Inattentive driving, often classified under various categories of traffic violations, is systematically coded in police reports to facilitate accurate documentation and enforcement. 

 Here's an overview of how it's typically coded and reported:

Coding Inattentive Driving

Police reports use specific codes to identify different categories of inattentive or distracted driving. These codes help standardize reporting and data collection across different jurisdictions1. Some common terms and codes include:

• ACD Codes: The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) has established standardized codes, known as the ACD code system, to identify various driving offenses.

• Common Offenses: Codes for inattentive driving may include failure to pay attention, using mobile phones, eating, or other distractions that impair driving.

Use in Police Reports

When an officer files a report on an incident involving inattentive driving, the specifics are detailed:

• Description of the Incident: Officers provide a narrative of the event, including what contributed to the inattentiveness (e.g., texting, adjusting the radio).

• Identification of Violations: The report will specify which codes were violated, such as those for texting while driving, failure to maintain lane, or reckless driving.

• Witness Statements and Evidence: If available, witness statements and any relevant evidence (e.g., mobile phone records, car camera footage) are included to substantiate the claims.

Variability and Challenges

Reporting can vary widely between states and even municipalities, making it challenging to compile consistent data.

Addressing inattentive driving effectively requires a comprehensive approach involving law enforcement, public awareness, and stricter regulations to minimize distractions on the road.

Here are the specific inattentive driving codes, categorized into commonly used classifications:

1. General Inattentive Driving Codes:

• G1: Inattentive driving resulting from manual distractions, such as using a phone while driving.

• G2: Inattentive driving due to visual distractions, such as looking away from the road to read a text.

• G3: Inattentive driving caused by cognitive distractions, like daydreaming or mental distractions.

2. Texting and Cell Phone Use:

• D1: Operating a motor vehicle while using a hand-held mobile phone.

• D2: Sending or reading text messages while driving.

• D3: Using a mobile device for internet browsing or social media while driving.

3. Distracted by Passengers/Objects in Vehicle:

• P1: Distracted by conversation or activity with passengers.

• P2: Adjusting in-vehicle electronics or controls, such as the radio or GPS.

• P3: Searching for an object within the vehicle while driving.

4. Eating/Drinking While Driving:

• E1: Consuming food while operating a motor vehicle.

• E2: Drinking beverages, including hot drinks, while driving.

5. Inattention related to fatigue or drowsiness:

• F1: Driving while fatigued or drowsy, leading to impaired focus.

These codes ensure that law enforcement accurately documents incidents of inattentive driving, making it easier to enforce traffic laws and improve road safety.

Officers have to make nuanced decisions when determining which codes to use in police reports. This process involves a combination of training, experience, and adherence to protocols. Here's a breakdown of how officers typically decide:

Basic Factors

1. Observation and Evidence: Officers rely on what they see, hear, and gather at the scene. They look for signs of distraction, such as a driver looking down at a phone, speaking animatedly on a call, or any unusual behavior that indicates inattentiveness.

2. Statements from Those Involved: Often, drivers, passengers, or witnesses might disclose that a distraction was involved. Such statements are crucial for accurate coding.

3. Physical Clues: This includes anything from cell phones positioned in a way that suggests recent use, to food wrappers, or other objects that might indicate distraction.

Training and Knowledge

1. Familiarity with Codes: Officers are extensively trained in the various violation codes and what each one entails. This training enables them to accurately categorize different types of inattentive driving.

2. Precedent and Experience: Their previous experience and knowledge of how similar cases were reported can guide their decisions. Seasoned officers often have a keen sense for identifying common distractions and correlating them to specific codes.

Tools and Technology

1. In-Car Cameras and Body Cams: Footage from these devices can provide hard evidence of inattentive driving behaviors, helping officers make a more accurate call.

2. Investigative Tools: Technology like crash data recorders and mobile phone analysis tools can help investigate whether distraction played a role. For instance, phone records might show if a driver was texting or calling at the time of the incident.

Protocol and Standards

1. Departmental Protocols: Different police departments might have their own specific protocols on how to handle reports. Officers follow these guidelines to ensure consistency in reporting.