This synthesis will be of interest to highway department administrators, accident records personnel, information systems and data processing management personnel, highway traffic and safety engineers, drivers' licensing officials, state and local police, as well as federal agencies, industries, traffic safety associations, and others responsible for the collection, analysis, and use of accident data. Information is provided on national accident data banks in addition to state and local practice associated with accident data collection, analysis, and evaluation. This synthesis describes current practice with respect to the characteristics and importance of accident data quality, including the reporting and data collection procedures, the analysis and quality control measures employed, and the communications systems used. This report of the Transportation Research Board discusses accident records systems, including data sources and users, considers the effects of inadequate data on analyses, and reviews data acquisition and processing programs that have had good results in the states using them. Recommendations for improving operating systems and for additional research are included.

The study involves the development of an accident data reporting process for use in construction, maintenance, or utility work areas. The process is based on the results of a 9 state survey which collected information on practices and procedures which were in use in those states.