Abstract

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published the Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria (6th Edition) (MMUCC) in 2024. This updated version of the MMUCC contains recommendations for improving and standardizing electronic crash data. Its guidelines address the collection and presentation of 105 data elements and 1,056 data attributes. To facilitate a possible redesign of Kentucky’s crash reporting process, Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) researchers reviewed the updated criteria and evaluated the degree to which the state complies with its recommended methods of gathering, storing, and presenting crash data. At the level of data elements, Kentucky is 25 percent compliant; for data attributes the state is 60 percent compliant. Adopting or more fully implementing several MMUCC recommended best practices can improve Kentucky’s crash reporting system: (1) Develop a web- or wizard-based interface tailored to the state’s unique reporting needs; (2) Link the crash reporting system to other databases so the system can retrieve data from external sources and use them to autopopulate data fields; (3) Structure lists and menus so they are intuitive to navigate and consistent with user expectations; (4) Incorporate visual aids and organize crash reports so their flow aligns with how officers mentally process crash information; (5) Use design features and logic structures that minimize errors and provide clear instructions for correcting errors; and (6) Involve system users in the design, construction, and testing of the crash reporting system so they can provide feedback to improve its functionality. Taking these high-level best practices as a starting point, the report advances multiple strategies to enhance the user interface and functionality of the state’s crash reporting system.

Report Date

9-2025

Report Number

KTC-26-07

Digital Object Identifier

https://doi.org/10.13023/ktc.rr.2026.07

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