To be most effective a traffic records system should provide a detailed profile of the jurisdiction's cash experience. This includes the specific locations of the crashes, whether it is an intersection or road segment. It should also provide detail of the over-represented characteristics of crashes. In short the traffic records system should be an analysis system rather than an archival system. The difference is that instead of simply being a method to store data the records system should analyze the data reported by the police officer and summarize all the characteristics of each crash and subsequently each location where those crashes are occurring.
Computers make data storage and retrieval a fairly easy process.
Unfortunately, many computer programs designed for traffic records are nothing more that automated archival systems. To provide a benefit in decision making, traffic records software should be capable of analysis and be able to produce clear and succinct reports. One such analysis system has been in use in Virginia for over a decade. MTRS was designed and continues as an analysis system to assist the police administrator make highway safety management decisions. MTRS, originally DOS based software, provides public safety agencies with an analysis of crashes occurring in their communities.