VOLUNTEER COOPERATION IN COMPLETING NEW SHORT CRASH FORM WILL HELP DDOT COMPILE DATA ON PROPERTY DAMAGE CRASHES

VOLUNTEER COOPERATION IN COMPLETING NEW SHORT CRASH FORM WILL HELP DDOT COMPILE DATA ON PROPERTY DAMAGE CRASHES The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is seeking the public’s cooperation in using a new short crash form to enable the agency to better identify crash locations throughout the District. DDOT is unveiling a new short crash form for drivers involved in non-injury fender-bender incidents. The District will use the Property Damage ONLY Crash Form to identify locations where these minor crashes occur, crashes typically not reported through the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). MPD typically takes a report only when a crash involves an injury, damage to District or Federal property, a public transportation vehicle, or the motor vehicle sustains body or mechanical damage that renders it inoperable. DDOT will only use data collected from these less severe crash reports to implement programs to improve road safety for all users on District roads. With drivers’help in reporting these crashes, the District can target these crash locations and be better able to prioritize and address these problems before they escalate into more serious and/or fatal crashes. Residents can obtain the Property Damage ONLY Crash Form from an MPD officer, and DDOT urges drivers to keep the forms in their vehicle’s glove compartment. The packet includes a prepaid envelope and multiple copies that allow users to exchange driver information. The Property Damage ONLY form will also be available online on the DDOT and MPD websites. Bicyclists and pedestrians are also encouraged to submit the form if they are involved in a non-injury collision with a vehicle.