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ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE GENERAL ORDER Effective Date: April 4, 2025  Amends - GO 6.1.4 ( July 16, 2024 ) Number: 6.1.4 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: October Reviewing Authority: SOD / Traffic Subject: Traffic Crash Investigations This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Definitions 4. Procedures 1. Purpose To define duties and responsibilities for agency personnel responding to traffic crashes, crash investigations, and Florida Uniform Traffic Crash Reporting procedures. 2. Policy Traffic crashes within Unincorporated Orange County, that meet the criteria defined by this policy, will be investigated by agency personnel. All other traffic crashes will be transferred to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) for investigation. 3. Definitions A. Damage - Harm to property that reduces the property’s monetary value, excluding mechanical failure occurring during normal operations. B. Florida Traffic Crash Report - The method used by law enforcement officers in Florida to report traffic crashes to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) in accordance with FS 316.066 . C. Short Form - A Florida Crash Form for specific types of crashes not requiring a diagram, however, requires a narrative . D. Long Form - A Florida Crash Form for specific types of crashes requiring a diagram and narrative. E. TraCS - (Traffic and Criminal Software) is a data collection and reporting software for law enforcement agencies in the state of Florida. F. Intentional Act - Impact between a vehicle and any other vehicle, pedestrian, or object wher e the operator of said vehicle or pedestrian intended to make impact. These incidents will be documented via an incident report, not a DHSMV Uniform Crash Report. G. Traffic Crash Injuries - A traffic crash may involve people with injuries ranging from nonvi sible to severe or fatal trauma. 6.1.4, Page 2 of 6 1. Possible Injury - any injury reported or claimed where no wound or injury is readily evident. 2. Non-Incapacitating Injury - a non -disabling injury such as a laceration, scrape or bruise 3. Incapacitating Injury - an injury other than fatal resulting in one or more of the following: severe laceration, significant loss of blood, broken extremity, crush injuries, suspected skull, chest or abdominal injury (other than bruises or minor lacerations), significant burns, unconsciousness or paralysis 4. Serious Injury - an injury which consists of a condition that creates a substantial risk of death, serious disfigurement or a protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ 5. Fatal Injury - an injury resulting in an in dividual’s death within a 30-day period after the crash 6. Non-Traffic Fatal Injury - a fatality that is unrelated to the crash, such as a heart attack, natural causes, suicide or homicide H. Motor Vehicle - Per FS 320.01(1)(a) , an automobile, motorcycle, truck, trailer, semitrailer, truck tractor and semitrailer combination, or any other vehicle operated on the roads of this state, used to transport persons or property, and propelled by power other than muscular power, but the term does not include traction engines, road rollers, motorized scooters, micromobility devices, personal delivery devices and mobile carriers as defined in FS 316.003 , special mobile equi pment as defined in FS 316.003 , vehicles that run only upon a track, bicycles, electric bicycles, swamp buggies, or mopeds. I. Non-Reportable Crash - A non -injury collision where the combined property damage amount is less than $500. J. Parking Lot - Any publicly or privately owned area used primarily for the parking of vehicles, open to the public as a matter of right or custom for motor vehicle travel. K. Private Property - Roads or othe r property not open to the general public for vehicular traffic. L. Roadway - Per FS 316.003(73) , that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, excl usive of the berm or shoulder. All highways are roadways, but roadways also include some areas on private property such as shopping center parking lots that are open to the general public. M. Traffic Crash - A collision between a vehicle and any other motor vehicle or object, which results in property damage to either vehicle or fixed object or injury or complaint of injury to any person. N. Uniform Traffic Crash Report Manual - Instructions for electronic completion of crash reports pursuant to HSMV guidelines . O. Vehicle - Every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. 6.1.4, Page 3 of 6 4. Procedures A. Identify Investigating Agency 1. Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) will be the primary investigating agency for all crashes in unincorporated Orange County involving a death, Incapacitating Injury, Serious Bodily Injury, Non -Traffic Fatal Injury, hit and run, late reporting, hazardous material situation, or a commercial motor vehicle