NCJ Number
63353
Date Published
1975
Length
39 pages
Annotation
THIS MARYLAND POLICE TRAINING MATERIAL EXPLAINS HOW VEHICLE DAMAGE CAN PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE PRE-CRASH, CRASH, AND POST-CRASH SITUATIONS.
Abstract
IN ADDITION IT EXPLAINS HOW THE VEHICLE CAN CONTRIBUTE TO AN ACCIDENT AND HOW TO QUESTION PASSENGERS AND DRIVERS ABOUT VEHICULAR CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE ITSELF CAN BE EXAMINED FOR CLUES ON THE NATURE OF THE ACCIDENT, THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE ACCIDENT, AND THE EXTENT OF PERSONAL INJURY, MARYLAND POLICY ON INSPECTING A VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A COLLISION IS PRESENTED WITH EMPHASIS ON CHECKING THE BRAKES, WINDSHIELD WIPERS (IF NEEDED AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT), THE ACCELERATOR, AND POWER EQUIPMENT (BRAKES, STEERING). WAYS IN WHICH FAILURES IN SPECIFIC PARTS OF A VEHICLE MAY CONTRIBUTE TO AN ACCIDENT ARE DESCRIBED, AND SUGGESTIONS FOR EXAMINING EACH OF THE PARTS ARE PROVIDED. A TABLE IS ALSO PROVIDED TO SHOW HOW DAMAGE TO VARIOUS PARTS OF A VEHICLE CAN PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACCIDENT. FOR EXAMPLE, AN EXAMINATION OF THE DISTORTION OF PARTS OF THE VEHICLE'S BODY CAN SHOW THE DIRECTON OF THE FORCE, THE DEGREE OF OVERLAP OF COLLIDING VEHICLES, AND THE EXTENT OF MAXIMUM ENGAGEMENT. QUESTIONING OF THE PASSENGERS MAY REVEAL WHETHER THE DRIVER NOTICED ANY VEHICULAR DEFECT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT OR IF THE BEHAVIOR OF THE DRIVER AND VEHICULAR SOUNDS MAY HAVE INDICATED MECHANICAL FAILURE. TESTS FOR THE STUDENT ARE PROVIDED ON THE MATERIAL COVERED. (RCB)