Crash Investigations Flashcards
(66 cards)
What is the definition of crash?
An occurrence in a sequence of events involving at least one moving motor vehicle which produces in intended injury, death or property damage
What is the difference between crash and accident?
Crash: someone used poor driving strategies and tactics
Accident: implies no fault
What is crash prevention?
1) traffic enforcement
2) public education
3) roadway engineering
4) visible patrol
5) reporting of hazards
What is pre shift vehicle inventory?
Basic equipment
- measuring tap
- camera
- spray paint/crayons
Must have equipment
- Traffic vest
- fire extinguisher
- first aid kit
What is the percentage of survival if you wear your seatbelt?
80% more likely to survive if belted
What are some hit and run responses?
Obtain as much info as possible on suspect/vehicle and be aware of vehicles that you pass
Be aware of getaway routes
What happens if you crash while in route to a crash?
Someone will have to take the crash you were responding to
Someone will have to respond to your crash
You will have to account for your actions
What are steps to conduct a crash investigation?
Arrive safely
Care for injured
Secure and preserve scene to protect evidence and people
ID involved parties
Inspect the scene
What are traffic crash investigation questions?
Who, what, when, where, why and how…
The crash occurred
What are some things to be aware of with your car when arriving safely?
Is the trunk lid of car covering emergency lights
Proper use of overhead emergency lights
Use all the lights
Keep trunk lid down so lights are visible
What should you do when you arrive at the scene?
Radio your arrival and ems equipment needed
Park in safe position off the roadway or safe position to protect the scene
Make sure your trunk lid is shut and vehicle secured
What is required OSHA safety equipment?
Traffic safety vest
$7,000 fine if caught not wearing it
Makes you more visible
What should you look for when arriving to a scene?
Watch for hazards
- power lines
- fuel
Other types of hazards
- bio
- blood
- body fluids
What are some steps in Determining injuries?
Be prepared to render first aid
Use proper procedures
Call medics if questions about injuries
What is the proper cone pattern?
Taper from curb
Create buffer zone
Extend pattern beyond scene
Cone spacing: 10-30 ft apart and required to be 24” high and have reflecting ring circumventing the cone
What are the regulations with flare use?
OSHA requires flares to be used in conjunction with cones
Flares work better in low light conditions
**do not put flares on roadway evidence **
Space the flares
What If it’s a more serious crash?
Block off entire street and create detour
Methods of blocking road (barricades, cones/flares, crime scene tape)
Other considerations
What is odot incident response unit?
Must notify odot whenever a state highway needs to be closed
Odot has responsibilities/authority over all state roads
Do NOT tell odot your closing their roads
Advise them you would like to close the road and allow odot to order closure
What is the exception to odot incident response unit?
If scene of crash is a crime, develop alternate route plans for traffic
Keep as many lanes open as possible
Once crime scene is collected advise it’s no longer a crime scene
Citizens directing traffic?
If you have a citizen directing traffic, you assume liability
Don’t have them direct traffic
If one is when you arrive, replace them ASAP
How should you document the scene for evidence?
Photographs: take 50% more than you need
Measure the site/scene/evidence
Collect evidence
What are categories of roadway evidence?
Area of impact Tire marks Roadway marks Debris pattern Fluid trails Rest position
What type of conditions should you inspect the scene for?
Physical condition
Roadway conditions
Vehicle conditions
Scene evidence
What are the three major categories of tire marks?
Skid marks
Scuff marks
Rolling print marks
