The CR-3 Narrative Checklist

The 5-part structure that keeps a crash narrative from getting kicked back — one page, built to keep in your notebook.

1
Scene — date, time, location, conditions, traffic control
2
Units — each unit's direction of travel and right of way
3
Sequence — what happened, in order, unit by unit
4
Impact — point of impact and resting positions
5
Opinion — contributing factor, labeled and earned

This checklist teaches a report-writing skill using fictional examples. It does not replace your agency's policy, the official CR-3 instructions, statute, or supervisor review. Always follow your department's requirements.