Traffic Crash

Driver Error

More than 90% of crashes involve errors such as speed, alcohol, cell phone use, inexperience.

Vehicle Problems

5-6% of all crashes involve vehicle problems, including issues with brakes and lights.

Traffic Crash Definition

An event resulting in unintended injury, death, or property damage attributed to the motion of a motor vehicle.

Highway Geometrics

Includes elevation, super-elevation, and crowning of roadways.

Crash Investigation Purpose

To ascertain facts and determine fault in traffic crashes.

Traffic Crash Report Elements

Key elements include identifying who was involved and where the crash occurred.

Civil Adjudication

A legal process that addresses traffic laws to control crashes and reduce fatalities.

Traffic Crash Investigation Process

Involves examining the scene, caring for the injured, gathering evidence, and interviewing participants.

Illinois Vehicle Code - Section 625 ILCS 5/11-201

Provisions concerning the operation of vehicles on highways.

Implied Consent Rule

Any person driving is deemed to have consented to chemical testing for alcohol or drugs.

Immediate Notification of Crash

Drivers must report crashes to police if involved in property damage or personal injury.

Chain Reaction Crash

A sequence of crashes where vehicles involved have contact with each other.

Fixed Object Crash

Collision of a motor vehicle with a fixed object without striking another vehicle.

Point of No Escape

A crash scenario where no actions by the driver can prevent the crash.

Triangulation Measuring

Two triangulation measures are used to locate items of interest at the crash scene.

Grid Search

A search pattern used to find individuals ejected from vehicles after a crash.

Traffic Template

An instrument used by investigators for preparing field sketches and diagrams of crash scenes.

Rollover Crash Damage

Contact damage to the roof will occur on the opposite side of the direction of the roll.

Multi-Vehicle Crash

Occurs when the first damage/injury is with another vehicle; Unit #1 is considered at fault.

Rear to Side Crash

Collision between two vehicles approaching an intersection.

Tangible Reference Points

Items that are permanently present, like telephone poles or road signs.

Intangible Reference Points

Not permanent reference points used during measurements.