Crash Causal Factors Program (CCFP)

The Crash Causal Factors Program (CCFP) is a detailed crash data collection and analysis effort intended to:

1. Identify the key factors that contribute to crashes involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), 
2. Inform countermeasures to prevent these crashes, and 
3. Establish a foundation for continued data collection, sharing, and analysis. 

Through a series of robust studies, the CCFP pursues a nuanced understanding of crashes involving CMVs so that policymakers, law enforcement agencies, regulators, and other interested parties can implement effective crash prevention strategies and programs.

Despite several decades of positive progress, the last few years have seen a concerning rise in fatal crashes in the United States, with fatal crashes involving CMVs increasing 17 percent from 2020 to 2021.¹ Authorized by Congress, the CCFP is part of the DOT and FMCSA’s heightened effort to reverse this trend and pursue a long-term goal of zero roadway fatalities. 
 
The CCFP’s multi-phase approach will target unique vehicle types and/or crash severities for each causal factors study. Phase 1 focuses on fatal crashes involving heavy-duty trucks (Class 7/8 trucks) and will leverage existing State and local jurisdiction crash data collection processes to streamline data collection efforts. Future phases will continue to identify existing resources, leveraging these efforts to the extent possible. In addition to producing datasets and analytical reports, the CCFP will establish a foundation for continued data collection and analysis that FMCSA and States can routinely use to optimize their CMV safety activities.

^1. 2021 Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Accessible through A&I Crash Statistics.

Background

The CCFP expands on the original Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) that investigated nearly 1,000 injury and fatal crashes involving large trucks from 2001 to 2003. However, an increase in fatal crashes involving CMVs in the last few years, along with changes in technology, vehicle safety, behavior, and roadway design, has created the need for a new study. The CCFP takes these changes, as well as the growth of the CMV industry, into account and pursues an updated understanding of the causal factors contributing to crashes today.

What’s Happening Now

The CCFP Team is currently surveying State partners about their crash response data collection processes. Gathering this information is a critical step in ensuring the CCFP is best able to leverage existing resources and collect the data that can help guide the implementation of effective crash prevention programs and strategies.

CCFP Timeline

Timing approximate; schedule subject to change.

2020–2021  Funding & Authorization  Congress appropriates $30 million for a causal factors study on large trucks.   The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) expands its scope to include all CMVs.

2022–2025  Program Establishment FMCSA establishes the CCFP to carry out a multi-phase study of crashes involving CMVs.  Phase 1 Preparation  The Heavy-Duty Truck Study is planned and developed.  FMCSA identifies in-scope States for a nationally representative sample and finalizes the analysis plan.

2026–2028  Phase 1 Execution  FMCSA collects data for two years, leveraging State and local jurisdiction resources, and then analyzes the data.  Phase 2 Preparation  FMCSA kicks off the Medium-Duty Truck Study, pending funding.

2029  Phase 1 Results  The Heavy-Duty Truck Study final report is released.  Future Phases Continue  The Medium-Duty Truck Study is developed and executed. Additional phases will be planned dependent on funding; associated timelines TBD.