Speak of the devil..... i have just received last years crash data from the state.... it is in an excel spread sheet as with every year.
After getting frustrated with excel, I simply import the data into an empty personal geodatabase and then create a feature or feature class from the access table..... a lot less of a hassle and keeps the data intact!
-- aside--
If your crash data is coming from your state DOT -- generally there is LRS information within the data ie the Route and Milepoint. If you obtain the state route (LRS) line work you can event map the crash data directly with the route number and milepoint........ which makes life a heck of alot easier!