What is CODES? Maine CODES Linked Data Publications Other Highway Safety/Injury Links

Maine CODES Project

Maine was one of the first states to develop automated record linkage of statewide police crash files to statewide medical data files. In 1992, these efforts were formalized with the development of the national CODES project. Maine participated with Hawaii, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wisconsin to complete linkages and report on the benefits of seat belt use and helmets.

Since 1992, the Maine project has completed numerous reports, fact sheets, and delivered presentations at national meetings. Report topics have ranged from young drivers, elderly drivers, bicyclists, motorcyclists.

The Maine CODES project is a collaborative effort of several state agencies and private organizations. Currently the Maine Health Information Center (MHIC) is funded by NHTSA to organize and work on the project. The Maine Office of Data, Research, and Vital Statistics (ODRVS) links data files with the assistance from the MHIC.

Maine CODES Advisory Committee and Project Staff

The Maine CODES Advisory Committee includes representatives from each of the state agencies that supply data files to the project and additional members interested in highway safety and injury prevention. Current Advisory members include:

Current Activities

Maine staff are working with contributing agencies to prepare police crash files and linkages for 2003 data year. 2003 emergency department data is not available yet. 2003 linkage will be completed by late spring 2005. Incorporating decoded VIN information for vehicle type is new information available from the new Maine Crash Reporting System (MCRS).

Maine staff continue to update new versions of the CODES2000 linkage software is in the process of being updated. Incorporating imputation techniques is a current major consideration. Maine staff are working with NHTSA on standardization of reporting. A technical workgroup is meeting in Washington during January 2005. Decisions will impact linkage and reporting methods.

For more information about the Maine CODES Project, contact Karl Finison, Maine Health Information Center.