KANSAS MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPORT CODING MANUAL

Special Notes on Traffic Units
Traffic units are mechanically or electrically powered motor vehicles in-transport (not including
personal conveyance devices like electric wheelchairs or sidewalk scooters), all pedestrian types
(See page 10 - Special Notes on Pedestrians), and trains involved with a motor vehicle. A traffic unit
includes all parts of the traffic unit, including towed units or anything transported by the traffic unit. If
parts of the traffic unit or its cargo become detached, it is still considered a part of the traffic unit until
the parts or cargo come to rest (motionless). Motor vehicles in-transport have maneuvers (some of
which are not in motion) and positions in trafficways.
Remember, vehicles stopped in traffic due to normal traffic flow are NOT considered “parked.” Per
federal guidelines, these vehicles are considered “in-transport” and are recorded as normal traffic
units (01, 02, etc.). DO NOT record legally parked vehicles or non-contact vehicles as normal traffic
units (###). Record their information after recording and numbering all regular traffic units involved if
possible. Do not repeat unit numbers for any type of traffic unit. Example of proper coding: 01
(traffic unit #1), N02 (non-contact unit), X03 (legally parked unit). Improper coding would be 01, X01,
and N01.
When completing information on each person involved in the accident, list:
Their association with a traffic unit or as a traffic unit, and code their seat type (position)
Include all passengers whether injured or not (this includes bus passengers)
o Exception: Record train passengers only if they are injured (does not apply to train crew)
Individual’s age and gender
The use of safety equipment and injury severity
EMS transport of each involved person taken to a hospital
For people associated with motor vehicles, indicate whether they are ejected or trapped.
Witness information should be listed in the Narrative (form 851)
Special Notes on Parked Vehicles
The distinction of motor vehicles in-transport eliminates legally parked vehicles; legally parked
vehicles (X-Units: X3) are not “normal” traffic units. Likewise, non-contact vehicles (N-Unit: N2) are
not considered “normal” traffic units because contact is not made with another traffic unit. Legally
parked vehicles may have positions in trafficways, but do NOT have maneuvers. Sometimes
there is confusion concerning how to record legally or illegally parked vehicles involved in accidents.
Please use the follow as a guide:
ILLEGALLY PARKED (Normal Traffic Unit...01, 02, etc)
A part or all of the vehicle is in the driving lanes (unless on-street parking allows such)
Examples: door open in driving lanes, cargo in driving lanes, car running in driving lanes, nonemergency
vehicle providing assistance in driving lanes, attached trailer in driving lanes, etc.
Disabled vehicles in driving lanes are considered illegally parked.
LEGALLY PARKED (X Unit...X2, X3, etc)
No part of the vehicle is in the driving lanes (unless on-street parking allows such)
Transport vehicle parked in roadway unloading cargo
Emergency vehicle parked with emergency lights on (police, tow, fire, ambulance, etc)
Construction / utility vehicle parked with caution lights on and/or cones and signs
Note: Injured occupants of legally parked vehicles are PED Type 25 & recorded on 854 form.
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