KANSAS MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPORT CODING MANUAL

DEFINITIONS / CLARIFICATIONS
ACCIDENT: An unstabilized situation which includes at least one motor vehicle in-transport and at
least one harmful event. For the purpose of this manual, accident fully implies “motor vehicle
accident.”
AGGRESSIVE / ANTAGONISTIC DRIVING: A contributing circumstance code representing the
actions of a driver. Such actions are with the intent to display a driver’s irritation towards others or
about circumstances. Intimidation, fear, and threats are attributes of this display.
Aggression: an offensive action…an unprovoked attack.
Antagonism: actively expressed opposition or hostility.
Examples: tailgating (intentional), improper passing, shinning bright lights, etc. (Note: This is NOT the
same as a road-rage incident.)
This code should only be used when evidence, either physical or witnessed, indicates aggressive
action by a driver. In addition, this code is not a substitute for other codes such as followed too
closely. It should be used in conjunction with any and all codes that apply to the accident.
BUS: A bus is a motor vehicle with seating for transporting nine or more persons, including the driver.
BOOSTER SEATS: Used when a child outgrows the child seat and is normally between ages 4-8
and/or 40-80 lbs. This seat is intended to raise the child up so the shoulder and lap belts can properly
protect. Keep in mind that booster seats can be no, low, or high back and can have their own safety
belt restraint system.
CATACLYSM: A cataclysm is a cloudburst (very intense rain), downburst (very strong winds from a
storm), tornado, earthquake, flood, or lightning. Accidents resulting from a cataclysm are not
considered state-reportable accidents.
Exclusions (reportable accidents):
1. Rain, snow, fog, hail, sleet, freezing rain, strong winds (less than 74 mph), etc.
2. An old tree falling only due to a rotting root system.
3. Shallow standing water.
CARRYING ROUTE: Applies only to Kansas, US, and Interstate highways: Where two highways ride
together, the carrying route is the higher classed route or, if the same class, the lower numbered route.
The On Road Name field should always reflect the carrying route in these cases.
Example: U040 rides on I070. I070 therefore is the carrying route (interstate is highest class).
COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE: A commercial motor vehicle is any motor vehicle used for the
transportation of goods, property or people in interstate or intrastate commerce.
CMV Inclusions:
— Motor vehicles providing transportation of goods, property, or people for hire
— Privately-owned motor vehicles providing transportation of privately-owned goods or property in
furtherance of a business enterprise.
— Privately-owned motor vehicles providing passenger transportation in furtherance of a business
enterprise.
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