by Ann Marie Dwyer

Created on: December 31, 2008

Long before forensic experts look at crash evidence, a crash reconstruction team gathers evidence at the scene. The information they collect will effectively reconstruct the accident. The team is comprised of certified members who have been trained in the forensic evidence they will need to collect.

Before they begin collecting evidence, the vicinity is marked for areas of note, including leaked fluids, skid marks and impact locations. Each area is then photographed, measured and recorded.

1. Immediate weather conditions: Temperature and humidity are recorded because they affect tire pressure. Precipitation, whether rain, sleet or snow, is recorded and photographed to be used to calculate traction. Visibility is calculated and recorded.

2. Immediate vicinity: The actual crash scene, both cars or the car and the object it struck, is photographed from eight angles. A videographer records the actual collecting of evidence, thus providing a second source of visual inspection for forensic scientists. Close records are made of the vehicles, tires, condition of the road beneath the cars and the car interiors after the passengers are removed.

3. Vehicle interior: Clues left in the vehicle include signs of alcohol or drug consumption, interior distraction (cell phones and MP3 players) and failure of interior equipment. Once removed from the scene, the interior instruments and the computer control system are forensically tested for mechanical failure. Blood patterns inside the car are closely recorded, as they evidence the chain of events from loss of control to impact.

4. Extended vicinity: The area surrounding the car crash is recorded. Road surfaces, traffic controls (lights and signs), obstacles, tread marks left by tires on the pavement, tread marks off the road and surrounding buildings are photographed, measured and chronicled. These photographs will be used to calibrate computer programs which can recreate the accident.

5. Removable evidence: Vehicles are towed after they are recorded. These remain in police custody pending the outcome of the investigation. Pieces of the vehicles are retrieved, like broken reflectors and glass, bumpers and car parts which were separated from the cars. If machinery, like the Jaws of Life (TM), is used to remove vehicle occupants, the portions of the car which have been removed are also collected.

6. Immediate vicinity: Once the vehicles are removed, the area must be photographed again. After the debris is cleared, often addition evidence

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