110.5 Collision Investigation Manual Flashcards
What is the purpose of the collision investigation manual?
To develop policy and uniform procedures for documenting collisions within the framework of SWITRS and the Vehicle Code.
Is every CA law enforcement agency required to forward a copy of every traffic collision to the CHP?
No. Only injury and fatal tc. Agencies are encouraged to send PDO collisions. Authority comes from VC.
How often does SWITRS produce routine reports on categorizations of traffic collisions?
Quarterly.
The CHP shall document the following motor vehicle collisions:
Motor vehicle traffic collisions on freeways. Motor vehicle traffic collisions occurring on unincorporated streets and highways. Motor vehicle non-traffic collisions in unincorporated areas involving: Injury or death, Hit and run, DUI. School bus collisions. Motor vehicle traffic and non-traffic collisions on state property patrolled as a function of the Safety Service Program or in cities contracting with the Department for patrol functions. Bicycle collisions occurring on a highway within Department responsibility. Collisions involving a vehicle being used on Department business within a city, only when local agency procedures do not require documentation of the collision.
What shall the basic form of collision documentation be?
Investigation. (In limited situations, a Report may be completed)
Traffic collision investigations and reports must be prepared, reviewed, and approved within what time frame?
8 days.
Collision reports shall normally be available to the public within how many days?
8 working days.
Under what conditions shall a collision be documented as an investigation?
Seven conditions: Fatality on or off highway. Traffic collision involving injury. School bus collision. All collisions resulting in an in-custody arrest for 2800.1 VC, 20002 VC, or 23152 VC. Collisions results in an identifiable violation that is collision-related. Collision involves 20002 VC and there is sufficient follow-up info to identify the suspect. State-owned vehicle involved in a collision.
Does a motor vehicle non-traffic (off-highway) collision involving injury have to be documented as an investigation?
No. May be documented as a report.
Divisions can approve REPORT documentation of a traffic collision involving complaint of pain injury; however, what conditions must exist for a REPORT to be taken?
No visible physical injuries. Party refused medical treatment at the scene. Party is not transported to a medical facility.
An injury traffic collision can be documented as a REPORT provided which conditions exist?
Officer witnessed the collision-causing violation and issues a citation at the scene. Collision is late-reported. Approved by Division for complaint of pain injury only and parties refused medical treatment at the scene and were not transported to a medical facility.
Can officers allow parties in PDO collisions to exchange information in lieu of a formal report if they so desire?
Yes. Officers shall advise of financial responsibility requirements. (page 1-7)
Is a chain reaction collision considered to be a single collision?
Yes.
What are the classifications of injuries for collisions?
Fatal, Severe injury, Other visible injury, Complaint of pain
Can a counter report be taken for a late-reported, injury collision?
No. Non-injury collisions only.
Who completes counter reports?
The involved party. (May be assisted by an officer.)
Are counter reports processed into the SWITRS database?
No.
Is a tillerman assisting the driver in the operation of an articulated fire truck a driver?
No. A tillerman is considered a passenger.
Does the term “highway” include shoulders and sidewalks?
Yes.
Is a privately-maintained road considered a “highway?”
No.
Who must have access to the road for it to be considered a “highway?”
Must be open to the public and publicly maintained.
Is the portion of a roadway that is closed for construction considered a “highway?”
No.
If officers have a lane closed for accident investigation and another collision occurs in the closure, is that second collision a traffic or non-traffic collision?
Non-traffic collision. That portion of the roadway was not open for use by the public.
What is the definition of “in-transport?”
State or condition of a vehicle when it is in use primarily for moving persons or property (includes the vehicle itself.)
Is an abandoned vehicle in the roadway considered to be in-transport?
Yes. Motor vehicles are considered in-transport when in the roadway whether moving, stopped, stalled, disabled, or abandoned.
Is a motor vehicle in a designated parking stall considered to be in-transport?
No. Vehicles in parking stalls, on shoulders, or off the highway are in-transport only when they are moving.
Is the death of a fetus of a pregnant woman involved in a traffic collision considered a fatal injury?
Yes, if the coroner attributes the death to the collision.
What determines if a collision is a late-reported collision?
If it was reported after the first opportunity to make such a report.
How long after a collision can it be reported as a late-reported collision?
Up to 1 year after the date of occurrence of the collision.
Does the Department document late-reported PDO collisions?
No.
If a suspect is involved in a collision as a result of bullets fired into the vehicle from an officer’s weapon, is the incident “legal intervention” of a “tc?”
Legal intervention.
Does a motorized bicycle always have pedals and is it subject to collision reporting requirements?
Does not always have pedals. Is subject to collision reporting.
Is a moped considered a motor vehicle when the motor is not operating?
Yes.
If a trailer being pulled by a motor vehicle becomes detached and is involved in a collision, is that trailer considered to be a motor vehicle?
Yes.
Is a wheel chair considered to be a motor vehicle?
No.
What is the definition of a motor vehicle non-traffic collision?
A motor vehicle collision involving a vehicle in-transport occurring at a place entirely other than a highway.
What is the definition of a motor vehicle traffic collision?
A motor vehicle collision that occurs on a highway or which occurs after the motor vehicle runs off the road but before events stabilize.
Is injury of damage sustained from a motor vehicle fire considered a motor vehicle traffic collision?
Yes, if the motor vehicle is in-transport.
Would the accidental poisoning from carbon monoxide generated from a motor vehicle in-transport be considered a motor vehicle traffic collision?
Yes.
Does a motor vehicle traffic collision include a person injured after being thrown against some part or object in a motor vehicle?
Yes.
Is a collision involving only the participants of a sanctioned on-highway bicycle event considered a traffic collision?
No.
When should a person be considered a non-contact involved party to a collision?
When that person commits a violation that directly causes another party to become involved in a collision and that violation is corroborated by a disinterested witness, physical evidence, or statements.
Can an unmarked motor vehicle, with no siren or emergency lights, involved in a collision qualify for an on-duty emergency vehicle collision?
Yes, if publicly owned and operated by a peace officer or firefighter.
Can a vehicle leased to a law enforcement agency, fire or ambulance company be considered an on-duty emergency vehicle?
Yes, only if the vehicle has been leased for 3 or more consecutive days.
When can a privately owned ambulance be considered an on-duty emergency vehicle?
Only if issued a permit by the CHP. (Section 165 (f) VC)
Is a person sitting behind the wheel of a parked motor vehicle not in-transport considered a driver?
No. Considered to be a passenger.
Where in California would the CHP not investigate a school bus collision?
No where. CHP takes school bus collisions anywhere in the state.
Which types of vehicles qualify as a “school bus” for collision documented purposes?
School bus, School pupil activity bus (SPAB), Youth bus, General Public Paratransit Vehicle (GPPV)
