Which element is not included in the assessment of major traffic crashes?

In assessing major traffic crashes, the elements typically considered include fatalities, injuries, and the circumstances surrounding the incident. While property damage is certainly a significant aspect of many traffic incidents, particularly in minor accidents, it is not used as a primary indicator when classifying an incident as a major traffic crash. The focus tends to be on the more serious outcomes, such as loss of life and injury to individuals involved in the crash, as these have greater implications for public safety and enforcement of traffic laws.

In contrast, hit-and-run incidents, while serious and often investigated rigorously, are categorized based on the act of fleeing the scene rather than the severity of the crash itself. This means that while a hit-and-run can be involved in a major crash, the classification of major traffic crashes largely hinges on the severity of the consequences (i.e., fatalities and injuries). Therefore, when defining major traffic crashes, property damage is viewed as a secondary consideration and is not included in the primary assessment criteria. This distinction is essential in understanding how major traffic incidents are analyzed within traffic law practices.