"You should include any information that increases our knowledge of the underlying reasons why the accident occurred and its consequences," the railroad administration explains in a guidebook on accident reporting.

And today makes the 500th straight day of delayed accident reporting, nearing the record previously set about three years ago.

The 1968 plan provided the first comprehensive system of accident reporting, spill containment, and cleanup.

This is useful for accident reporting and other record keeping (e.g., "an accident occurred at the 13 mile mark" even if the road is only marked with a stone once every 10 miles).

Traders are often asked to produce the dangerous goods declaration and supporting documents (such as vehicle documentation, safety and accident reporting) and to ensure the goods are suitably packaged and labelled.

Two of the biggest railroads, the Union Pacific and CSX, said they had new measures to ensure prompt accident reporting.

Regulations concerning accident reporting vary from one authority to another.

"We are having tremendous problems with accident reporting," said Col. Peter J. O'Hagan, director of the state's division of highway traffic safety.

Drivers and motor vehicles (DMV) - driver licensing, vehicle registration, parking permits, accident reporting, and office locations.

To disseminate information on techniques and procedures developed in connection with the system of accident reporting.