TRAFFIC CRASH INVESTIGATORS' MANUAL


Book Description

This expanded and updated third edition continues to be an essential reference volume in regards to the principles and techniques of traffic crash investigation. One of the most important phases of any investigation into a traffic crash is that which is conducted at the scene. The traffic crash investigator must be aware of his or her responsibilities and know how to properly fulfill them from the time of being advised of a crash to the time the report is completed based on the on-scene investigation. This manual sets out in detail the requisites for a properly conducted crash investigation by delineating the types of evidence to look for and how to recognize, interpret, gather, and record evidence such as skid marks, yaw marks, roadway and vehicle marks and damages, and environmental, human, and mechanical factors. Only by understanding the principles presented in the text will the objectives of a traffic crash investigation be met: what happened, where the crash occurred, why the crash occurred, and who was involved. The manual covers in both written and illustrative form those situations that confront the investigator conducting a technical crash investigation. An important introduction to scientific speed analysis based on thorough at-scene investigation is provided. Mathematical equations and examples are completed in both the United States or Imperial and metric (S.I.) measurement systems. The book is generously illustrated and substantial appendices provide helpful mathematical tables. This invaluable resource will meet the needs of law enforcement officers, insurance adjusters and investigators, private investigators, lawyers, judges, legal investigators, and instructors and students involved in cadet or advanced traffic crash investigation programs. This new edition will be appreciated by all those charged with the responsibility for investigating traffic crashes, interpreting data, and presenting evidence based on sound analysis.




Evidence in Traffic Crash Investigation and Reconstruction


Book Description

EVIDENCE IN TRAFFIC CRASH INVESTIGATION AND RECONSTRUCTION begins with a detailed description of the entire investigation process. The material then graduates into the various phases and levels of investigations, showing the levels of training and education normally associated with the levels of investigations and consequently the duties and responsibilities of the investigator and reconstructionist. Using narrative, schematics, and photographs, the mechanical inspection process is described in detail by identifying various vehicle parts, explanations of their functions, and methods of identifying failures. Human-related factors in traffic crash investigations are discussed at length, including the traffic crash viewed as a systems failure. Looming vulnerability, a recently developed theoretical construct that helps to describe and understand social, cognitive, organizational, and psychological mechanism, is described. Discussed also is the role of vision in driver performance; perception as a four-way process; perceptions and reactions; driver's reaction to stress; and the roles of pathologists, medical examiners, and coroners in traffic crash reconstruction. Who is an expert and expert evidence are described in detail. Errors that can occur in the investigation process and the tolerances that should be considered or allowed are explained. The manual also discusses the importance of calling upon the skills and advice of occupational specialists, such as reconstructionists, lawyers, traffic engineers, pathologists, medical examiners and others, to assist in the investigation and reconstruction of a crash that will ensure that the objectives of a thorough and complete investigation will be satisfied. Considerable effort has been made in the manual to explain how to identify, interpret and analyze all forms of highway marks and damages that can be used in the reconstruction of a vehicle-related crash. As a guide for investigators, prosecutors and defense attorneys, checkboxes are provided with many of the major topics that can be used as prompters in evaluating the thoroughness of an investigation or for those areas that might or might not need additional coverage at trial or litigation proceedings. To meet international requirements, mathematical references are described in both English (U.S.) and SI (metric) measurement systems, accompanied by various appendices covering symbols and mathematical conversions. Finally, there is a comprehensive quick-find index that takes the reader directly to any topic, formulae, or subject matter - or any combination of these.




Basic Physics


Book Description

The purpose of this book is to bring to the student an understanding of the basic physics involved not only in traffic crash investigation and reconstruction but also in crimes or other incidents where the movement of objects or persons is involved. The range of topics included are those considered to be fundamental and which best serve the purposes of illustrating the methods and procedures vital as an introduction to physics. Essentials of the subject as related to vehicle motion are stressed. The mathematics used is kept simple and in straightforward, easy-to-understand language. Comments and examples and a very comprehensive list of terms and definitions, supported by many illustrations and diagrams, are provided to give the reader a unified view of basic physics. All materials are prepared in both the English (U.S.) and metric (S.I.) systems. The text is intended to serve a need for investigators who possess a good knowledge and understanding of elementary algebra and trigonometry, and who have successfully completed at least an at-scene traffic crash investigation course and wish to further their knowledge towards competency in advanced traffic crash investigation and reconstruction.




Accident Investigation Manual


Book Description




Technical Traffic Crash Investigators' Handbook


Book Description

Rev. ed. of: Technical traffic accident investigators' handbook.




Traffic Accident Investigators' Lamp Analysis Manual


Book Description

This manual has been designed to help traffic accident investigators and reconstructionists meet the high standard of performance and expertise necessary to determine vehicle lamp status for “on” and “off” conditions at the time of a vehicle collision. Each chapter provides clear definitions of and statements about the topics it contains, with graduated commentary arranged so as to present a natural development and understanding of the chapter subject matter. A number of working hypotheses using examples and photographs are provided to assist the examining technician or analyst in the interpretation of items of evidence that might be presented. The text discusses examining the vehicle for exhibits, the precautions that must be taken in collecting and preserving evidence, lamp identif-ication and analysis, hot and cold shock analysis, packaging and transferring exhibits to the forensic science laboratory, and the mistakes that are inherent in investigations and how to avoid them. In addition, the application of physics and vehicle behavior in relation to lamp damages is thoroughly discussed. The book has been written in a clear and concise style that is further enhanced by the liberal use of illustrations. It has been designed not only for use as a handy reference manual but also to be of assistance as a training manual for use in police training schools that include lamp examination as part of their curriculum. In addition, the text will be useful and practical for investigators, forensic technicians, attorneys, insurance investigators, and judges.




Death and Accident Investigation Protocols


Book Description

Through an examination and assessment of the body at a death scene, the medicolegal death investigator (MLDI) must be able to recognize circumstances that point to what manner of death occurred—be it natural causes, homicide, suicide, accident, or undetermined. A handy reference for use in the field and in the lab, Death and Accident Investigation Protocols provides 34 checklists and forms to help investigators make these determinations. Categories of death covered in this guide include: Aircraft and motor vehicle accident Alcohol- and drug-related Blunt- and sharp-force injury Drowning Electrocution, exposure, and fire Gunshot Hanging Hospital- and nursing home-related Infectious disease Natural causes Occupational exposure Poison and toxic substances Sexual assault Suicide Formatted as a convenient 8 1⁄2 x 11 spiral-bound book, this manual helps investigators know what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to categorize the scene and the physical injuries. The forms in the book can either be copied for use or downloaded from an accompanying CD, which allows for easy form modification. The text includes descriptive illustrations and diagrams associated with various categories of death. An essential tool for the busy investigator, the book facilitates the organization of information for a myriad of death scenarios.




TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATORS' AND RECONSTRUCTIONISTS' FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND SCALE DIAGRAMS MANUAL


Book Description

This new second edition has been prepared to meet the everyday field requirements of traffic accident investigators and reconstructionists who have a responsibility to obtain and document measurements at traffic crash scenes as well as those who have the responsibility to prepare follow-up plans or scale drawings from such measurements. The manual explains in detail the various types of situations requiring measurements that can be encountered during the on-scene investigation. These are followed by a large variety of examples of how to take measurements and document them in an easily understood and appropriate manner. Examples are accompanied by solutions to problems and, in applicable circumstances, mathematical solutions are worked out in both the United States (Imperial) and metric (SI) measurement systems. The author conveys an authoritative understanding of triangulation, coordinate and grid measurements, angles, circles, curves, and includes horizontal and vertical measurements. The book is generously illustrated, and the appendices contain the United States to metric conversion tables, mathematical tables, and traffic accident investigation measurement record forms.




Equations and Formulas for the Traffic Accident Investigator and Reconstructionist


Book Description

Over 200 must-have accident reconstruction formulas at your fingertips in this revised Third Edition. This unique resource is designed to provide, in an easy to use format, the majority of the equations needed for accident reconstruction and investigation. Designed for flexibility and ease of use, each equation is expressed in three formats: algebraic; modified long form; and spreadsheet format. Formulas and constants for converting between metric and imperial units are provided for worldwide use.