Voluntary Crash Data Guideline Developers Welcome Comments to Update MMUCC

Law enforcement and others that use the Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria (MMUCC) Guideline are invited to attend a workshop that will allow them to help update and revise the MMUCC Guideline. The workshop will take place on Thursday, July 26, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at the Millennium Hotel in St. Louis. It is being held in conjunction with the 33rd International Forum on Traffic Records, which is set for July 22-26 in the same location.

“The Traffic Records Forum attracts the nation’s leading authorities on collecting and using crash and other data to make our roadways safer, and attendees will provide invaluable input at the workshop,” says Barbara Harsha, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), which is a co-sponsor of the MMUCC update effort. “The MMUCC Guideline plays a critical role in programs to prevent deaths and injuries caused by crashes, and we encourage Traffic Records Forum attendees to participate in the workshop and help us update this useful safety tool.”

The MMUCC Guideline represents a “model” minimum data set that can be adapted as necessary to meet a state’s specific needs. The first edition of the MMUCC Guideline was jointly developed in 1998 by GHSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Federal Highway Administration, with the collaboration of other federal agencies, and numerous state and local agencies and organizations. The second edition was published in 2003 with the additional sponsorship of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

A panel of experts has updated the MMUCC data elements every five years since they were established, and the next updated version will be released in 2008. The workshop at the Traffic Records Forum is an important milestone leading up to the release of the next version of MMUCC, and it will help to ensure that the Guideline accurately reflects current traffic safety research and data collection objectives.

“A variety of stakeholders have provided input in every phase of MMUCC development, and that has played a key role in its success,” continues Harsha. “The workshop at the Traffic Records Forum is a unique opportunity for us to tap into the expertise of respected leaders in the highway safety community.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in three breakout sessions focusing on crash, vehicle, and person data elements, along with a closing session featuring group reports, implementation strategies, and open questions and discussion. A continental breakfast and a lunch will be provided. There is no cost to participate in the MMUCC update meeting, but if you would like to attend the Traffic Records Forum sessions you must pay registration fees.

For information visit www.mmucc.us or www.ghsa.org.