Traffic Collision Investigation powerpointBasic Traffic Collision Investigation
Instructors: SGT. Jerrod Marshall
PSO Justin Thompson
Introductions
Sgt. Jerrod Marshall
Officer for 14 years
Traffic Unit for 5 years
MAIT investigator for 5
years
Basic, Int, Adv, TAR 1, Veh
vs Ped, Cad, Total Station,
SFST, ARIDE, 11550HS,
PSO Justin Thompson
Officer for 20 years
Hated Collisions, DUI’s and
math
Traffic Unit for 5 years
MAIT investigator for 5 years
Basic, Int, Adv, Speed from
Crush, Cad, Total Station,
SFST, ARIDE, 11550HS
Introductions
Name
Agency
Years of experience
Crashes you have taken
Favoritehttps://
& Sports Team??
Goal and Objectives
To provide you with a basic understanding of traffic
collisions
Provide you with the basic skills to investigate traffic
collisions
Locate, identify and record physical evidence
How to determine and make an educated opinion of what
happened
How to document your findings
To have a good time
This is not normal
One would call this bad driving!!
Why do we investigate collisions?
Aren’t we just doing the work for the insurance
companies?
In the end it’s just a civil situation right?
No one was injured so they can just exchange information
and leave…..
I hate these calls, why don’t we just have someone
who……….
It’s a waste of time I need to get my coffee…
Injury and Death: Nationally
Approximately 40,000-45,000 deaths per year
Approximately 3 million injuries per year
Highest cause of deaths for males under 40 years of age
Leading cause of death for kids between the ages
of 2 and 14
More people killed in traffic collisions during the past sixty
years than from the wars involving the United States in
that time period.
Injury and Death: California 2014
399,565 Traffic Collisions
2,882 Fatal
162,742 injury
3,126 persons killed
230,904 persons injured
On average in 2014 a person died every 2hr 49min
A person was injured every 2min 23sec.
220 teens (age 16-19) died in a traffic collision 76.9% were male
697 pedestrians were killed
Economic Impact
Financial cost is roughly 150 to 200 Billion dollars per year
It cost each American more than $1000 a year
Exceeds the value of loss due to burglary, robbery and
theft
California has averaged 5,000-6,000 fatalities a year
Engineering, Education and Enforcement
(The Three E’s)
Engineering: Information provided for the safe design of
roadways
Design mitigation
Justification for speed control, stop signs, signal lights, etc.
Uniform Reporting
Important to document all crashes on public roads
Documentation of non injury (PDO) crashes on public roads
should be included in any GOOD traffic program
What’s the difference between a PDO and an Injury Collision
Definitions and
Classifications of
Collisions
The following definitions and classifications of collisions are
generally in accordance with the standards set forth in the
American National Standard, Manual on Classification of Motor
Vehicle Traffic Accidents, published by the National Safety
Council. However, some of the Collision Investigation
Manual (CIM) definitions, interpretations, classifications, and
examples have been adapted for use in reporting traffic
collisions in California.
INTRODUCTION TO DEFINITIONS
ACCIDENT OR COLLISION:
A collision is an unintended event that produces damage or injury,
involving a motor vehicle in-transport. The word injury includes fatal
injury. Although the terms “accident” and “collision” are synonymous,
the word collision should be used to describe the event.
BICYCLE:
A bicycle, as defined in California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 231, is a
device upon which any person may ride, propelled exclusively by human
power through a belt, chain, or gears, and having one or more wheels.
Persons riding bicycles are subject to the provisions specified in CVC
Sections 21200 and 21200.5. The operator of a unicycle or tricycle that is
involved in a collision will be considered a bicyclist only if the cycle
meets the definition of a bicycle.
Definitions
Definitions
Definitions
Definitions
CHAIN REACTION
COLLISION:
Occasionally, in the
same area within a
short period of time,
several vehicles may be
involved in collisions
under adverse driving
conditions. Examples
may include a damaged
roadway or collapsed
bridge, or collisions
where visibility is
drastically reduced due
to fog, dust storms,
heavy rain, etc.
Definitions
Definitions
EXPRESSWAY:
An expressway is an arterial highway, established by a county, with partial or full
control of access, which may or may not be divided or have grade separations at
intersections. 2-9 HPM 110.5
FREEWAY:
A divided arterial highway with full control of access and with grade separations
at intersections.
Definitions
HIGHWAY:
Highway is a way or place of whatever nature, publicly maintained, and open to
the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. The terms “highway” and
“street” are synonymous.
a. The term highway includes shoulders and sidewalks (property line to
property line). (Refer to CVC Section 360 and Annex A, Highway Example.)
b. A portion of the highway that is closed to vehicular travel, such as
construction and repair zones or an area closed during collision
investigation, does not meet the definition of a highway. Consequently, a
collision occurring solely within these areas would be considered a motor
vehicle non-traffic collision. (Refer to paragraph 45, Motor Vehicle Non-
Traffic Collision.)
Definitions
Definitions
IMPACT ENERGY ATTENUATORS:
Impact energy attenuators (crash cushions) are intended to protect a motorist
from the consequences of a collision with a fixed object that cannot be removed
or where other protective systems are not suitable.
a. Types currently available include sand-filled plastic drums, water-filled
tubs, and lightweight concrete.
b. Attenuators are generally installed at gore point fixed objects that cannot
be economically removed or made to breakaway when struck. Attenuators
may also be installed at other fixed objects where a guardrail is
inappropriate.
Definitions
INJURY:
Injuries are classified in the following categories:
a. Fatal Injury. Death as a result of injuries sustained in a collision, or an
injury resulting in death within 30 days of the collision.
NOTE: The death of a fetus involved in a traffic collision will be documented
as a fatal injury if the coroner classifies the injury as a death and attributes
the death to the collision.
Definitions
b. Severe Injury. An injury, other than a fatal injury, that includes the
following:
(1) Broken or fractured bones. 2-11 HPM 110.5
(2) Dislocated or distorted limbs.
(3) Severe lacerations.
(4) Skull, spinal, chest or abdominal injuries that go beyond “Other Visible
Injuries.”
(5) Unconsciousness at or when taken from the collision scene.
(6) Severe burns.
Definitions
c. Other Visible Injuries. An injury, other than a fatal or severe injury, which
is evident to observers at the scene of the collision. Other visible injuries
include:
(1) Bruises, discoloration, or swelling.
(2) Minor lacerations or abrasions.
(3) Minor burns.
Definitions
d. Complaint of Pain. This classification could contain authentic internal,
other non-visible injuries, and fraudulent claims of injury. “Complaint of
Pain” includes:
(1) Persons who seem dazed, confused, or incoherent (unless such behavior
can be attributed to intoxication, extreme age, illness, or mental infirmities).
(2) Persons who are limping, or complaining of pain or nausea, but do not
have visible injuries.
(3) Any person who may have been unconscious, as a result of the collision,
although it appears he/she has recovered.
(4) Persons who say they want to be listed as injured but do not appear to be
so.
Definitions
INTENTIONAL ACT:
An intentional act or omission of act which, directly or indirectly, causes damage to
property or injury to any person. Consequences of the intentional act(s) should have been
reasonably foreseen and a result of an aggravated, reckless, or flagrantly negligent act, not
the result of inattention or mistaken judgment.
NOTE: The California Supreme Court ruled that a person may be held criminally responsible
not only for the crime he or she intended to commit (target offense), but also for any
other crime (non-target offense) that is the“natural and probable consequence” of the
original crime, People v. Prettyman (1996) 14 Cal. 4th 248. A natural and probable
consequence is one that a reasonable person would know is likely to happen if nothing
unusual intervenes. In deciding whether a consequence is natural and probable, consider
all of the circumstances established by the evidence (2007)
California Jury Instructions, Natural and Probable Consequences Doctrine).
a. Although a motor vehicle may be associated with a subsequent injury or damage
causing event, the following examples are not motor vehicle traffic collisions:
Definitions
Suicide or Self-inflicting Injury:
(a) A person intentionally ran into traffic or jumped from a freeway over
crossing and prior to a stabilizing situation was subsequently struck by a
vehicle. This intent must be verified in some manner.
(b) A person, attempting to cause self-injury, intentionally drove a motor
vehicle against a fixed object, into a body of water, or similarly misused a
motor vehicle, and this intent was verified in some manner
Definitions
Homicide, Injury, or Damage Purposely Inflicted:
(a) A person deliberately intended to cause death, injury, or damage by
driving a motor vehicle against persons, vehicles, or property.
(b) A person fired a gun into a motor vehicle that was traveling along a
highway. The driver was struck and subsequently lost control of the vehicle.
The vehicle traveled off the roadway resulting in a traffic collision.
Although the gunman did not have specific intent to cause a traffic
collision, the subsequent collision was a natural and probable consequence
of firing a gun into a vehicle traveling on a highway.
(c) A passenger grabbed the steering wheel of a vehicle with the intent to
harm themselves and/or the driver. The vehicle crossed into the opposing
lane of traffic and struck another vehicle. Although the passenger did not
have specific intent to cause the other vehicle’s involvement, the collision
was a natural and probable consequence of the passenger’s actions.
Definitions
Throwing Substances at Vehicle:
(a) A person intentionally threw a rock onto a highway or dropped an object
from an overpass that struck a vehicle. This action caused the driver to lose
control resulting in a collision. Although the act was not directed towards a
specific person or vehicle, the intentional act resulted in injury or damage.
Additionally, although the person that threw the object may not have
intended to cause a collision, the resulting event was a natural and
probable consequence of the act.
INTERCHANGE:
A system of interconnecting roadways in conjunction with one or more grade
separations providing for the interchange of traffic between two or more
roadways on different levels.
DEFINITIONS
IN-TRANSPORT:
This describes the state or condition of a vehicle when it is in use primarily for
moving persons or property (including the vehicle itself) from one place to
another, while in motion or on a roadway.
INTERSECTION:
An intersection is the area located within the prolongations of the lateral curb
lines,or,if none,the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two highways that
join one another at approximately right angles.It is also the area within which
vehicles traveling upon different highways joining at any other angle may come
in conflict.When the distance along a roadway between two areas meeting these
criteria is less than 10 meters (33 feet),the two areas and the roadway
connecting them are considered to be parts of a single intersection.(Refer to
CVC Section 365
DEFINITIONS
DEFINITIONS
LANE NUMBERING:
On a multi-lane roadway, traffic lanes available for traffic traveling in the same
direction are numbered from left to right when facing in the direction of traffic flow.
(Refer to Annex C, Lane Numbering Example.)
a. An intermittent car-pool lane will only be numbered as part of the adjacent
mixed traffic flow lanes during the hours of non-operation. During the designated
restricted hours of operation, the car-pool lane will not be numbered as part of
the adjacent mixed traffic flow lanes, and will be coded as a separate beat.
b. A car-pool lane physically separated from a roadway, operated as a permanent
high-occupancy vehicle lane on a 24-hour basis, as defined in
CVC Section 21655.3 is not numbered as part of the adjacent mixed traffic flow
lanes.
NOTE: Lane numbering does not apply to acceleration and deceleration lanes.
DEFINITIONS
Who is a driver:
A driver is a person who is in actual physical control of a vehicle. For an out of control vehicle, the driver is the occupant who was in control until control was lost.
A DRIVER INCLUDES:
(1)A person driving a non-contact involved vehicle. (Refer to paragraph 47, Non-Contact Involved Party.)
(2) A person who was driving a motor vehicle, but lost control of the vehicle because of a vehicle malfunction. This person will be considered a driver if he/she remained in the vehicle or leaped from the moving vehicle to avoid
an imminent collision.
(3)A person who had physical control of a moving vehicle and by choice, jumped from or fled from the vehicle before it was safely stopped or parked.
(4) An individual seated in the driver’s seat of a vehicle stopped or otherwise disabled within a traffic lane. The vehicle is considered to be in-transport and the occupant a driver.
A person who parked a vehicle or permitted it to stand on a highway without
effectively setting the parking brake, blocking the wheels, or otherwise
fails to prevent movement of the vehicle, should be considered the driver
of that vehicle.
(a) Circumstances may exist that relieve the person of being a driver.
Considerations are the amount of time that has elapsed between the person parking
the vehicle and the vehicle being involved in a collision and his or her proximity to the
vehicle when the collision occurred.
NOTE: A person who parked a vehicle that becomes a runaway vehicle and involved
in a collision shall comply with notification and reporting requirements pursuant to
CVC Section 20002(b).
DEFINITIONS
Pushed or Towed Vehicles:
The following should be considered in determining whether or not a person
operating a pushed or towed vehicle, or operating a vehicle pushing or towing a
motor vehicle, is a driver:
(1) A person walking alongside a pushed or towed vehicle while in the act of
steering through an opened window or door.
(2) A person seated behind the steering wheel while being pushed, towed, or
coasting, if that person had control of the vehicle.
(3) A person operating a motor vehicle that is being pushed by another motor
vehicle should be considered a driver if that person had control of the pushed
vehicle at the time of the collision.
(4) A person who is operating a motor vehicle that is pushing another motor
vehicle should be considered a driver if that person caused or directly
contributed to the collision. A person operating a pushing vehicle that is
determined not to be a direct contributing factor to the collision should be
considered a witness.
DEFINITIONS
(5) A person operating a motor vehicle that is being towed by other than a rigid tow
bar or tow truck should be considered a driver if that person had control of
the towed vehicle and caused or directly contributed to the collision.
(6) A person operating a motor vehicle that is towing another vehicle with a rigid
tow bar will be considered the driver of the vehicles in combination.
(a). A “driver” includes the operator of any motor vehicle requiring a
driver’s license or permit to operate.
(7) The operator of a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motorized bicycle, moped,
and motorized scooter, whether or not the engine is running.
(a). A “driver” does not include the operator of a motor vehicle not
requiring a driver’s license or permit to operate such as a motorized
skateboard or mini motorcycle (pocket bike).
DEFINITIONS
What is not considered a driver:
(1) The rider of a bicycle, unicycle or tricycle that does not meet the definition of a bicycle, skateboard, roller skates, sled, skis, scooter, baby carriage, or wheeled toys.
(2) The tillerman or other person who, in an auxiliary capacity, assists the driver in the steering or operation of any articulated firefighting apparatus (CVC Section 305).
(3) A person who is not in actual control of a vehicle, but merely interferes with a driver or driver’s mechanism (CVC Section 21701). The simple act of grabbing the steering wheel may not be considered control of the vehicle.
(4) A person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device or a physically disabled person operating a self-propelled wheelchair, motorized tricycle or quadricycle. (Refer to paragraph 51, Pedestrian.) HPM 110.5 2-8
(5) An infant or child that accidentally or intentionally sets a motor vehicle in
motion who, by his/her obvious limited capabilities could not be in control of the
motor vehicle.
DEFINITIONS
MOTORCYCLE OR MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLE:
A motorcycle is a vehicle whose motor displaces more than 150 cubic centimeters and
has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider. It is designed to travel on not more than
three wheels in contact with the ground and weighs less than 1,500 pounds. (Refer to
CVC Section 400.) A motor-driven cycle is a motorcycle whose motor displaces less than
150 cubic centimeters.
DEFINITIONS
MOTORIZED BICYCLE OR MOPED:
A motorized bicycle or moped is either:
a. Any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for
propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical
energy, equipped with an automatic transmission and motor which produces less
than two gross brake horsepower and a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles
per hour (mph) on level ground. A motorized bicycle is subject to applicable rules
of the road and collision reporting requirements. (Refer to CVC Section 406[a].); or
b. A device that has fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power and has
an electric motor that has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts, a
maximum speed of not more than 20 mph on level ground, and is incapable of
further increasing the speed of the device when human power is used to propel
the device faster than 20 mph. (Refer to CVC Section 406[b].)
DEFINITIONS
DEFINITIONS
MOTORIZED SCOOTER:
A motorized scooter is any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, a floorboard
that is designed to be stood upon while riding, may have a seat, and is powered by
an electric motor (or any other type of motor) that is capable of propelling the
device with or without human propulsion. (Refer to CVC Section 407.5)
DEFINITIONS
MOTOR VEHICLE NON-TRAFFIC COLLISION:
A motor vehicle non-traffic collision is any collision involving a motor vehicle in-
transport occurring entirely at a place other than a highway.
a. This includes collisions involving a motor vehicle in-transport occurring off
highway on public or private property.
b. Off-highway collisions not involving a motor vehicle in-transport and events
such as airplane crashes on highways or train accidents that do not meet the
definition of a motor vehicle collision are the responsibility of the sheriff,
police department, coroner, Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, or
appropriate federal authority.
DEFINITIONS
DEFINITIONS
c. Excludes:
(1) Property damage, personal injury, or death resulting from an organized
racetrack or drag strip competition event.
(2) Property damage, personal injury, or death resulting from an activity on a
designated parade route.
(3) Property damage, personal injury, or death sustained during an actual
agricultural operation.
(4) Property damage, personal injury, or death resulting from operation of a
forklift vehicle within an industrial plant or other building.
(5) Property damage, personal injury, or death sustained during a sanctioned
bicycle race on the authorized closed course. The closed course must involve
an actual highway closure.
DEFINITIONS
MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC COLLISION:
A motor vehicle traffic collision is any collision involving a motor vehicle in -transport that
occurs on a highway or a collision which occurs after the motor vehicle runs off the
highway but before events become stabilized.
This includes collisions occurring on a highway involving:
(1) A motor vehicle in-transport that set an object in motion without the motor
vehicle itself doing the actual striking. For example: The vehicle's load or parts fell
from the motor vehicle and the load or parts were struck by another motor vehicle.
(2) A motor vehicle in-transport involved in a non-collision event. For example:
accidental poisoning from carbon monoxide generated by a motor vehicle; injury or
damage sustained from a motor vehicle fire; occupants falling from a motor vehicle;
occupants jumping from a motor vehicle prior to an imminent collision; damage only
to a truck that jackknifes; damage to pushed or towed vehicles that collide with one
another; or injury to an occupant of a motor vehicle due to the motion of the vehicle.
(3) A school bus transporting students struck a bump in the roadway causing a student
to strike his/her face on a seat, injuring the student.
DEFINITIONS
Excludes:
(1) Cataclysmic events such as earthquakes, flash floods, lightning, etc.
(2) Motor vehicles not in-transport, such as snow removal equipment or
construction equipment while actually engaged in operations. These vehicles
are not in-transport because they are not being used primarily for moving
persons or property. This only applies when actually engaged in operations,
not traveling to and from the operation(s).
(3) Collisions involving only the participants of a sanctioned on-highway
bicycle event.
(4) A vehicle fire occurring while the vehicle is not in-transport.
DEFINITIONS
NON-CONTACT INVOLVED PARTY:
When classifying collisions in California, the driver of a non-contact vehicle,
bicyclist, pedestrian, or other person(s) not making actual physical contact
should be considered an involved party when:
a. A driver, bicyclist, pedestrian, or other person(s) commits a traffic or
other violation that causes, or directly contributes to, another party to
become involved in a collision; and,
b. The violation is corroborated by a disinterested witness, physical
evidence, or statements of the non-contact party.
DEFINITIONS
Examples:
(1) A pedestrian ran across the street in front of a moving motor vehicle, violation of CVC Section 21950(b), as corroborated by evidence or statements. The driver of the motor vehicle applied the brakes and avoided striking the pedestrian, but the motor vehicle skidded into a parked motor vehicle. The pedestrian would be considered a non-contact involved party and will be listed as an involved party on the CHP 555, Traffic Collision Report.
(2) A person used a vehicle to evade arrest and committed a moving violation, which caused another person to become involved in a collision. The actions of the pursued suspect should be listed as an involved party on the CHP 555.
NOTE: A person attempting to evade arrest is not considered a “Non-Contact Involved Party” unless there is a clear violation, other than evading, which caused, or directly contributed to, another party to becoming involved in a collision. The mere fact that a person is being pursued in itself is not sufficient to make a person a party in the collision.
DEFINITIONS
(3) A large truck and tractor made an unsafe lane change, causing a vehicle
traveling in an adjacent lane to run off the road and strike a cement median
barrier. Independent witnesses corroborated the sequence of events and provided
identifying information. In this case, the driver of the truck should be listed as an
involved party.
(4) A vehicle ran off the road and collided with a tree. The driver claimed
another vehicle forced him off the road; however, there are no witnesses or
physical evidence to corroborate the existence of the second vehicle. In this
case, the information relating to the second vehicle should be documented in the
narrative portion and the collision should be documented as a solo vehicle
collision.
NOTE: If the investigating officer is provided with identifying information
involving the claimed non-contact involved party or associated vehicle, the
investigating officer should conduct adequate follow-up investigation to prove or
disprove the involvement of the party.
DEFINITIONS
ON-DUTY EMERGENCY VEHICLE COLLISION
Applies to peace officer per 830 PC
Applies to firefighter
While operating an emergency vehicle defined per 165 PC.
Private ambulance companies must be checked off per CHP/Permit
Employer owned/leased/rented
During hours of employment
Applies to federal officers during same guidelines
DEFINITIONS
DEFINITIONS
DEFINITIONS
PARTY:
A party is any pedestrian or any person who operates a vehicle, motor vehicle, or a bicycle,
which is involved in or causes a collision.
PASSENGER:
A passenger is any person inside or upon a vehicle, excluding the driver. A passenger
includes a person behind the wheel of a parked motor vehicle not in-transport.
PEDESTRIAN:
A pedestrian is any person who is afoot or using a means of conveyance propelled by human
power other than a bicycle.
a. Pedestrian includes:
(1) Any person riding a device propelled by human power other than a bicycle, or the
rider of a unicycle or tricycle that does not meet the definition of a bicycle.
(2) Any person operating a pedestrian conveyance such as a skateboard, roller skates,
sled, skis, scooter, baby carriage, or wheeled toys.
(3) Any person who is operating a self-propelled wheelchair, motorized tricycle or quadricycle, if operated by a person who, by reason of physical disability, is otherwise unable to move about as a pedestrian. (Refer to CVC Section 467.)
(4) Any person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device. (Refer to CVC
Section 313.)
DEFINITIONS
ROADWAY:
A roadway is that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for
vehicular travel (CVC Section 530). In the event a highway includes two or more
separate roadways, the term roadway refers to any such roadway separately but not
to all such roadways collectively. (Refer to Annex A.)
SCHOOL BUS COLLISION:
A school bus collision is a motor vehicle collision that results in personal injury or
property damage anywhere in California involving one of the following vehicles:
If there are kids on the bus call CHP>>>>>>>>>> If
there are no kids you take the report.
DEFINITIONS
SIDEWALK:
A sidewalk is the portion of a highway, other than the road, set apart by curbs,
barriers, markings, or other delineation for pedestrian travel.
STAGED TRAFFIC COLLISION:
A collision intentionally planned or contrived for fraudulent purposes. When
there are indicators a traffic collision has been staged, forward a copy of the
report to the California Department of Insurance.
DEFINITIONS
UNINVOLVED PARTY:
An uninvolved party is one who an involved party claims contributed to the occurrence or collision but:
a. Sustained no damage or injury.
b. There is no evidence to indicate that the involved party committed a violation that would cause the collision; and,
c. There is no corroboration by a disinterested witness or the uninvolved party.
Examples:
(1) A driver stopped at a crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to cross the road. A second
driver approached the stopped vehicle from behind and swerved to avoid the stopped vehicle. The driver of the stopped vehicle will be an uninvolved party if the second
vehicle collided with anything other than the stopped vehicle.
(2) A driver traveling at the legal speed limit is an uninvolved party when an over-
taking vehicle loses control and collides with anything other than the vehicle
proceeding at the legal speed limit.
(3) A vehicle allegedly set a rock or debris in motion which struck another vehicle. The driver of the vehicle that set the object in motion denied involvement. Without witness statements or physical evidence to corroborate a claim, the driver of the vehicle that set the object in motion will be an uninvolved party.
Break Time
20 min
COLLISION INVESTIGATION
PROCEDURES
Responding to the scene
Geographic conditions
Weather conditions
Time of day/Arriving safely
Arriving safely
COLLISION INVESTIGATION
PROCEDURES
Vehicle placement, safety vest
Keep yourself safe!!!!!!!
Devices for traffic control
Patrol vehicle, Flare pattern, Cones, Barricades, Signs,
Hand Signals
Safety is imperative!!!!
Wear your vest
and communicate
with your
partners!!
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
What in the world are we looking for????????
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
What are some types of evidence we will be looking for?
Tire Friction marks
Vehicle parts
Glass
Fluids
Gouges/scrapes
Paint transfer
Clothing
Body fluids
This all helps define the Area of Impact.
AREA OF IMPACT (AOI)
Defined as the point(s) at which involved parties come
into contact with one another, another object, or surface
as a result of a collision
CIM defines AOI as area at which damage or injury occurs,
where involved parties come into contact with one
another, another object, or surface as a result of collision
TIRE MARKS
Tire Friction Marks
Side tire friction mark
Collision scrub mark
Locked wheel skid-mark
Impending skid-mark
Critical speed tire friction mark (Yaw Mark)
Skip skid
Gap skid
Flat tire mark (squib)
Which one do you look at???
What type of mark is this?
What type of mark is this?
What type of mark is this?
What type of mark is this?
What type of mark?
What type of mark?
YAW MARK
YAW MARK
ROAD SCARS
Any sign that the roadway has been damaged due to a collision.
Scratches and Scrapes
Gouges and grooves
Chops
Chips
DEBRIS
Loose material on the ground at the scene
Can be vehicle components, cargo, or underbody debris (dirt, mud)
Can help with direction of travel
Can help with identification of hit and run vehicles
DEBRIS
DEBRIS
VEHICLE FLUIDS AND BODILY FLUIDS
Spatter-made from vehicle components collapsing
Dribble-can help indicate direction of travel
Puddle-forms where vehicles or persons came to rest.
Helpful if people or vehicles are moved prior to
investigators arriving.
Run-off-indication of slope in the roadway (used for
speed in recon)
Soak-in-like a puddle but usually found in soft ground
material or cracks in the pavement.
INTERVIEW
A conversation with a purpose
Non-accusatory
Non-prearranged plan or preparation
Purpose:
To obtain information
To detect and deter criminal activity
To solve a crime
Develop sources of information
INTERVIEW
Name, DOB, Address, DL#, phone #, insurance if a party
How were they involved? Driver, passenger, witness
If witness, where were they? Did they see the collision or hear it then
look?
Passenger-what were they doing or looking at prior to the collision,
what was the driver doing?
Remember to interview all parties separated from one another
Who is credible and who has something to gain from their statement?
INTERVIEW
Be flexible in your interview
Listen to the story then ask clarifying questions
Look at your scene to make sure the story matches what people are
telling you
Listen for key words or indicators (the light went from green to red, I
looked down for a second and then all cars were stopped, etc.)
Remember at this point there is no custody so Miranda does not apply.
INTERVIEW v. INTERROGATION
Interview Interrogation
Non-accusatory Accusatory
Conversational Dominate
Conversation
Less structured Highly Structured
Note taking Notes ?
Setting flexible Privacy Critical
Time factor No time Factor
INTERROGATION
When does the investigation turn into an interrogation?
DUI driver
Death or GBI
Reckless driving causing collision
Intentional act
During an interrogation what applies?
Miranda
INTERROGATION
Know your facts prior to starting the interrogation
Have a plan of what you are going to ask and the order
Did they have knowledge of what they were doing and the
consequences that could occur?
NINE CELL MATRIX
PRE-COLLISION COLLISION POST COLLISION
HUMAN
VEHICLE
ENVIRONMENT
NINE CELL MATRIX
Box 1 Human Pre-Collision
Driver/Ped/Wit
Age, sex, weight
DL Status
What were they doing prior to collision
Drinking or Drugs?
Seating positions
NINE CELL MATRIX
Box 2 Human Collision
Seating position
Restraints used?
Injuries suffered-use the injuries to help investigation
NINE CELL MATRIX
Box 3 Human Post Collision
Post impact of driver/occupants
Extrication?
Medical care
NINE CELL MATRIX
Box 4 Vehicle Pre-Collision
Make, model, year, body type, color, VIN, Reg.
Prior damage to vehicle or condition
Maintenance history
Equipment/ Modifications
Mileage
Accident history
NINE CELL MATRIX
Box 5 Vehicle Collision
Restraints functioning
Integrity of body structure
Location of damage and extent of such
Vehicle malfunctions
Direction of force
NINE CELL MATRIX
Box 6 Vehicle Post Collision
Post impact fire
Post impact damage due to secondary impacts
Towing companies/ Storage procedures
Post impact mechanical conditions
Location and extent of vehicle damage
NINE CELL MATRIX
Box 7 Environment Pre-Collision
Roadway identification
Surface type and condition/ Accident history
Traffic Controls
Sight distances/ Visual obstructions
Weather conditions/ Lighting/ Fixed objects/ Moveable objects
Animals or other objects
NINE CELL MATRIX
Box 8 Environment Collision
Physical evidence-Tire friction marks
Damage to roadway-Gouges
Ambient weather
NINE CELL MATRIX
Box 9 Environment Post Collision
Physical evidence of post impact movement-deviation in TFM
Evidence of secondary impacts
Roadway configuration and geometry affecting the post impact event
Weather-Did the roadway dry out or start to rain covering TFM
PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHING THE SCENE
Take photos as soon as possible or delegate the task
Walk through the scene-every 10-20 feet take a photo
Take 2 photos of items-one for orientation then close up
Vehicles-eight around the clock
Scene-prior to marking and after marking the scene
PHOTOGRAPHING THE SCENE
Importance of photographs
Depicts roadway, vehicles and physical evidence
How many photographs should you take?
Photos that incite emotion or passion can be excluded
Photos must be relevant
Photos should be a fair representation of the item being photographed
Try avoiding being qualified as “Expert photographer”.
You are qualified “In the general practice of photography”
PHOTOGRAPHING THE SCENE
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PHOTOGRAPHING THE SCENE
PHOTOGRAPHING THE SCENE: VEHICLES
Recommended taking at least 8 photographs
MEASURING
It’s the foundation for speed estimation, reconstruction and PCF
Measuring equipment include:
Visual estimates
Odometer
Pacing
Role-a-tape
Measuring tapes---Steel/cloth/fiberglass
Surveying equipment-Total Station, 3D Laser Scanner
MEASURING
Marking equipment
Lumber crayons/Chalk
Spray paint-be careful of color because of PW markings
Nails and 3X5 Cards
How to mark
Mark front and rear tires (LF) (LR) or (RF) (RR)
Tire friction marks-use dots and look for impending
Small items-Glasses, shoes---draw a circle around item and label
MEASURING
Spot-Coordinate System
A system typically consists of two reference lines and their prolongations that
intersect at right angles. What we use in the department.
Example: 219’ West of the West Curbline/Prolongation of _____ and 17’ North of
the South Curbline/Prolongation of _______
Triangulation
Is used when Spot or Station line can’t be used.
Accurate note taking is imperative. Start with two fixed points then the evidence
to be measured.
Less accurate than the other methods
MEASURING
Stationing or Station Line
A numbered reference line from which an item of evidence is measured at right
angles.
Start by establishing the rope, tape measure or chord is going to be located.
IE-The station line started 25’ East of the East Prolongation of _____ and 0’ on
the South prolongation of _______. The line can also be placed in the middle
of the road closer to the evidence.
Measurements will be taken as follows:
0+00—0=100 feet and 00=tens of feet 1+25= 125feet
MEASURING
Stationing or Station Line
Item Description Distance Right or
Left of Station
Location on
Station
A Nike Shoe 2’10”-Left/North 0+35’10”
B Glasses 3’5”-Right/South 0+29’
MEASURING
Stationing or Station Line
Vehicle point of rest (POR)
Measure same side front and rear
Bodies-Head and Groin
TFM-beginning and end
Small gouges or short TFM-To center of item
Large areas of debris can have an overall measurement 12X8
Or mark several dots around debris and then measure
MEASURING
Roadway
Sidewalk width, Bike lane, Lanes of travel, center median
Width of white lines-4” Solid White line
Crosswalk marked with 12” Solid White line
Measure to the middle of the lines/ceramic markers
BASIC SPEED FORMULA
What is the coefficient?
Typical roadway is .70-.75
30*D*F
30 is a constant
D=Distance of tire friction mark
F=Coefficient of roadway
Then get the square root of that
Result will be mph the vehicle was traveling at the beginning of the tire
friction mark
LEGENDS
Item Description Distance Right or
left of Station
Location on Station
V-1 R/F wheel 2’-Left 0+20’10’
V-2 R/R wheel 4’-Left 0+10’
Vehicles/Parties Point of Rest
LEGENDS
Item Description
A 40’6” long tire friction mark ending at the left-front tire of V-1
B 25’ long TFM ending at the left-rear tire of V-1
C 38’ long TFM ending at the right-front tire of V-1
D 24’6” long TFM ending at the right-rear tire of V-1
E 10’ 2” long TFM ending at the left-front tire of V-2
F 14’ long TFM ending at the right-rear tire of V-2
G 4’diameter are of fluid spill (measured at the center)
Physical Evidence Description
LEGENDS
Item Description Distance Right or Left of
Station
Location on
Station
A Begin TFM 9’ –Left 0+02’
A End TFM 9’-Left 0+45’6”
B Begin TFM 8’ 6”-Right 0+34’
B End TFM 8’6”-Right 0+22’3”
C Begin TFM 3’-Left 0+05’
C End TFM 3’-Left 0+30’2”
D Begin TFM 2’6”-Left 0+11’
Physical Evidence Location
SKETCH AND DIAGRAMS
Sketch and Factual should be proportional to scene
Neither are to scale unless you draw to scale
Sketch diagrams represent what the officer believes
Sketch is simple
Factual Diagrams depict the evidence, roadway and vehicles as you
observed them
Don’t add vehicles and evidence if it was moved prior to being marked
SKETCH AND DIAGRAMS
Do’s----
Use a sharp pencil
Use your Northwestern Template
Label your Sketch
Label the streets
North should point straight up
Use arrowheads as vehicles and a circle for AOI
Include your name, case number and “Not to Scale”
SKETCH AND DIAGRAMS
Don’t ----
Freehand your sketch
Add useless information
Change scales on Northwestern
DRAWING EXERCISE
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Adrian Dr
Southwest Blvd
Sketch Example
Factual Rules
Street Names Horizontal
Width of lanes, bike etc.
Trees if applicable-Vision obstruction, hit tree
Factual Example
PRIMARY COLLISION FACTOR
The PCF should be a Vehicle Code violation, when
applicable.
DUI will be PCF on DUI cases
Other than-Medical related, heart attack then crash not
crash then heart attack
EXAMPLES OF PCF’s
21800(a) VC
21804(a) VC
22107 VC
27103 VC
21658(a) VC
21650.1 VC
21950(a) VC
ASSOCIATED COLLISION FACTORS
May be a Vehicle Code violation or other factors such as:
Inattention
Fatigue
Eating
Makeup
Dog
Both PCF and Associated must be described and
substantiated in the narrative.
DETERMINING PRIMARY AND ASSOCIATED
COLLISION FACTORS
Definition:
Primary Collision Factor: The one element that best describes the
cause of the collision. If that one element is removed, the collision
would not have occurred.
Associated Collision Factor: Any other factors or violations
contributing to the crash but not to the extent of being the Primary
Cause.
CHP 555
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Chapters 3,4,and 5 of the CIM
Proper fill in of the boxes is important for SWITRS
Documentation of Collision is standardized
Computer generated (Crossroads)
Hand written
CHP 555
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NARRATIVE:INVESTIGATION
Class I Collision Investigation Format
1.Facts:
A.Notification
B.Scene Description
C.Parties
D.Physical Evidence
E.Hit and Run (if applicable)
F.Hazardous Material
G.Other Factual Information
NARRATIVE:INVESTIGATION
Class I Collision Investigation Format cont.
2.Statements:
a.Party (Last Name)-Identified by? How were they found to
be the driver?
b.Vehicle-1 (Make) Orientate it where it was found and
describe damage
c.Passenger (Last name) What party? Where were they
seated?
d.Witness (Last name) Where were they at the time of the
collision? Are they related to any parties involved?
NOTE: A layperson can give his/her opinion as to sobriety.
NARRATIVE:INVESTIGATION
Class I Collision Investigation Format cont.
3.Opinions and Conclusions:
a.Summary Opinion of what took place.
b.Area(s) of Impact
c.Intoxication Narrative: (Shall be completed if intoxication exists)
•Party’s actions, including objective signs and symptoms. Must state how the party
was determined to be the driver
•General statement that FST’s were given, if they performed them and if the
investigating officer determined the party was under the influence of alcohol
and/or drugs
•Other report forms related to the arrest
•A reference such as “Refer to the Collision Report” may be made in the arrest
report but there should be no reference to the arrest report in the collision
narrative.
NARRATIVE:INVESTIGATION
Class I Collision Investigation Format cont.
3.Opinions and Conclusions: (cont)
d.Cause.This shall include the PCF and if applicable any other
associated factors that contributed to the collision. If felony, include
how the act or neglect was the proximate cause of and degree of
injury.
NARRATIVE:INVESTIGATION
Class I Collision Investigation Format Cont.
4.Recommendations:
Recommend necessary follow up actions needed by others. Request for the DA to review
or none.
Use this section to explain collision-related violations (20001, 23153(a) or 191.5(a).
Indicate whether a citation was issued or a complaint will be filed as a result of the
collision investigation.
Clearly outline all charges sought for the DA.
NARRATIVE:REPORT
Class II injury report
The report should consist of at least the following headings that shall be graphically
set apart.
1.Notification
2.Statements
3.Summary
4.Area of Impact
5.Cause
NARRATIVE:REPORT
Class III PDO
The report should consist of at least the following headings that shall be graphically
set apart.
1.Summary
2.Cause
3.Area of Impact
Practical Exercise
Day 4
In house crossroads work