Overhauling the Manner of Crash Field

Baton Rouge, LA – The Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) has announced an update to the Louisiana Uniform Crash Report (LUCR) and Louisiana eCrash software that will improve the accuracy of Manner of Crash data reported throughout the state.

The update, which was released in January, is comprised of multiple changes to the LUCR and Louisiana eCrash reporting software. Those changes include:

• Removal of several Manner of Crash codes to simplify the number of options (reducing code options from twenty-two to eighteen)
• Renaming of several Manner of Crash codes to better coincide with the described movements
• Addition of a severe warning when users select code “980. Other” to indicate that this selection must only be made if no other option is applicable/appropriate
• A display of the Manner of Crash field on its own page in the Louisiana eCrash application
• Ability for Louisiana eCrash users to select a diagram that corresponds with the code they are reporting in lieu of making a selection from a dropdown

The updates to the report and system intend to make reporting Manner of Crash fields to the state more user-friendly and intuitive. In turn, CARTS is hopeful that these changes will lead to improved accuracy so that law enforcement, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), and other stakeholders throughout the state of Louisiana can make informed decisions based upon quality data.

Crash investigators and data users may access documentation regarding specific changes to the Louisiana Uniform Crash Report on the documentation page of the CARTS website.

About CARTS

The Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) is responsible for collecting, maintaining, integrating, analyzing and distributing crash-related data captured from law enforcement and other agencies throughout the State of Louisiana. CARTS utilizes this data to develop business intelligence (BI) and GIS tools, perform project studies, and produce an annual factbook. These tools and publications are used by decision-makers to identify potential problem areas, create countermeasures, set policies, and establish programs to improve the safety of our roadways in Louisiana. CARTS is a center within the E.J. Ourso College of Business at LSU.

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Contact: CARTS (carts@lsu.edu)
Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety
225-578-0366