NCJ Number
197114
Date Published
2001
Length
74 pages
Annotation
This chapter offers a guide that explains what a collision investigator should look for on the road, what it may mean, and how to describe properly what is noticed, including unusual phenomena not easily recognized.
Abstract
Within the scope of motor vehicle collision examination, this chapter discusses special road examination, the best time to examine, physical signs to look for, keeping the record factual, and recordation of information. Tire mark characteristics and the collision significance, including skidmarks, yawmarks, acceleration scuffs, flat-tire marks, and imprints are discussed and photographs are included of examples of each. Spatter, dribble, puddle, run-off soak-in, and tracking debris are described and their significance discussed. Also, the meanings of road marks, the significance of first contact point of the ground, and final positions of the vehicle are discussed. Photos are included to illustrate each point made. The four steps necessary to identify collision locations are described. A description and condition of the road is discussed as being used mainly for statistical purposes, but also bears on how a collision occurred. A list of reference sources is included at the end of the chapter.