Basic collision investigations Flashcards
What is the difference between-an accident and collision?
Accident infers the driver wasn’t at fault; collision infers the event involved drivers behaviors
What are the Duties of an investigator of a collision
Determine who, what, when, where, where, and why.
How should an officer respond to the report of a traffic collision?
1.Safely but quickly
2. Don’t depend on other vehicles to yield
3. Consider urgency of call
4. Choose best approach
5. Look for suspicious vehicles or activity
6. Place warning devices on approach of collision
What is the 1st responsibility of an officer on-scene of a collision?
Park in a matter that protects life and property
What is the officers primary responsibility at the scene of a collision?
To reduce potential for additional collisions and aid the injured
Other responsibilities of the officer at collision scene
Notify EMS ASAP; request additional assistance as necessary; traffic control; establish safe perimeter;
What are the elements of an on-scene investigation?
Investigative plan; scene protection; scene examination; identify and question drivers, victims, witnesses; interview medical personnel;
What types of questions to ask during traffic investigation
Open and close ended questions; interview all drivers on scene
Hit and run driver considerations
How the driver left the scene; full description of driver; number of passengers
Reasons for drivers leaving the scene of a collision
DUI; no license; no insurance; probation or parole; panic reaction; engaged in criminal activity
What are the major causes of traffic collisions?
Driver’s failure to adjust to existing conditions; mechanical failure is only 0.5-1% of collisions
What are the series of events involved in investigating collision?
Pre-scene and On-scene events
What are pre-scene events?
Lead up to the point of possible perception; both pre-trip and trip events
What are on-scene events?
Events that begin at the possible point of perception and continue through impact.
