Use of Computers in Traffic Accident Reconstruction

• NCJ Number: 120739
• Author(s): T D Day; R L Hargens
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 24 pages
• Corporate Author: Northwestern University Traffic Institute
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Best Practice/State-of-the-Art Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Topic 892 of the Traffic Accident Investigation Manual

Annotation

The use of computers in traffic accident reconstruction has two primary benefits: speed and accuracy.

Abstract

A properly programmed computer can calculate within seconds what would take hours to calculate by hand, and it can run many possible scenarios. That computers always give the correct answers to given equations is especially important when thousands of separate calculations may be required. Additionally, the computer forces its user into a logical mode and can provide broad information about accident investigation. Computers can simulate loss of control and can determine speed from skidmark information. For example, a car chase stunt in the James Bond movie, "Man with the Golden Gun," was precalculated by computer and successfully executed in one take, illustrating the computer's accuracy in predicting reconstructing. Its only limitation is that the computer and the user be qualified before results can be considered reliable. 29 exhibits, 42 references.