Miami Personal Injury Lawyer

2006 Florida Traffic Crash Definitions

The following terms are defined as they apply to the crash data presented in this publication. These definitions may differ from legal or other uses of the same terms.

Alcohol-related traffic crash A crash involving a driver and/or pedestrian for whom alcohol use was reported (does not presume intoxication).

Bicycle A vehicle propelled solely by human power or a motorized bicycle propelled by a combination of human power and an electric helper motor rated at 200 watts or less (this term does not include a vehicle with a seat height less than 26 inches from the ground when the seat is adjusted to its highest position, or a scooter or similar device).

Bicyclist The driver of a bicycle. A passenger on a bicycle is considered a vehicle passenger.

Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) Means any motor vehicle or motor vehicle combination used on

the streets or highways which:

1) has a gross, declared, or actual weight rating of 26,001pounds or more;

2) is designed to transport more than 15 persons, including the driver; or

3) is transporting hazardous materials and is required to be placarded.

Driver Unless otherwise indicated, the operator of a motor vehicle or bicycle. Driver data typically exclude uninjured persons presumed to have been operating hit-and-run, phantom, or properly parked vehicles.

Drinking driver Indicates investigating officer's judgment on whether a driver was using alcohol. Codes include alcohol-under influence, alcohol and drugs-under influence, and had been drinking.

Fatal traffic crash A traffic crash that results in one or more fatalities within thirty days of occurrence.

Harmful events Identifies the first and subsequent harmful events for each vehicle in a traffic crash.

Injury Hurt, damage, or loss sustained by a person as a result of a traffic crash. Definitions for the various injury levels are as follows:

Injury crash A non-fatal traffic crash that results in one or more injuries.

Long form Refers to a crash report prepared by a law enforcement officer where there has been a crash resulting in bodily injury, the death of a person or where a specified criminal offense has been committed.

Moped A motor-powered cycle with a pedal-activated motor and a maximum of two brake horsepower.

Motor vehicle Any motorized vehicle not operating on rails.

Motorcycle A motor vehicle, with a seat or saddle for the driver's use, traveling with no more than three wheels in contact with the ground, excluding a tractor or a moped.

Motorcyclist The driver of a motorcycle. A passenger on a motorcycle is considered a vehicle passenger.

Short form Refers to a crash report in which the threshold of the long form does not apply. Therefore, a long form report is not prepared. In crashes where apparent damage is less than $500, the law enforcement officer shall provide each party involved in the crash a short form prescribed by the state, to be completed by each party of the parties.

Traffic crash A crash involving at least one motor vehicle on a roadway that is open to the public.

Traffic fatality The death of a person as a direct result of a traffic crash

Vehicle occupants Drivers and passengers of automobiles, vans, trucks, buses, and motor homes.