Question 1

Where does FMCSA crash data come from?

Accepted Answer

FMCSA crash data is reported by state law enforcement agencies through the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS). Only crashes that meet the DOT reportable threshold are included: a fatality, an injury requiring immediate medical treatment away from the scene, or a vehicle towed from the scene.

Question 2

What counts as a DOT-reportable crash?

Accepted Answer

A crash is DOT-reportable if it involves a commercial motor vehicle and results in at least one of: a fatality, a bodily injury requiring immediate medical treatment away from the scene, or one or more vehicles being towed from the scene due to disabling damage.

Question 3

What is a tow-away crash?

Accepted Answer

A tow-away crash is one where at least one vehicle involved sustained enough damage that it could not be driven from the scene and had to be towed. This is the most common category of DOT-reportable crash and serves as a proxy for crash severity.

Question 4

Does a crash on a carrier's record mean they were at fault?

Accepted Answer

No. FMCSA crash records do not include fault determination. All DOT-reportable crashes involving a carrier's vehicles are recorded regardless of which party was at fault. FMCSA uses crash data as one indicator in their Safety Measurement System (SMS) but recognizes that not all crashes are preventable.

Question 5

How far back does the crash data go?

Accepted Answer

Our crash trend data goes back several years, with the time range selectable on each chart. FMCSA's Safety Measurement System typically uses a 24-month rolling window for safety scoring purposes.

Safety

Crashes Over Time

Tow-Away Crashes

Frequently Asked Questions

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