NCJ Number
116237
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 37 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1989) Pages: 11-15
Date Published
1989
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the latest accident investigation techniques, in particular, the methodology used to determine drag factors for speed, time, and distance estimates.
Abstract
Devices such as home-built skid-friction devices, skid sleds, commercially-made units, and self-wetting pavement skid friction testers are discussed. These devices, known as drag boxes, have disadvantages: Some do not work on gravel surfaces, are too light-weight, and are prohibitively costly. It is noted that the accident reconstructionist can best benefit from a device that is light-weight, measures the distance the car skids and acceleration or deceleration in peak and average g-forces, and operates on wet and dry surfaces. Demonstrations of devices at the University of North Florida's Institute of Police Technology and Management and the Bendix proving ground facility in Indiana are illustrated. The VC-200, a dashboard-mounted computerized instrument with a built-in accelerometer, was tested for acceleration, braking, and operation on different road surfaces. The device determines speed and distance and automatically compute average drag factor. It won acclaim as the most modern instrument for accident reconstruction.