____ ____ 

(00) none 

(01) wall, building, tunnel, etc. left side ____ ____ 

(02) ditch or low lying area, describe 

(03) trees 

(04) impact attenuator/crash cushion 

(05) bridge pier or support 

(06) bridge rail 

(07) culvert, describe _____________________________ 

(08) curb, describe 

___________________________________________ 

(09) embankment foreslope, slope = 1V:xH (describe) 

__________________________________________ 

(10) embankment transverse-slope, slope = 1V:xH 

(describe) _________________________________ 

(11) cut slope, backslope 

(12) guardrail 

(13) concrete traffic barrier 

(14) other traffic barrier 

(15) utility pole, light support 

(16) traffic sign support 

(17) other post, pole or support 

(18) fence 

(19) mailbox 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

PAVEMENT MARKINGS, 

LONGITUDINAL 

27. Longitudinal Pavement Markings 

at the Edge of the Lane Traveled 

by the Vehicle right side ____ ____ 

(00) no markings 

(01) centerline, skip-dash, yellow left side ____ ____ 

(02) centerline, solid, yellow 

(03) centerline, solid double, yellow 

(04) lane line, skip-dash, white 

(05) lane line, solid, white 

(06) edge line, left, yellow 

(07) edge line, right, white 

(08) left-turn lane lines, combination of solid and skipdash, yellow 

(09) turn arrow symbols, thru, left, or combination of two 

(97) not applicable, no adjacent lane 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 
 

 Environment Enviro-5

32. Stationary View Obstructions Along ____ ____ 

the Operator's Line of Sight 

at time of Precipitating Event ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO THREE 

(00) none ____ ____ 

(01) buildings 

(02) signs 

(03) vegetation, trees, bushes, walls, vegetation covered 

fences 

(04) crest vertical curve 

(05) blind horizontal curve 

(06) stationary or parked vehicles 

(07) barricades 

(98) other, specify _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

33. Mobile View Obstructions Along ____ ____ 

the Operator's Line-of-Sight 

at Time of Precipitating Event 

(00) none 

(01) vehicles: automobiles 

(02) vehicles: light trucks and vans 

(03) trucks and busses 

(04) vehicles: special purpose equipment, construction, 

cranes 

(05) farm and/or agricultural equipment 

(06) people, pedestrians 

(07) animals 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

FIRST HARMFUL EVENT 

37. Location of First Harmful Event ____ ____ 

(01) on roadway 

(02) shoulder 

(03) median 

(04) roadside non-median 

(05) gore area 

(06) separator (between arterial and frontage road) 

(07) in parking lane or zone 

(08) off roadway, location unknown 

(09) outside trafficway 

(98) other (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

38. If First Harmful Event is a Non-collision ____ ____ 

(01) overturn 

(02) fire/explosion 

(03) immersion 

(04) jackknife 

(05) cargo/equipment loss or shift 

(06) fell/jumped from motor vehicle 

(07) thrown or falling object 

(97) not applicable, event is a collision 

(98) other (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

39. If First Harmful Event is a Collision ____ ____ 

with Motor Vehicle/Motorcycle, 

Pedestrian, Animal, or Fixed Object 

(01) motor vehicle in transport 

WORK ZONE-RELATED 

34. Was This Crash Work Zone-related? ____ ____ 

(00) no - SKIP TO #37 

(01) yes 

(99) unknown 

(02) parked motor vehicle 

(03) work-zone equipment 

(04) railway/light-rail vehicle 

(05) pedestrian 

(06) pedalcycle 

35. Location of Crash within Work Zone ____ ____ 

(01) before the first work zone warning sign 

(02) advance warning area 

(03) transition area 

(07) motorcycle 

(08) animal 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) 

(04) activity area 

(05) terminal area 

(97) not applicable, not in work zone 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

36. Type of Work Zone ____ ____ 

(01) lane closure 

(02) lane shift/crossover 

(03) work on shoulder or median 

(04) intermittent or moving work 

(97) not applicable, not in work zone 

(98) other (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

__________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 
 Environment Enviro-6

40. If First Harmful Event is a Collision ____ ____ 

with a Fixed Object 

(01) impact attenuator/crash cushion 

(02) bridge overhead structure 

(03) bridge pier or support 

(04) bridge rail 

(05) culvert 

(06) curb 

(07) ditch or low lying area) 

(08) embankment, foreslope 

(09) embankment transverse- slope 

(10) cut slope, backslope 

(11) guardrail non-terminal 

(12) guardrail terminal 

(13) concrete traffic barrier 

(14) other traffic barrier 

(15) trees 

(16) utility pole, light support 

(17) traffic sign support 

(18) traffic signal support 

(19) other post, pole or support 

(20) fence 

(21) mailbox 

(22) wall, building, tunnel, etc. 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

41. Pedestrian Involvement ____ ____ 

(00) none - SKIP TO #44 

(01) yes, pedestrian involved in precipitating event 

(02) yes, pedestrian involved in collision with motorcycle 

or motorcyclist 

(99) unknown 

42. Location of Pedestrian at Ped 1 ____ ____ 

Precipitating Event 

(00) no pedestrian involvement in Ped 2 ____ ____ 

precipitating event - SKIP TO #46 

(01) in crosswalk Ped 3 ____ ____ 

(02) jaywalking 

(03) darting from roadside 

(04) passenger entering or leaving automobile 

(05) passenger entering or leaving public transportation 

(06) darting from roadside near school 

(07) entering or leaving transportation near school 

(97) not applicable, pedestrian not involved in crash 

(98) other (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

43. Location of Pedestrian at Impact Ped 1 ____ ____ 

(00) pedestrian not impacted 

(01) in crosswalk Ped 2 ____ ____ 

(02) jaywalking 

(03) darting from roadside Ped 3 ____ ____ 

(04) passenger entering or leaving automobile 

(05) passenger entering or leaving public transportation 

(06) darting from roadside near school 

(07) entering or leaving transportation near school 

(97) not applicable, no pedestrian involved 

(98) other (specify)

 __________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

44. Animal Involvement ____ ____ 

(00) none - SKIP TO #46 

(01) small dog, less than 20 pounds 

(02) big dog 

(03) cat 

(04) bird 

(05) cow 

(06) horse 

(07) deer 

(08) sheep 

(09) squirrel 

(10) elk 

(11) moose 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

45. Was the Animal Struck? ____ ____ 

(00) no, animal not struck 

(01) yes, animal involved in precipitating event 

(02) yes, animal struck by motorcycle, or involved with 

motorcyclist 

(97) not applicable, no animal involved 

(99) unknown 

CONTRIBUTING ENVIRONMENTAL 

FACTORS SUMMARY 

46. Roadway Design Factors ____ ____ 

(00) no design issue 

(01) roadway design issue present but not a contributing 

factor 

(02) roadway design issue was the precipitating event 

(03) roadway design issue was the primary contributing 

factor 

(04) roadway design issue was a contributing factor 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ________ 

(99) unknown 
___________________________________________ 

___________________________________________ 

 Environment	 Enviro-7

47. Roadway Maintenance Factors ____ ____ 50. Weather Related Problem	 ____ ____ (00)	 no maintenance issue (00)	 no weather related problem 

(01)	 roadway maintenance issue present, but not a (01)	 weather related problem was the precipitating event 

contributing factor (02)	 weather related problem was the primary contributing (02)	 roadway maintenance issue was the precipitating factor 

event (03)	 weather related problem was a contributing factor (03)	 roadway maintenance issue was the primary (97)	 not applicable 

contributing factor (98)	 other (specify) _____________ 

(04)	 roadway maintenance issue was a contributing factor (99)	 unknown 

(97)	 not applicable 

(98)	 other (specify) ______________________________ 51. Effect of the Visual Background of ____ ____ (99)	 unknown the Other Vehicle Along This Vehicle 

Driver/Rider's Line-of-Sight at Time of 48. Traffic Controls Factors	 ____ ____ Precipitating Event (00)	 no traffic control issue or malfunction (00)	 visual background of motor vehicle made no (01)	 traffic controls issue or malfunction present, but not a contribution to conspicuity of the vehicle 

contributing factor (01)	 visual background had a positive effect on vehicle (02)	 traffic controls issue or malfunction was the conspicuity, vehicle was more noticeable 

precipitating event (02)	 visual background had a negative effect on vehicle (03)	 traffic controls issue or malfunction was the primary conspicuity, vehicle was less noticeable 

contributing factor (03)	 no "other vehicle" involved in crash 

(04)	 traffic controls issue or malfunction was a (97)	 not applicable, view obstructed by foreground 

contributing factor (98)	 other (specify) 

(97)	 not applicable, no traffic controls 

(98)	 other (specify) (99)	 unknown 

(99)	 unknown 

49. Traffic Hazard, including Construction	 ____ ____ 

and Maintenance Operations 

(00)	 no temporary traffic hazard or obstruction 

(01)	 temporary traffic obstruction present but not a 

contributing factor 

(02)	 temporary traffic obstruction was the precipitating 

event 

(03)	 temporary traffic obstruction was the primary 

contributing factor 

(04)	 temporary traffic obstruction was a contributing 

factor 

(97)	 not applicable 

(98)	 other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99)	 unknown 
 

Control Motorcycle Mechanical CMM-1 

Control Motorcycle 

Mechanical Form 

Case Number __________________________ 

Control Motorcycle Number ____ ____ 

Data Collected Using Which Method ____ 

(0) control data collection attempted, 

no data obtained 

(1) full stop interview and inspection at crash location 

(2) full stop interview but inspection refused 

(3) full stop - interview refused, but inspection obtained 

(4) identification and telephone follow-up 

(5) remote observation at location: photography, and/or 

video 

(6) at nearby location (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

SPECIFICATIONS 

5. Manufacturer ____ ____ ____ 

_______________________________________________ 

(Write in - do not code) 

6. Model 

_______________________________________________ 

(Write in - do not code) 

7. Year ___ ___ ___ ___ 

(Code the 4-digit year) 

8. Motorcycle Legal Category ____ ____ 

(01) L1 vehicle 

(02) L3 vehicle 

(03) mofa 

(98) other (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

9. Motorcycle Type ____ ____ 

(01) conventional street L1 or L3 vehicle (tank 

between knees), without modifications 

(02) conventional street L1 or L3 vehicle (tank between 

knees), with modifications 

(03) dual purpose, on-road off-road motorcycle 

(04) sport, race replica 

(05) cruiser 

(06) chopper, modified chopper 

WEATHER 

1. Ambient Temperature + ___ ___ ___ 

(code plus (+) or minus (-); degrees F) 

(999) unknown 

2. Weather Description ____ ____ 

(01) clear 

(02) cloudy, partly cloudy 

(03) overcast 

(04) drizzle, light rain 

(05) moderate or heavy rain 

(06) snow 

(07) sleet, freezing rain 

(08) hail 

(98) other, specify _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

3. Wind Description ____ ____ 

(00) none, calm 

(01) light 

(02) moderate 

(03) strong 

(04) light with gusts 

(05) moderate with gusts 

(06) strong with gusts 

(07) variable 

(98) other, specify _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

(07) touring 

(08) scooter 

(09) step-through 

(10) sport-touring 

(11) motorcycle plus sidecar, left 

(12) motorcycle plus sidecar, right 

(13) off-road motorcycle, motocross, enduro, trials 

(14) tri-cycle 

(15) law enforcement 

(98) other (specify)______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

4. Wind Direction With Respect to ____ ____ 

Motorcycle Path 

(00) none, no wind 

(01) left crosswind 

(02) headwind 

(03) right crosswind 

(04) tailwind 

(98) other, specify _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

10. Motorcycle Weight ___ ___ ___ ___ lbs 

(0001-9996) in pounds, as specified 

by manufacturer 

(9999) unknown 

11. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ X X X 

CODE "9" IN ALL SPACES FOR UNKNOWN 
 

 

Control Motorcycle Mechanical CMM-2 

12. Odometer Reading in Miles 

___ ___ ___, ___ ___ ___ 

(000,001 - 999,996) actual miles 

(999,999) unknown 

13. Registered Owner Category ____ ____ 

(01) motorcycle rider 

(02) motorcycle passenger 

(03) operated with consent of owner 

(04) dealer 

(05) stolen 

(97) not applicable, no registration available 

(98) other (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

14. Predominant Color of Motorcycle ____ ____ 

(01) no dominating color, multi-colored 

(02) white 

(03) yellow 

(04) black 

(05) red 

(06) blue 

(07) green 

(08) silver, grey 

(09) orange 

(10) brown, tan 

(11) purple 

(12) gold 

(13) chrome, metallic 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

15. Does The Motorcycle Have Any ____ ____ 

Retroreflective Parts, Material Or Paint? 

(00) no, none 

(01) yes 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

16. Motor Displacement ___ ___ ___ ___ 

CODE NUMBER IN CCS 

(0001-9996) actual number 

(9999) unknown 

17. Number of Cylinders ____ ____ 

Code number of cylinders 

(01-96) actual number 

(99) unknown 

18. Number of Passengers ____ ____ 

(00-96) actual number 

(99) unknown 

19. Cargo/luggage on motorcycle ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO THREE 

(00) no cargo/luggage ____ ____ 

(01) carried on rear rack 

(02) carried in saddle bag ____ ____ 

(03) carried by passenger 

(04) carried on seat or tank ahead of rider 

(05) carried between legs of rider (step through frame or 

scooter) 

(06) carried between rider's arms 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

TIRES 

20. Are The Tires Original Equipment? ____ ____ 

(01) yes 

(02) no, but are standard size 

(03) no, modified size 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

21. Tread Type front ____ ____ 

(00) no tread pattern, slick 

(01) straight rib tread pattern rear ____ ____ 

(02) block pattern, trials type 

(03) knobby pattern, motocross type 

(04) all weather, cross or dog-bone pattern 

(05) all weather, diagonal or diamond pattern 

(06) all weather, angle groove 

(07) racing design, minimum groove design 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

22. Measured Tread Depth front ____ ____ . ___ 

Code in inches and tenths 

(00.0-99.6) actual number rear ____ ____ . ___ 

(99.9) unknown 

23. Are The Wheels Original Equipment? ____ ____ 

(01) yes 

(02) no, but are standard size 

(03) no, modified size 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

SUSPENSION 

24. Is The Suspension Original Equipment? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes, all original equipment 

(02) partially original equipment 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 
 

Control Motorcycle Mechanical CMM-3 

25. Suspension Type - Front ____ ____ 

(00) none, rigid wheel mount 

(01) telescoping tube, conventional lower fork legs 

(02) telescoping tube, inverted fork legs 

(03) springer 

(04) girder 

(05) leading link, single or double sided 

(06) articulated multiple link 

(07) trailing link, single or double sided 

(08) telever (BMW, only) 

(09) lower suspension 

(98) other (specify)______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

26. Suspension Type - Rear ____ ____ 

(00) none, rigid wheel mount 

(01) conventional fork swing arm, double exterior tubular 

shocks 

(02) conventional fork swing arm, mono-shock 

(03) conventional fork swing arm, linkage articulated 

mono-shock 

(04) one-sided swing arm, single exterior tubular shock 

(05) one-sided swing arm, mono-shock 

(06) one-sided swing arm, linkage articulated mono-shock 

(07) lower suspension 

(98) other (specify)______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

FRAME 

30. Has The Frame Been Modified? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

31. Frame Type/Configuration ____ ____ 

(01) step-through, formed sheet metal 

(02) step-through, tubular frame 

(03) conventional tube cradle type with single down tube 

(04) conventional tube cradle type with double down tubes 

(05) backbone type, motor-transmission mounted 

independently 

(06) backbone type, motor-transmission integral with 

frame 

(07) perimeter frame, tube type 

(08) perimeter frame, extrusion element type 

(09) monocoque, shell only structure 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

MISCELLANEOUS COMPONENTS 

32. Is The Motorcycle Equipped With Pedals? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(99) unknown 

BRAKE SYSTEM 

27. Rider Brake Control Type lever/pedal 1 ____ ____ 

(00) none, not present 

(01) hand lever/pedal 2 ____ ____ 

(02) foot 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

28. Brake Control System lever/pedal 1 ____ ____ 

Type 

(01) independent front brake lever/pedal 2 ____ ____ 

(02) independent rear brake 

(03) combined front and rear brakes, CBS 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

29. ABS front ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes rear ____ ____ 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

33. Headlamp Assembly Type ____ ____ 

(00) none 

(01) single headlamp 

(02) double headlamp 

(03) single with auxiliary lights 

(04) double with auxiliary lights 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

34. Was Headlamp Illuminated Prior ____ ____ 

To Stopping For The Interview? 

(00) no 

(01) yes, rider controlled 

(02) yes, "Always On" technology 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

35. Is Motorcycle Equipped With An Airbag? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(99) unknown 
Control Motorcycle Mechanical CMM-4 

36. Is Motorcycle Equipped With Or ____ ____ 40. Has The Exhaust System Been Modified? ____ ____ 

Pulling Any Of The Following? (00) no 

(00) no, not applicable (01) yes, performance equipment; noise level 

(01) side car approximately same as original equipment 

(02) trailer (02) yes, high performance equipment; excessive noise 

(03) training Wheels (98) other (specify) 

(04) outrigger __________________________________________ 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (99) unknown 

(99) unknown 

41. Has The Windshield Been Modified? ____ ____ 

37. Have The Handlebars Been Modified? ____ ____ (00) no 

(00) no, original equipment (01) yes 

(01) yes, clip-on (97) not applicable, no windshield 

(02) yes, clubman or racer (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(03) yes, high sweep or tiller type touring (99) unknown 

(04) yes, high rise 

(05) yes, motocross, off-road 42. Is This Motorcycle Equipped With ____ ____ 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ Crash Bars? 

(99) unknown (00) no 

(01) yes 

38. Has The Seat Been Modified? ____ ____ (02) previously equipped, but crash bars have been 

(00) no removed 

(01) yes (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(98) other (specify)______________________________ (99) unknown 

(99) unknown 

43. Is This Motorcycle Equipped With ____ ____ 

39. Seat Type ____ ____ Engine Guards? 

(01) conventional straddle seat, one level (00) no 

(02) straddle type, two level, raised passenger (01) yes 

(03) bucket, single seat (02) previously equipped, but engine guards have been 

(04) bucket, double seat, one level removed 

(05) bucket, double seat, raised passenger (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(06) single racer seat, tail fairing behind (99) unknown 

(07) single straddle seat, pillion pad behind 

(08) single pad, semi-bench type 

(98) other (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 
Control Motorcycle Mechanical CMM-5 

Codes for each blank cell (unless otherwise noted) 

(00) No 

(01) Yes 

(97) Not applicable 

MOTORCYCLE SUMMARY TABLE 

Front crash bars 

Rear crash bars 

Engine guard 

Windscreen 

Fairing, handlebar or steering 

mounted 

Fairing, frame mounted 

Headlamps 

Headlamp nacelle 

Auxiliary headlamp 

Front position lamp 

Front reflector, yellow 

Front reflector, white 

Front reflector, red 

Front reflector, silver 

Front turn signals 

Speedometer 

Tachometer 

Handlebars 

Throttle 

Clutch lever 

Brake lever 

Right side rear view mirrors, posts 

Left side rear view mirrors, posts 

Front suspension 

Front tire/wheel 

Equipped Original 

Equipment Aftermarket Operational Modified 
Control Motorcycle Mechanical CMM-6 

Frame 

Grab rails/ hand holds 

Fuel tank 

Auxiliary fuel tank 

Motor crankcase, cylinders 

Radiator 

Water hose 

Motor power enhancement 

Transmission case 

Oil tank 

Battery, battery box 

Rear brake pedal 

Shift lever 

Foot pegs, footrests 

Front fender 

Front brakes 

Seat 

Sissy bar/passenger back rest 

Side reflectors, yellow 

Side reflectors, red 

Side reflectors, silver 

Codes for each blank cell 

(unless otherwise noted) 

(00) No 

(01) Yes 

(97) Not applicable 

Equipped Original 

Equipment Aftermarket Operational Modified 

Highway pegs/footrests 

Side stand 

Side stand interlock 

Center stand 

Muffler/exhaust system 

Tank bag 
Control Motorcycle Mechanical 

Codes for each blank cell 

(unless otherwise noted) 

CMM-7 

(00) No 

(01) Yes 

(97) Not applicable Equipped Original 

Equipment Aftermarket Operational Modified 

Luggage/cargo rack 

Parcel rack 

Saddle bags 

Rear position lamps 

Stop lamp 

Rear reflectors, yellow 

Rear reflectors, red 

Rear reflectors, silver 

Rear turn signals 

Rear suspension 

Rear tire/wheel 

Rear fender 

Rear brakes 

Tools, tool box 

Side covers 

Trailer 

Side Car 
 

 

Control Motorcycle Rider CMCR-1 

Control Motorcycle Rider Form Case Number __________________________ 

Control MC Rider Number ________________ 

TRIP INFORMATION 4. About How Many Miles Will The ___ ___ ___ 

Trip Be One Way? 

(001) one mile or less 

(002-995) actual number of miles 

(996) 996 miles or greater 

(997) not applicable 

(999) unknown 

5. How Frequently Do You Travel ____ ____ 

This Road On/In Any Vehicle? 

(01) first time 

(02) daily use, i.e., once per day 

(03) weekly use, i.e., once per week 

(04) monthly use, i.e., once per month 

(05) quarterly, i.e., once per quarter 

(06) annually, i.e., once per year 

(07) less than annually 

(99) unknown 

6. How Long Have You Been Riding 

Today Since Your Trip Departure? 

USE ZEROS TO FILL IN BLANKS

 ___ ___Hours ___ ___Minutes 

(00-96) years (00-59) minutes 

(97-97) not applicable, had not yet begun trip 

(98-98) other (specify) ____________________________ 

(99-99) unknown 

7. How Many Miles Have You Gone ___ ___ ___ 

Since Your Trip Departure? 

(001) one mile or less 

(002-995)actual miles 

(996) 996 or more 

(997) not applicable, had not yet begun trip 

(998) other (specify) ___________________________ 

(999) unknown 

8. What Was Your Travel Speed Just ____ ____ 

Before You Stopped For This Interview? 

(00) stopped 

(01-95) actual miles per hour 

(96) 96 mph or more 

(98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

1. Where Did Your Trip Begin Today? ____ ____ 

(01) home 

(02) work, business 

(03) recreation/social 

(04) school 

(05) errand, shopping 

(06) family, friends, relatives 

(07) meals, restaurant, café, etc. 

(08) transport someone 

(09) medical/dental 

(10) bar, pub 

(11) religious activity 

(12) personal business/obligations 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

2. Did You Do Any Safety Or ____ ____ 

Maintenance Checks On Your 

Motorcycle Before Leaving ____ ____ 

For This Trip? 

CODE UP TO 4 ____ ____ 

(00) none 

(01) exterior, visual inspection, only ____ ____ 

(02) checked fluids 

(03) checked lights 

(04) checked brakes 

(05) checked tire pressure 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

3. What Was Your Trip Destination? ____ ____ 

(01) home 

(02) work, business 

(03) recreation/social 

(04) school 

(05) errand, shopping 

(06) family, friends, relatives 

(07) meals, restaurant, café, etc. 

(08) transport someone 

(09) medical/dental 

(10) bar, pub 

(11) religious activity 

(12) personal business/obligations 

(13) no destination, joy riding 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

HELMET DATA 

9. When You Were Just Riding, Were ____ ____ 

You Wearing A Helmet? 

(00) no 

(01) yes - SKIP TO # 12 

(02) helmet available, but not used 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
Control Motorcycle Rider CMCR-2 

10. What Is Your Reason For Not ____ ____ 

Wearing A Helmet? 

(01) not required by law 

(02) no expectation of accident involvement 

(03) helmets too expensive 

(04) helmets are inconvenient and uncomfortable 

(05) helmets reduce traffic awareness, limit hearing and 

vision 

(06) helmets ineffective in reducing head injury 

(07) helmets cause neck injury 

(08) helmets cannot be used, physical or religious reasons 

(09) do not own a helmet 

(10) forgot to bring helmet today 

(97) not applicable, rider is wearing a helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

11. Do You Ever Wear A Helmet? ____ ____ 

(00) no - SKIP TO # 22 

(01) yes - SKIP TO # 20 

(02) occasionally - SKIP TO # 20 

(97) not applicable, rider is wearing a helmet 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

12. Was/Is Your Helmet Properly ____ ____ 

Adjusted On Your Head? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable, no helmet 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

13. Was/Is Your Helmet Securely ____ ____ 

Fastened To Your Head? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable, no helmet 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

14. What Type Of Helmet Is It? ____ ____ 

(00) not a motorcycle helmet 

(01) half/police motor vehicle, motorcycle helmet 

(02) open face motor vehicle, motorcycle helmet 

(03) full face motor vehicle, motorcycle helmet 

(04) novelty helmet 

(97) not applicable, no helmet 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

15. What Is The Type Of Helmet Coverage? ____ ____ 

(01) partial coverage 

(02) full coverage 

(03) full facial, integral chin bar but no face shield 

(04) full facial, removable chin bar 

(05) full facial, retractable chin bar 

(06) full facial coverage, integral chin bar and face shield 

(07) wrap around face shield 

(08) bubble type face shield 

(09) visor/face shield combo 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

16. What Is The Predominant Color ____ ____ 

Of Your Helmet? 

(01) no dominating color, multi-colored 

(02) white 

(03) yellow 

(04) black 

(05) red 

(06) blue 

(07) green 

(08) silver, grey 

(09) orange 

(10) brown, tan 

(11) purple 

(12) gold 

(13) chrome, metallic 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

17. What Is The Color Of The Face Shield? ____ ____ 

(01) clear 

(02) green 

(03) grey, smoke 

(04) amber, yellow 

(05) blue 

(06) reflective (any color) 

(97) not applicable/no face shield 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

18. Do You Own This Helmet? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

19. How Well Does This Helmet Fit? ____ ____ 

(01) acceptable fit 

(02) too large, too loose 

(03) too small, too tight 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Control Motorcycle Rider CMCR-3 

20. What Percentage Of Time Do You 

Wear Your Helmet When Riding? ___ ___ ___ % 

CODE FROM 001-100 PERCENT 

(000) never wear a helmet - SKIP TO # 22 

(997) not applicable/no helmet 

(999) unknown 

21. Under What Conditions Do You ____ ____ 

Usually Wear Your Helmet? 

CODE UP TO FOUR; INPUT "97" ____ ____ 

FOR REMAINING RESPONSES 

(00) never use helmet ____ ____ 

(01) long trips 

(02) highway traffic ____ ____ 

(03) in adverse weather 

(04) never in hot weather 

(05) always 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

24. When You Were Just Riding, Were ____ ____ 

You Concerned About Any Of 

The Following Issues? ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO THREE; INPUT "00" 

IN REMAINING RESPONSES ____ ____ 

(00) no problems 

(01) conflict with friends, relatives, 

divorce, separation 

(02) work related problems 

(03) financial distress 

(04) school problems 

(05) legal, police problems 

(06) reward stress 

(07) traffic conflict, road rage 

(08) death of family, friend 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

25. How Many Hours Of Sleep Did You ____ ____ 

Have In The Past 24 Hours? 

(00) no sleep 

(01-24) number of hours slept 

(98) other (specify) ____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

IMPAIRMENT 

22. Do You Have Any Of The Following ____ ____ 

Permanent Physical Conditions? 

CODE UP TO THREE; INPUT "00" ____ ____ 26. Did You Drink Any Alcohol Or ____ ____ IN REMAINING RESPONSES 

(00) no ____ ____ 

(01) vision reduction or loss 

(02) hearing reduction or loss 

(03) respiratory, cardiovascular condition 

(04) paraplegia 

(05) amputee 

(06) neurological, epilepsy, stroke 

(07) endocrine system, diabetes, digestive system 

Take Any Drugs Or Medications 

Within The Past 24 Hours? 

(00) no - SKIP TO # 29 

(01) alcohol use, only - SKIP TO # 29 

(02) drug/medication use, only 

(03) combined alcohol and drug/medication use 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

(08) infirmity, arthritis, senility 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

27. What Is The Type Of Drugs Other ____ ____ 

Than Alcohol? 

(00) no drugs other than alcohol 

23. When You Were Just Riding, Were ____ ____ 

You Experiencing Any Of The Following? 

CODE UP TO THREE; INPUT "00" ____ ____ 

(01) stimulant 

(02) depressant 

(03) drugs taken, type unknown 

(04) multiple drugs taken IN REMAINING RESPONSES 

(00) no ____ ____ 

(01) fatigue 

(02) hunger 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

(03) thirst 

(04) elimination urgency 

(05) muscle spasm, cramp, itch 

(06) headache, minor malaise, fever 

(07) siesta syndrome (tired in afternoon) 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

28. What Is The Source Of Drugs ____ ____ 

Other Than Alcohol? 

(00) no drugs other than alcohol 

(01) prescription 

(02) non-prescription, over the counter 

(03) illegal 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

 

 

Control Motorcycle Rider CMCR-4 

29. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)? ___ ___ ___ 

CODE RESULTS IN MG/100ML 

(000) negative BAC 

(995) BAC tested, results not known 

(996) BAC not tested 

(998) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(999) unknown 

30. Source Of BAC Information? ____ ____ 

(00) not tested 

(01) breath testing 

(02) unknown if tested 

(03) tested, results unknown 

(04) tested, results not available 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown source 

35. How Long Have You Operated The 

Motorcycle You Were Just Riding? 

USE ZEROS TO FILL IN BLANKS

 ___ ___Years ___ ___ Months 

(00-00) less than two weeks 

(00-96) years (00-11) months 

(97-97) not applicable 

(98-98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99-99) unknown 

36. What Is The Average Number Of ___ ___ ___ 

Days Per Year You Ride Motorcycles? 

(001-365) actual number of days per year 

(997) not applicable, first time 

(998) other (specify) ___________________________ 

(999) unknown 

37. About How Many Miles Per ___ ___, ___ ___ ___ 

Year Do You Ride Motorcycles? 

(00000) none 

(00001-99,995) actual miles 

(99996) 99,996 or greater miles 

(99998) other (specify) ______________________ 

(99999) unknown 

38. What Kind Of Motorcycle Training ____ ____ 

Have You Had? 

(00) none 

AFTER ALL OTHER RESPONSES, SKIP TO # 40 

(01) state recognized, entry-level motorcycle course 

(02) experienced rider course 

(03) high performance/competitive track course 

(04) self taught 

(05) taught by family and/or friends 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

39. Please Tell Me The Reason For Not ____ ____ 

Taking Motorcycle Safety Training 

THEN SKIP TO # 41 

(01) not offered 

(02) enrolled for future date 

(03) tried unsuccessfully to enroll 

(04) not interested/don't need it 

(05) cost 

(97) not applicable, took training 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

RIDING/DRIVING EXPERIENCE 

31. Are You The Owner Of This Motorcycle? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

32. Where Did You Purchase This ____ ____ 

Motorcycle? 

(01) dealership (store front or internet) 

(02) family, friend, or neighbor 

(03) newspaper want ad or internet ad 

(04) motorcycle was a gift 

(97) not applicable, rider does not own this motorcycle 

(98) other (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

33. How Long Have You Owned This Motorcycle?

 USE ZEROS TO FILL IN BLANKS

 ___ ___Years ___ ___ Months 

(00-00) less than two weeks 

(00-96) years (00-11) months 

(97-97) not applicable, rider does not own this motorcycle 

(98-98) other (specify) 

_________________________________________ 

(99-99) unknown 

34. How Long Have You Operated A Street Motorcycle? 

USE ZEROS TO FILL IN BLANKS 

___ ___Years ___ ___ Months 

(00-00) less than two weeks 

(00-96) years (00-11) months 

(97-97) not applicable 

(98-98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99-99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Control Motorcycle Rider CMCR-5 

40. In What Years Have You Taken ___ ___ ___ ___ 46. How Long Have You Been Driving 

Any Formal Motorcycle Training? Any Kind Of Motor Vehicle? 

BEGIN WITH YOUR MOST RECENT COURSE ___ ___ ___ ___ 

AND WORK BACKWARDS ___ ___Years___ ___ Months 

CODE UP TO THREE ___ ___ ___ ___ (00-00) less than two weeks 

(9997) not applicable (00-96) years (00-11) months 

(9999) unknown (97-97) not applicable 

(98-98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

41. How Old Were You When You ____ ____ (99-99) unknown 

First Began To Ride A Street 

Motorcycle? 47. How Many Miles Per ____ ____ ,____ ____ ____ 

CODE ACTUAL AGE Year Do You Drive A 

(00) never rode before, or rarely ever rides Car Or Truck? 

(01-96) actual age (00000) none, do not drive car or truck 

(98) other (specify) ____________________________ (00001-99995) actual miles 

(99) unknown (99996) 99996 or greater miles 

(99998) other (specify) _____________________ 

42. Were There Years In Which You ____ ____ (99999) unknown 

Did Not Ride A Motorcycle? 

(00) no - SKIP TO # 44 48. Have You Had Any Car Or Truck ____ ____ (01) yes Driver Training? 

(97) not applicable, never before rode (00) no training 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (01) self taught 

(99) unknown (02) taught by friends or family 

(03) official driver training class 

43. How Many Years Was Your Most ____ ____ (04) voluntary drivers education 

Recent Hiatus? (05) compulsory drivers education 

(00) never stopped riding (06) professional training for commercial license 

(01-96) actual number of years (07) compulsory motor vehicle training ordered by judge/ 

(97) not applicable, never before rode police/etc. 

(98) other (specify) ____________________________ (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown (99) unknown 

44. When You Ride or Drive, What is the Percentage 49. How Many Moving Traffic Convictions ____ ____ of Time You Ride a Motorcycle Versus Driving Have You Had In The Previous 5 Years? 

Another Type of Vehicle CODE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MOVING TRAFFIC 

INDICATE % OF TOTAL RIDING/DRIVING TIME FOR EACH CATEGORY CONVICTIONS - ANY VEHICLE 

(00) none 

Motorcycle ___ ___ ___ (01-96) actual number 

(99) unknown 

Other Vehicle Type ___ ___ ___ 

100% 50. How Many Motorcycle Moving ____ ____ (000) first time use Traffic Crashes Have You Had 

(997) not applicable In The Past 5 Years? 

(999) unknown CODE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PREVIOUS MOTORCYCLE CRASHES 

(00) none 

45. When You Ride A Motorcycle, What Is (01-96) actual number 

The Percentage Of Time You Use It For (99) unknown 

Each Of These Categories? 

INDICATE % OF TOTAL RIDING/DRIVING TIME FOR EACH CATEGORY 51. How Many Car Or Truck Traffic ____ ____ 

Crashes Have You Had In The 

Recreation ___ ___ ___ Past 5 Years? 

CODE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PREVIOUS CAR OR TRUCK CRASHES 

Basic transportation ___ ___ ___ (00) none 

100% (01-96) actual number 

(000) first time use (99) unknown 

(997) not applicable 

(999) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
Control Motorcycle Rider CMCR-6 

52. How Much Experience Do You Have ____ ____ 

Riding With Passengers 

On A Motorcycle? 

(00) never carry passengers 

(01) first time carrying passenger(s) 

(02) very little experience 

(03) moderate experience 

(04) extensive experience 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

53. How Much Experience Do You ____ ____ 

Have Riding With Cargo/Luggage? 

(00) no experience with cargo/luggage 

(01) first time 

(02) seldom carries similar cargo/luggage 

(03) frequently carries similar cargo/luggage 

(04) always carries similar cargo/luggage 

(97) not applicable 

(99) unknown 

58. If In a Formation, Where Was Your ____ ____ 

Motorcycle Placed In The Formation? 

(00) not in formation 

(01) front area 

(02) middle area 

(03) rear area 

(97) not applicable, no group 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING/GEAR 

WHEN RIDING 

59. What Kind Of Clothing Is On Your ____ ____ 

Upper Body 

(00) none - SKIP TO #61 

(01) light cloth garment, i.e., thin cotton 

(02) medium cloth garment, i.e., denim, nylon 

(03) heavy cloth garment, i.e., imitation leather 

(04) leather garment 

(05) Kevlar 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

60. Is This Upper Body Clothing ____ ____ 

Motorcycle-Oriented? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable/no clothing 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

61. What Kind Of Clothing Is On Your ____ ____ 

Lower Body? 

(00) none - SKIP TO # 63 

(01) light cloth garment, i.e., thin cotton 

(02) medium cloth garment, i.e., denim, nylon 

(03) heavy cloth garment, i.e., imitation leather 

(04) leather garment 

(05) Kevlar 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

62. Is This Lower Body Clothing ____ ____ 

Motorcycle-Oriented? 

(01) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable/no clothing 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

63. Are You Wearing An Inflatable ____ ____ 

Safety Vest? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

RIDING HABITS 

54. Are You A Motorcycle Club Member? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(99) unknown 

55. Were You Riding With Other ____ ____ 

Motorcyclists? 

(00) no - SKIP TO # 58 

(01) yes 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

56. How Many Other Motorcycles Were ____ ____ 

In The Group? 

(00) none, no group 

(01-95) code number of motorcycles 

(96) 96 motorcycles or more 

(98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

57. Was The Group Riding In A Specific ____ ____ 

Formation? 

(00) no formation - SKIP TO #59 

(01) single file 

(02) staggered 

(03) side-by-side 

(97) not applicable, no group 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

Control Motorcycle Rider CMCR-7 

64. What Kind Of Shoes Or Boots Are ____ ____ 69. Is Any Of This Clothing Retroreflective? ____ ____ 

You Wearing? CODE UP TO 3 RESPONSES 

(00) no shoes or boots, barefoot - SKIP TO # 67 (00) no retroreflective clothing or gloves ____ ____ 

(01) light sandal (01) upper body (shirt/jacket/vest) 

(02) medium street shoe, loafer (02) lower body (pants/ shorts) ____ ____ 

(03) athletic, training shoe (03) gloves 

(04) heavy shoe or boot (04) special arm bands, or similar items 

(05) reinforced work boot or motorcycle boot (97) not applicable, no clothing or gloves 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown (99) unknown 

65. Does This Footwear Go Up Over Your ____ ____ 

Ankle? 70. What is The Clothing Color Of The Following? 

(00) no 

(01) yes Upper body clothing ____ ____ 

(97) not applicable, no footwear worn 

(98) other, specify _______________________________ Lower body clothing ____ ____ 

(99) unknown 

Footwear ____ ____ 

66. Is The Footwear Motorcycle-Oriented? ____ ____ 

(00) no Gloves ____ ____ 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable, no footwear worn (01) no dominating color, multi-colored 

(99) unknown (02) white 

(03) yellow 

67. What Kind Of Gloves Are You Wearing? ____ ____ (04) black 

(00) none - SKIP TO # 69 (05) red 

(01) light cloth garment, i.e., thin cotton (06) blue 

(02) medium cloth garment, i.e., denim, nylon (07) green 

(03) heavy cloth garment, i.e., imitation leather (08) silver 

(04) leather garment (09) orange 

(05) Kevlar (10) brown 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (11) purple 

(99) unknown (12) gold 

(13) grey 

68. Are The Gloves Motorcycle-Oriented? ____ ____ (97) not applicable/no clothing 

(00) no (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(02) yes, full fingered (99) unknown 

(03) yes-shorties 

(97) not applicable, no gloves worn 71. Are You Required To Wear Corrective ____ ____ 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ Lenses When Riding/Driving? 

(99) unknown (00) no 

(01) yes 

(98) other (specify)______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

72. What Kind Of Eye Protection Are ____ ____ 

You Wearing Now? 

(00) none - SKIP TO # 74 

(01) non-prescription clear glasses 

(02) prescription clear glasses 

(03) non-prescription sunglasses 

(04) prescription sunglasses 

(05) goggles, non-prescription 

(06) goggles, prescription 

(07) industrial safety glasses 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Control Motorcycle Rider CMCR-8 

73. What Color Is The Eye Coverage Lens? ____ ____ 

(01) clear 

(02) green 

(03) grey, smoke 

(04) amber, yellow 

(05) blue 

(06) reflective (any color) 

(97) not applicable, not wearing eye coverage 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

78. How Many Times Have You Acquired 

A Motorcycle Learner's Permit? ____ ____ 

(00) never 

(01-96) actual number of times 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

79. How Long Have You Held A Motorcycle License?

 ___ ___ Years___ ___ Months 

USE ZEROS TO FILL IN BLANKS 

(00-00) less than two weeks 

(00-96) years (00-11) months 

(97-97) not applicable, no license held 

(98-98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99-99) unknown 

80. Are You Of Hispanic Or Latino Origin? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(02) refused to answer 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

81. What is Your Race? ____ ____ 

PLEASE SELECT ONE OR MORE, CODE "97" IN OTHERS 

(01) white ____ ____ 

(02) black or African American 

(03) Asian ____ ____ 

(04) Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 

(05) American Indian or Alaska native 

(06) refused to answer 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

82. What Is Your Height? ____ft. ____ ____ in. 

(01-12) actual number 

(9 99) unknown 

83. What is Your Weight in Pounds? ___ ___ ___ 

(001-995) actual number 

(999) unknown 

84. Gender ____ ____ 

(01) male 

(02) female 

(99) unknown 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 

74. How Old Are You? ____ ____ 

CODE ACTUAL AGE IN YEARS 

(01-95) actual age 

(96) 96 or more 

(99) unknown 

75. What State/Country Issued Your ____ ____ 

Current Driver's License? 

(00) no license 

(01) Canada 

(02) California 

(03) other State (list)______________________________ 

(04) military 

(97) no license required (49cc scooter) 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

76. What Kind Of Operator's License Is It? ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO 4; INPUT "97" 

IN REMAINING RESPONSES ____ ____ 

(00) no license held 

(01) learner's permit, only ____ ____ 

(02) motorcycle license 

(03) automobile license ____ ____ 

(04) commercial license 

(05) motorcycle driver and competition license 

(06) license to transport people 

(07) heavy truck license 

(08) no license required (49 cc scooter) 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

77. What Year Was/Were The ___ ___ ___ ___ 

License(s) Issued? 

LISTED IN SAME ORDER AS LICENSES ABOVE ___ ___ ___ ___ 

(9997) not applicable 

(9999) unknown ___ ___ ___ ___ 

___ ___ ___ ___ 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
Control Motorcycle Rider CMCR-9 

85. How Much Formal Education Have ____ ____ 

You Had? 

(00) no formal schooling 

(01) less than high school diploma 

(02) high school diploma or GED 

(03) partial college/university 

(04) college/university graduate 

(05) graduate school, advanced degree, professional 

degree 

(06) specialty/technical school 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

86. What is Your Current Occupation? ____ ____ 

(01) management occupations 

(02) business and financial 

(03) computer and mathematical 

(04) architecture and engineering 

(05) life, physical, and social science 

(06) community and social services 

(07) legal 

(08) education, training or library 

(09) arts, design, entertainment, sports or media 

(10) healthcare practitioners and technical jobs 

(11) healthcare support 

(12) protective services 

(13) food preparation and serving related 

(14) building and grounds maintenance 

(15) personal care and services 

(16) sales and related occupations 

(17) office and administrative support 

(18) farming, fishing or forestry 

(19) construction or extraction 

(20) installation, maintenance or repair 

(21) transportation and material moving 

(22) military 

(23) full time student 

(97) not applicable, not in workforce at present 

(98) other (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

87. Are You Married? ____ ____ 

(01) single 

(02) married 

(03) separated 

(04) divorced 

(05) widowed 

(06) cohabitating 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

88. How Many Children Do You Have? ____ ____ 

(00) none 

(01) one 

(02) two 

(03) three 

(04) four 

(05) five 

(06) six or more 

(97) more than six 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
Control Motorcycle Passenger CMCP-1 

Control Motorcycle 

Passenger Form 

Case Number __________________________ 

Control MC Passenger Number ________________ 

HELMET DATA 6. What Type Of Helmet Is It? ____ ____ 

(00) not a motorcycle helmet 

(01) half/police motor vehicle, motorcycle helmet 

(02) open face motor vehicle, motorcycle helmet 

(03) full face motor vehicle, motorcycle helmet 

(04) novelty helmet 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

7. What Is The Type Of Helmet Coverage? ____ ____ 

(01) partial coverage 

(02) full coverage 

(03) full facial, integral chin bar but no face shield 

(04) full facial, removable chin bar 

(05) full facial, retractable chin bar 

(06) full facial coverage, integral chin bar and face shield 

(07) wrap around face shield 

(08) bubble type face shield 

(09) visor/face shield combo 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

8. What Is The Predominant Color Of ____ ____ 

Your Helmet? 

(01) no dominating color, multi-colored 

(02) white 

(03) yellow 

(04) black 

(05) red 

(06) blue 

(07) green 

(08) silver, grey 

(09) orange 

(10) brown, tan 

(11) purple 

(12) gold 

(13) chrome, metallic 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

9. What Is The Color Of The Face Shield? ____ ____ 

(01) clear 

(02) green 

(03) grey, smoke 

(04) amber, yellow 

(05) blue 

(06) reflective (any color) 

(97) not applicable/no face shield 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

1. Before This Interview, Were You ____ ____ 

Wearing A Helmet? 

(00) no 

(01) yes - SKIP TO # 4 

(02) helmet available but not used 

(08) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(09) unknown 

2. What Is Your Reason For Not ____ ____ 

Wearing A Helmet? 

(01) not required by law 

(02) no expectation of crash involvement 

(03) helmets too expensive 

(04) helmets are inconvenient and uncomfortable 

(05) helmets reduce traffic awareness, limit hearing and 

vision 

(06) helmets ineffective in reducing head injury 

(07) helmets cause neck injury 

(08) helmets cannot be used, physical or religious reasons 

(09) do not own a helmet 

(10) forgot to bring helmet today 

(97) not applicable, rider always wears a helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

3. Do You Ever Wear A Helmet? ____ ____ 

(00) no - SKIP TO #14 

(01) yes - SKIP TO # 12 

(02) occasionally - SKIP TO # 12 

(97) not applicable, passenger is wearing a helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

4. Was/Is Your Helmet Properly ____ ____ 

Adjusted On Your Head? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable, no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

5. Was/Is Your Helmet Securely ____ ____ 

Fastened To Your Head? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable, no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

 

Control Motorcycle Passenger CMCP-2 

10. Do You Own This Helmet? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

11. How Well Does This Helmet Fit? ____ ____ 

(01) acceptable fit 

(02) too large, too loose 

(03) too small, too tight 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

12. What Percentage Of Time Do ____ ____ ____ 

You Wear Your Helmet (When 

Riding As A Passenger)? 

CODE FROM 001 - 100 PERCENT 

(001-100) percent helmet worn 

(997) not applicable/ no helmet 

(999) unknown 

13. Under What Conditions Do You ____ ____ 

Usually Wear Your Helmet? 

CODE UP TO FOUR; INPUT "97" FOR ____ ____ 

REMAINING RESPONSES 

(00) never uses helmet ____ ____ 

(01) long trips 

(02) highway traffic ____ ____ 

(03) in adverse weather 

(04) never in hot weather 

(05) always 

(97) not applicable/no helmet 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

15. When You Were Just Riding, Were ____ ____ 

You Experiencing Any Of The Following? 

CODE UP TO THREE; INPUT "00" IN ____ ____ 

REMAINING RESPONSES 

(00) no ____ ____ 

(01) fatigue 

(02) hunger 

(03) thirst 

(04) elimination urgency 

(05) muscle spasm, cramp, itch 

(06) headache, minor malaise, fever 

(07) siesta syndrome (tired in afternoon) 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

16. When You Were Just Riding, Were ____ ____ 

You Concerned About Any Of 

The Following Issues? ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO THREE; INPUT "00" IN 

REMAINING RESPONSES ____ ____ 

(00) no problems 

(01) conflict with friends, relatives, divorce, separation 

(02) work related problems 

(03) financial distress 

(04) school problems 

(05) legal, police problems 

(06) reward stress 

(07) traffic conflict, road rage 

(08) death of family, friend 

(98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

17. How Many Hours Of Sleep Did You ____ ____ 

Have In The Past 24 Hours? 

(00) no sleep 

(01-24) number of hours slept 

(98) other (specify) ____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

18. Did You Drink Any Alcohol Or Take ____ ____ 

Any Drugs Or Medications In The 

Past 24 Hours? 

(00) no - SKIP TO # 21 

(01) alcohol use, only - SKIP TO # 21 

(02) drug/medication use, only 

(03) combined alcohol and drug/medication use 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

19. Did You Take Any Type Of Drugs ____ ____ 

Other Than Alcohol? 

(00) no drugs other than alcohol 

(01) stimulant 

(02) depressant 

(03) drugs taken, type unknown 

(04) multiple drugs taken 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify)______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

IMPAIRMENT 

14. Do You Have Any Of The Following ____ ____ 

Permanent Physical Conditions? 

CODE UP TO THREE; INPUT "00" IN ____ ____ 

REMAINING RESPONSES 

(00) no ____ ____ 

(01) vision reduction or loss 

(02) hearing reduction or loss 

(03) respiratory, cardiovascular condition 

(04) paraplegia 

(05) amputee 

(06) neurological, epilepsy, stroke 

(07) endocrine system, diabetes, digestive system 

(08) infirmity, arthritis, senility 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

Control Motorcycle Passenger CMCP-3 

20. What Is The Source Of These Drugs ____ ____ 

Other Than Alcohol? 

(00) no drugs other than alcohol 

(01) prescription 

(02) non-prescription, over the counter 

(03) illegal 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

21. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)? ___ ___ ___ 

CODE RESULTS IN MG/100ML 

(000) negative BAC 

(995) BAC tested, results not known 

(996) BAC not tested 

(998) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(999) unknown 

22. Source of BAC Information? ____ ____ 

(00) not tested 

(01) breath testing 

(02) unknown if tested 

(03) tested, results unknown 

(04) tested, results not available 

(98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(99) unknown source 

26. What Is The Average Number Of ___ ___ ___ 

Days Per Year You Ride As A 

Passenger On Motorcycles? 

(001-365) code actual number of days per year 

(999) unknown 

27. What Kind Of Motorcycle Training ____ ____ 

Have You Had? 

(00) none 

(01) state recognized, entry-level motorcycle course 

(02) experienced rider course 

(03) high performance/competitive track course 

(04) self taught 

(05) taught by family and/or friends 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

28. When You Travel as a Passenger, What is the 

Percentage of Time You Ride on a Motorcycle 

Versus Riding as a Passenger in Another 

Type of Vehicle? 

INDICATE % OF TOTAL RIDING TIME AS A PASSENGER FOR EACH 

CATEGORY 

Motorcycle ___ ___ ___ 

Other vehicle type ___ ___ ___ 

100% 

(000) first time use 

(001-100) actual percent 

(997) not applicable 

(999) unknown 

29. When You Ride A Motorcycle As A Passenger, 

What Is The Percentage Of Time It Is For Each 

Of These Categories? 

INDICATE % OF TOTAL RIDING TIME AS A PASSENGER FOR 

EACH CATEGORY 

Recreation ___ ___ ___ 

Basic transportation ___ ___ ___ 

100% 

(000) first time use 

(001-100) actual percent 

(997) not applicable 

(999) unknown 

RIDING/DRIVING EXPERIENCE 

23. How Long Have You Been Riding 

as a Passenger on This Motorcycle?

 ___ ___ Years ___ ___ Months 

(00 00) less than two weeks 

(00-96) years (00-11) months, actual time 

(97-97) not applicable/no previous experience, first time 

(99-99) unknown 

24. How Long Have You Been Riding 

As A Passenger In Any Kind Of 

Motor Vehicle?

 ___ ___ Years ___ ___ Months 

(00 00) less than two weeks 

(00-96) years (00-11) months, actual time 

(97-97) not applicable/no previous experience, first time 

(99-99) unknown 

25. How Long Have You Ridden As A 

Passenger On Any Street Motorcycle? 

___ ___ Years ___ ___ Months 

(00 00) less than two weeks 

(00-96) years (00-11) months, actual time 

(97-97) not applicable/no previous experience, first time 

(99-99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

Control Motorcycle Passenger CMCP-4 

30. How Much Experience Do You ____ ____ 

Have Riding As A Passenger 

On Motorcycles? 

(00) never rode as a passenger before 

(01) very little experience 

(02) moderate experience 

(03) extensive experience 

(98) other (specify)_______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

31. How Many Motorcycle Moving ____ ____ 

Traffic Crashes Have You Had As 

a Passenger In the Past 5 Years? 

CODE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PREVIOUS MOTORCYCLE CRASHES 

(00) none 

(01-96) actual number 

(99) unknown 

32. How Many Car or Truck Traffic ____ ____ 

Crashes Have You Had as a 

Passenger in the Past 5 Years? 

CODE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PREVIOUS CAR OR TRUCK CRASHES 

(00) none 

(01-96) actual number 

(99) unknown 

36. Is This Lower Body Clothing ____ ____ 

Motorcycle-Oriented? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable/no clothing 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

37. Are You Wearing An Inflatable ____ ____ 

Safety Vest? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

38. What Kind Of Shoes Or Boots Are ____ ____ 

You Wearing? 

(00) no shoes or boots, barefoot - SKIP TO # 41 

(01) light sandal 

(02) medium street shoe, loafer 

(03) athletic, training shoe 

(04) heavy shoe or boot 

(05) reinforced work boot or motorcycle boot 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

39. Does This Footwear Go Up Over Your ____ ____ 

Ankle? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable, no footwear worn 

(98) other (specify) 

__________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

40. Is The Footwear Motorcycle-Oriented? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable, no footwear worn 

(99) unknown 

41. What Kind Of Gloves Are You Wearing? ____ ____ 

(00) none - SKIP TO # 43 

(01) light cloth garment, i.e., thin cotton 

(02) medium cloth garment, i.e., denim, nylon 

(03) heavy cloth garment, i.e., imitation leather 

(04) leather garment 

(05) Kevlar 

(98) other (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING/GEAR 

WHEN RIDING 

33. What Kind Of Clothing Is On Your ____ ____ 

Upper Body? 

(00) none - SKIP TO # 35 

(01) light cloth garment, i.e., thin cotton 

(02) medium cloth garment, i.e., denim, nylon 

(03) heavy cloth garment, i.e., imitation leather 

(04) leather garment 

(05) Kevlar 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

34. Is This Upper Body Clothing ____ ____ 

Motorcycle-Oriented? 

(00) no 

(01) yes 

(97) not applicable/no clothing 

(98) other (specify) _____________________________ 

(99) unknown 

35. What Kind Of Clothing Is On Your ____ ____ 

Lower Body? 

(00) none - Skip to # 37 

(01) light cloth garment, i.e., thin cotton 

(02) medium cloth garment, i.e., denim, nylon 

(03) heavy cloth garment, i.e., imitation leather 

(04) leather garment 

(05) Kevlar 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

 

 

 

Control Motorcycle Passenger CMCP-5 

42. Are The Gloves Motorcycle-Oriented? ____ ____ 

(00) no 

(01) yes, full fingered 

(02) yes, shorties 

(97) not applicable, no gloves worn 

(98) other (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

43. Is Any of This Clothing Retroreflective? ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO 3 RESPONSES 

(00) no retroreflective clothing or gloves ____ ____ 

(01) upper body (shirt/jacket/vest) 

(02) lower body (pants/ shorts) ____ ____ 

(03) gloves 

(04) special arm bands, or similar items 

(97) not applicable, no clothing or gloves 

(98) other (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

44. What Is The Clothing Color Of The Following? 

Upper body clothing ____ ____ 

Lower body clothing ____ ____ 

Footwear ____ ____ 

Gloves ____ ____ 

(01) no dominating color, multi-colored 

(02) white 

(03) yellow 

(04) black 

(05) red 

(06) blue 

(07) green 

(08) silver 

(09) orange 

(10) brown 

(11) purple 

(12) gold 

(13) grey 

(97) not applicable/no clothing 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

45. What Kind of Eye Protection Are ____ ____ 

You Wearing Now? 

(00) none - SKIP TO # 47 

(01) non-prescription clear glasses 

(02) prescription clear glasses 

(03) non-prescription sunglasses 

(04) prescription sunglasses 

(05) goggles, non-prescription 

(06) goggles, prescription 

(07) industrial safety glasses 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

46. What Color Is The Eye Coverage Lens? ____ ____ 

(01) clear 

(02) green 

(03) grey, smoke 

(04) amber, yellow 

(05) blue 

(06) reflective (any color) 

(97) not applicable, not wearing eye coverage 

(98) other (specify) 

___________________________________________ 

(99) unknown 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 

47. How Old Are You? ____ ____ 

CODE ACTUAL AGE IN YEARS 

(01-96) actual age 

(99) unknown 

48. Where Did You Get Your Current ____ ____ 

Driver's License? 

(00) no license 

(01) Canada 

(02) California 

(03) other state (list) ______________________________ 

(04) military 

(97) no license required (49 cc scooter) 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

49. What Kind Of Operator's License Is It? ____ ____ 

CODE UP TO 4; INPUT "97" IN REMAINING RESPONSES 

(00) no license held ____ ____ 

(01) learner's permit, only 

(02) motorcycle license ____ ____ 

(03) automobile license 

(04) commercial license ____ ____ 

(05) motorcycle driver and competition license 

(06) license to transport people 

(07) heavy truck license 

(97) not applicable 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

50. What Year Was/Were The ___ ___ ___ ___ 

License(s) Issued? 

LISTED IN SAME ORDER AS LICENSES ABOVE ___ ___ ___ ___ 

(9997) not applicable, no license 

(9999) unknown ___ ___ ___ ___ 

___ ___ ___ ___ 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
 

Control Motorcycle Passenger CMCP-6 

51. Are You Of Hispanic Or Latino Origin? ____ ____ 57. What Is Your Current Occupation? ____ ____ 

(00) no (01) management occupations 

(01) yes (02) business and financial 

(02) refused to answer (03) computer and mathematical 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (04) architecture and engineering 

(99) unknown (05) life, physical, and social science 

(06) community and social services 

52. What Is Your Race? ____ ____ (07) legal 

PLEASE CODE ONE OR MORE, CODE "97" IN OTHERS (08) education, training or library 

(01) white ____ ____ (09) arts, design, entertainment, sports or media 

(02) black or African American (10) healthcare practitioners and technical jobs 

(03) Asian ____ ____ (11) healthcare support 

(04) Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander (12) protective services 

(05) American Indian or Alaska native (13) food preparation and serving related 

(06) refused to answer (14) building and grounds maintenance 

(97) not applicable (15) personal care and services 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (16) sales and related occupations 

(99) unknown (17) office and administrative support 

(18) farming, fishing or forestry 

53. What Is Your Height? ____ft. ____ ____ in. (19) construction or extraction 

(01-12) actual number (20) installation, maintenance or repair 

(99) unknown (21) transportation and material moving 

(22) military 

54. What Is Your Weight? ____ ____ ____ (23) full time student 

IN POUNDS (97) not applicable, not in workforce at present 

(001-996) actual number (98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(999) unknown (99) unknown 

55. Gender ____ ____ 58. Are You Married? ____ ____ 

(01) male (01) single 

(02) female (02) married 

(99) unknown (03) separated 

(04) divorced 

56. How Much Formal Education Have ____ ____ (05) widowed 

You Had? (06) cohabitating 

(00) no formal schooling (98) other (specify) _______________________________ 

(01) less than high school diploma (99) unknown 

(02) high school diploma or GED 

(03) partial college/university 59. How Many Children Do You Have? ____ ____ 

(04) college/university graduate (00) none 

(05) graduate school, advanced degree, professional (01) one 

degree (02) two 

(06) specialty/technical school (03) three 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ (04) four 

(99) unknown (05) five 

(06) six or more 

(98) other (specify) ______________________________ 

(99) unknown 

OMB No. 2125-0619 
DOT HS 811 280

June 2010