An assessment of the criminology significance of motor vehicle crash data within the criminal justice context

Abstract

This research assessed the criminological significance of motor vehicle crash data within the criminal justice context. The study was conducted at the southern region Accident Bureau of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD). The objectives of this research are to: a. Explore and describe the extent and criminological impact of road traffic crashes on a macro level. b. Explore and describe the impact of road traffic crashes on a micro level. c. Explain the criminological significance of road traffic crash data in relation to effective road safety management. d. Evaluate and describe the attendance and recording procedure of road crashes. e. Evaluate and describe the supervisor’s responsibility in relation to the quality of crash data recorded. f. Evaluate and describe the effectiveness of crash statistics accessed by management and/or officials. g. Evaluate and explain the current prosecution procedure as part of the CJS. h. Evaluate existing policy about the crash-recording process applicable to operational law enforcement practitioners of the EMPD. i. Explore and describe the current state of motor vehicle insurance and its necessity from a criminological perspective. The researcher followed a mixed-methods approach, collecting quantitative data from recorded Accident Report Forms and qualitative data from interviews with participants active in their fields of expertise. Road crashes are characterised by injury and damage; victims suffer trauma and economic consequences, and the society and the economy as a whole are affected. The research suggests that accurate road crash data form a crucial component in the investigation, prosecution and development of road safety strategies in the quest towards improved road safety efforts. It also indicates that existing crash data are of such a sub-standard that traffic professionals will not be able to develop effective and efficient road safety strategies in pursuit of road safety