On Scene Traffic Accident Investigation Levels I&II
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
On Scene Traffic Accident Investigation Levels I&II Participant Guide Developed by Jay Hoekwater On Scene Traffic Accident Investigation Levels I&II © 2008 State of Georgia. GPSTC. All Rights Reserved All rights reserved. No part of this product may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher. First Edition The leader guide and participant material for this program was created using LeaderGuide Pro™ version 6.0. Table of Contents Overview ................................................................................................................... 2 Background and Purpose ....................................................................................... 2 Measuring and Diagramming the Accident Scene ................................................ 4 Planning for Traffic Accident Investigation ......................................................... 11 The Human Element in Traffic Accident Investigation ....................................... 15 The Roadway Element in Traffic Accident Investigation .................................... 19 The Vehicle Element in Traffic Accident Investigation ....................................... 31 Traffic Accident Photography ............................................................................... 36 Measuring and Diagramming Accident Vehicles ................................................ 40 Overview Why? On-Scene Traffic Accident Investigation Level I focuses on the evidence collection process. Special emphasis is placed on evidence recognition and proper evidence collection techniques. The goal of this program is to train officers in evidence recognition and gathering techniques associated with serious vehicle collisions. The program is designed to aid officers’ understanding of prioritizing on scene and follow-up information gathering for the purpose of establishing vehicle-to-roadway and vehicle-to-vehicle relationships culminating in a fact based opinion of how the collision occurred. Learning Objectives Identify six results of an accident that should be documented by the use of measurements Explain two measuring techniques commonly used in traffic accident investigation Describe the four step measuring process Demonstrate the ability to measure and diagram traffic accident scenes by applying both measuring techniques Identify six traits common to competent traffic accident investigators who plan and initiate effective investigations Identify the five stages of planning and initiating traffic accident investigations List three elements present in every traffic accident List four kinds of information that must be obtained from each one of the three elements in a traffic accident Identify three statement taking guidelines Identify three pre-accident conditions associated with drivers and pedestrians Recognize and analyze tire mark evidence Recognize and analyze metal scar evidence Recognize and analyze debris Recognize and analyze final positions of vehicles and bodies Recognize and analyze signs a vehicle left the ground Recognize and analyze six types of vehicle information that must be collected at the scene Identify two means for documenting vehicle damage at the accident scene Recognize two types of vehicle damage List three reasons photographs are used in traffic accident investigation Identify six things that should be photographed at the accident scene List six measurements needed from accident vehicles Demonstrate the process for measuring and diagramming accident vehicles Background and Purpose Prepare law enforcement personnel to conduct automobile collision investigations by: Recognizing evidence Interpreting evidence Collecting evidence The success of any investigation is reliant on the quantity and quality of evidence collected. What Is A Traffic Accident? An occurrence that produces unintended: Death Injury Property Damage What Is Traffic Accident Investigation? Thorough examination of 3 factors: People Roads Vehicles There are Five Levels of Traffic Accident Investigation. Accident reporting On-Scene investigation Technical investigation Accident reconstruction Cause analysis Measuring and Diagramming the Accident Scene Terminal Performance Objective Given the need, students will correctly demonstrate the four step evidence collection process in accordance with the information presented in class. Enabling Objectives 1. Describe the four step measuring process 2. Identify five results of an accident that should be documented by the use of measurements 3. Explain two measuring techniques commonly used in traffic accident investigation 4. Demonstrate the ability to measure and diagram traffic accident scenes by applying both measuring techniques Causes for failed investigations No measurements Sloppy/improper/inaccurate measurements Measurements are used to establish the following: Vehicle to roadway relationships Vehicle to vehicle relationships Speed or speed loss in some cases Measuring Process The process of documenting an accident scene through the use of measurements involves (4) steps: Walk through Field sketch Creating a baseline Measuring Walk Through Purpose: Locate evidence Establish evidence collection priorities Organize evidence collection procedure Items needed for walk through: Camera Chalk, lumber crayons, or spray paint Pencil and measurement log form Each item of evidence must be marked, photographed, listed and described on the measurement log form in a logical sequence. The following six results of the accident should be located: Final positions Tire marks (on and off road) Metal scars (on and off road) Debris Signs a vehicle left the ground Damage to Fixed Objects Field Sketch Purpose: Depicts scene Evidence documentation Baseline and scene orientation Scale diagramming aid Field sketch must include: Evidence location (accident results) Roadway layout (view obstructions/traffic control devices) North direction Investigator name Location/date/case number Generally speaking measurements should not be recorded on a field sketch. Establish A Baseline A baseline is usually a tape measure anchored along the edge of the road provided road is straight. Baselines must be straight. Measuring and Recording Once the previous steps have been taken, the investigator can begin to measure. Each measurement must be recorded on the measurement log sheet as it is made. Number of marked points needed: One point (marks less than 3 feet, small scrapes or dents in fixed objects, vehicle parts, liquid debris less than 3 feet) Two points (final positions of bodies, vehicles, major vehicle parts, marks and liquid debris longer than 3 feet, long stretches of damage to fixed objects) Three points (curved marks, offset skids, large fields of debris) Two measurements are required for each marked point. Measure and Record Measurements Two measuring techniques: Coordinate (90 degrees from baseline) Triangulation Coordinate measuring disadvantages: Time consuming Requires two people As the distance from the baseline increases, accuracy decreases. Triangulation advantages: Accuracy Saves time Can be done by one person Note: Triangulation measurements do not have to be made from fixed objects. Safety Wear a safety vest Plan measuring with safety in mind Do not turn your back to traffic if possible Do not assume motorists will see you Arrange to have help for traffic control Diagramming Necessities: IPTM Template 5mm mechanical pencil Engineers triangle Flex curve Bow Compass Bow Compass Uses: Drawing parallel lines Plotting triangulation measurements Diagramming hints: Use black ink Make bold consistent lines Center lines must be centered Road edges must be parallel Intersecting roads must be plotted at the correct angle Scale bar must be exactly 1 inch in length Scale bar must be labeled correctly Construction lines must be made lightly Diagram must be accurate Curved roads must not be drawn straight and straight roads must not be drawn curved Scale: 1 inch = 10 feet; 1/10; 1/120 1 inch = 20 feet; 1/20; 1/240 1 inch = 2 feet; 1/2; 1/24 Planning for Traffic Accident Investigation Terminal Performance Objective Given the need, students will correctly list the five planning stages that contribute to effective traffic accident investigations in accordance with the information presented in class. Enabling Objectives 1. Identify six traits common to competent traffic accident investigators who plan and initiate effective investigations. 2. Identify the five stages of planning and initiating traffic accident investigations. This instructional unit is designed to help officers understand: Traits Training Equipment Need for an investigative plan Accident investigator traits: Aptitude for accident investigation Basic understanding of accident causes, investigative techniques and a general knowledge of accident reconstruction principles Methodical/Thorough Hard working Self study Consider facts (avoid pre-determinations) Equipment Pens, pencils, paper Forms Chalk or paint Photography equipment Measuring equipment Basic hand tools The five planning stages are: Learning of the accident Arrival at the scene When the emergency is under control When urgent data collection is complete When on-scene work is finished Learning about the Accident Ask when and where the accident happened and severity