However, modifications to definitions and values may be made to reduce the size of the data set. The Guideline will not attempt to organize the proposed data elements and their attribute values into a reporting format. It also will not present coding values for the element values. States have the option of designing the format and content of their police crash report and the most appropriate data collection system and data coding conventions to meet their needs. Data for analytical purposes will be derived from existing data elements or other data files whenever possible.
States have the option to expand the data set to meet state specific needs.
Data elements describing the location, date, time, persons involved, and others are important for police to document the events at the scene. When standardized, they are also useful for linking to other state data.