State crash data portals: how to find crashes in your community
How to use your state's crash database to spot dangerous roads and push for fixes
National crash data tell the big story. But if you want to know whether the intersection by your child’s school is dangerous, you need local data. That usually means your state’s crash database.
Every state collects police crash reports. Many now share the data through online portals, maps and dashboards. This guide explains what is in them, gives examples and shows how to use the data to make a difference.
What state crash data include
State databases usually include every crash reported to police that meets the state’s reporting rules, such as an injury or damage above a set dollar amount. Records often show:
- Date, time and location
- Road type, weather, lighting and road surface
- Number and type of vehicles, including bikes and pedestrians
- Crash type, such as rear end, angle or run off the road
- Injury severity for each person
- Factors police recorded, such as speed, alcohol or failure to yield
Personal details such as names and addresses are usually removed from public versions.
Injury severity: the KABCO scale
Most states rate injuries with a five level scale:
Comparison compiled by Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
The KABCO injury scale used in crash reports
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| K | Fatal injury |
| A | Suspected serious injury |
| B | Suspected minor injury |
| C | Possible injury |
| O | No apparent injury (property damage only) |
Source: Standard injury severity scale used in police crash reports nationwide.
Safety planners focus on K and A crashes, often called fatal and serious injury crashes.
Examples of state crash portals
Connecticut. The Connecticut Crash Data Repository, hosted by the University of Connecticut, offers crash data from state and local police reports [1]. Users can filter by date, route, collision type and injury severity, then export results. New data is added nightly. Property damage crashes lag about three months, and fatal crash reports can take three to six months to finalize [1].
California. The Transportation Injury Mapping System, run by UC Berkeley’s Safe Transportation Research and Education Center, maps data from the state’s crash records system [2]. It offers query tools, heat maps, Safe Routes to School maps and dashboards on crashes involving automated vehicles [2].
Florida. Signal4 Analytics, developed at the University of Florida, is a statewide crash data and mapping system used by state and local agencies [3].
Many other states offer similar tools through their transportation department, state police or highway safety office. The Federal Highway Administration also lists roadway safety data dashboards [4].
How to use a crash portal
1. Start with a clear question. For example: “How many people were hurt in crashes on Main Street from 2021 to 2025?”
2. Pick enough years. Use at least three to five years. Crashes are rare events, and one year can mislead.
3. Filter by location and severity. Focus on fatal and serious injury crashes first.
4. Look for patterns. Are crashes clustered at one intersection? At night? Involving people walking?
5. Check the map. Make sure crashes appear where you expect. Locations are sometimes off.
6. Save your query and notes, so others can check your work.
Warning: Behind every crash record is a real person and family. Never share data in a way that could identify victims, and treat recent crashes with care.
Know the limits
- Not every crash is reported. Minor crashes, especially those involving bikes and pedestrians, are often missing.
- Data lag. Recent months are usually incomplete.
- Location errors. Coordinates may be estimated.
- Coding differences. Officers judge factors like distraction differently.
- Reporting rules differ from state to state, so comparisons between states can mislead.
Turn data into action
Crash data is powerful when you bring it to the right people:
- Share patterns with your town or city engineer and ask for a safety review
- Bring data to public meetings about road projects, school zones or speed limits
- Work with your school on Safe Routes to School improvements
- Support local safety plans. Federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grants fund local safety action plans built on crash data
- Partner with local media to share findings responsibly
Checklist: using local crash data
Checklist from Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
- I found my state’s crash data portal or request process
- I looked at three to five years of data
- I focused on fatal and serious injury crashes first
- I checked the map for location errors
- I noted the data’s limits
- I shared findings with local officials
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a copy of a specific crash report?
Usually, yes, if you were involved or have a legal interest. Request it from the police agency or the state crash records office. Fees and rules vary.
My state has no public portal. What can I do?
Contact your state highway safety office or department of transportation. Many will run a query on request or share summary data.
Is this data good enough to change a road?
It is often the starting point. Engineers combine crash data with traffic counts, speed studies and site visits to decide on fixes.
Related articles
Sources and further reading
- 1University of Connecticut. “Connecticut Crash Data Repository.” ctcrash.uconn.edu
- 2UC Berkeley Safe Transportation Research and Education Center. “About TIMS.” tims.berkeley.edu/about.php
- 3University of Florida GeoPlan Center. “Signal4 Analytics.” geoplan.ufl.edu/portfolio/s4
- 4Federal Highway Administration. “Roadway Safety Data Dashboards.” highways.dot.gov/…/roadway-safety-data-dashboa…
This article reflects the safety priorities of traffic safety data and community engagement. It is general education. Check your state’s crash data source for current rules and data. Reviewed November 2026.
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