TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND

ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
LECTURER: ARIEL B. BARREDA,
MSCrim.,LLB
Program Director Criminology
Partido State University
 PROGRAM OF ACTIVITY
Opening Prayer
Orientation
First Topic : Traffic Mgt. and Accident
Investigation
Second Topic: Polygraph or Lie Detctor
Open Forum
Home Sweet Home
CLASS CONDUCT
COVENANT
Everybody calls me Ayie Lets do on doing
that.
Break will be given every 2 hours.
Try to avoid destructions (cell phone in silent
modes/turn off etc)
Email if you can at your risk ( missing topics)
barreda.arielO6@gmail.com
You may take notes but the references will be
made available
Ask question you feel like asking after the
lecture
 You may leave the session room quietly
for a necessity
For those sleepy heads take a deep
breath .
In case of fire grab your things form two
lines and wait for instructions.
OK
Thank you.
PREPARATION
There are no secret to success. Dont
waste time looking for them. Success is
the result of preparation , hard work
learning from failure, loyalty to those for
whom you work for and persistence.
(Gen. Colin Powell)
The person who usually get the most out
of life are those who are prepared to roll
with the punches those who recognize
the fact that they cant afford to become
static and stagnant (leon Kulilowski)
There are six factors to be considered in preparing for the board exams.

Mental Preparedness/ intellectual

Competence
excellence is not being the best, its doing
your best
Unknown Author

Emotional Preparedness
to be successful, you must decide exactly what
you want to accomplish, then resolve to pay
the price to get it. (Baker hunt)
 Place in methods of review
our goals can only be reached through a
vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently
believe and upon which we must vigourously
act, There is no other route (Stephen A. brenan)

Physical well being

Men sana In Copore sano a sound mind and
sound body that is the requirement since a very
dangerous enemy in preparing the board exams
is illness or sickness
 Review materials
success is not a matter of chance it is a matter of
choice. Success isnt something you hope
happens. Its achievements accomplish by
consistent daily preparation and commitment to a
goal with adaily plan of action (Dave dean)

Time table
Timing is an essential ingredient of success :
Being the right man, at the right time, at the right
place
( Edwin loouis cole)
 The greatest amount of wasted time is
the time not getting started- one of the
greatest enemies that we can face in life
illusion that there will be more time
tomorrow than there is today. Every day
and every hour counts before and during
the board exams so you have to used
your time effectively.
 Traffic Management
it comprises all public surfaces , facilities
and agencies having responsibility for
licensing, approving, maintaining and
controlling the flow of traffic and the use
of traffic facilities.
 Agency Concern in Traffic Management

Department of Public Work and Highways (DPWH)

Department of Interior and Local Government(DILG)
Department of Transportation (DOTr)
Department of Health (DOH)
Land Transportation Office(LTO)
Philippine National Police(PNP)
Traffic Management Group(TMG)
Highway Patrol Group(HPG)
Traffic Enforcement Group
Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board(LTFRB)
Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
Department of Education(DEPED)
Commission on Higher Education(CHED)
Local Government Unit(LGU)
 Traffic
is a movement of vehicles along a route
where passengers and cargoes are
carried by transportation.
It is also a movement of persons, goods
and vehicle from point of origin to the
point of distination.
 Traffic laws
are the laws which govern traffic and
regulate vehicles, while rules of the road
are both the laws and the informal rules
that may have developed over time to
facilitate the orderly and timely flow of
traffic.
 LEGAL BASIS

R A No. 4136 an act to compile the laws

relative to land transportation and traffic
rules, to create a land transportation
commission and for other purposes.
PD 96- A law declaring unlawful the use
or attachment of sirens, bells, horns,
Whistles or similar gadgets that emit
exceptionally loud or startling sounds,
including dome lights and other signalling
or flashing devices on motor vehicles.
(January 13, 1973)
Conti1
R A No. 10586 An Act Penalizing Persons
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol,
Dangerous Drugs, and Similar Substances,
and for other Purposes Otherwise known as
the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving ACT.

R A No. 10913 - Anti-Driving distracted
Act: Text, call, or internet surfing using the
mobile phone or any other electronic device
are prohibited and punishable while driving
a vehicle.
Conti..2
P D No. 843 amending republic act no.
4136, as amended, otherwise known as
the Land Transportation and Traffic code
by increasing the annual registration fee
on private automobiles and imposing an
ad valorem tax thereon, and for other
purpose
R A No. 6374 - an act amending republic
act numbered forty-one hundred thirty-
six, known as the "land transportation
and traffic code"
Conti..3
Senate Bill No.2234 an act establishing
the national land transportation
authority, appropriating fund therefore
and for other purposes
 Exemptions
Motor Vehicles designated for official use by
the:
AFP Arm Forces of the Philippines

NBI National Bureau of Investigations

LTO Land Transportations Office

PNP Philippine National Police

BFP Bureau of Fire Protection

Hospital Ambulances
Traffic Accident
(traffic Collision) occurs when a vehicle
collides with another vehicle, pedestrian,
animal, road debris, or other stationary
obstruction, such as a tree or utility pole.
 Negligence
indicates a deficiency of perception. If a
person fails to pay proper attention to
use due diligence in foreseeing the injury
or damage impending to be caused there
in negligence. Negligence usually
involves lack of skill.
 Imprudence
indicates deficiency of action. If a person
fails to take the necessary precaution to
avoid injury to a person or damage to
property, there is imprudence.
Imprudence usually involves lack of skill.
 Highways
shall mean every public thoroughfare,
public boulevard, driveway, avenue, park,
alley and callejon, but shall not include
roadway upon grounds owned by private
persons, colleges, universities, or other
similar institutions. (Section 3.Par j RA
No. 4136)
 Geneva Convention on Road
Traffic
September 19, 1949. Promotes the
development and safety of international
road traffic by establishing certain
uniform rules.
 Motor Vehicle
shall mean any vehicle propelled by any power other
than muscular power using the public highways, but
excepting road rollers, trolley cars, street-sweepers,
sprinklers, lawn mowers, bulldozers, graders, fork-lifts,
amphibian trucks, and cranes if not used on public
highways, vehicles which run only on rails or tracks,
and tractors, trailers and traction engines of all kinds
used exclusively for agricultural purposes. (Section
3.Par a1 RA No. 4136)
Trailers having any number of wheels, when propelled
or intended to be propelled by attachment to a motor
vehicle, shall be classified as separate motor vehicle
with no power rating. (Section 3.Par a2 RA No. 4136)
Elements of street and highway traffic
The road user
The vehicle and its load
The road.
Police officers main functions in Traffic
Police traffic directions
Police traffic law enforcement
Police traffic accident investigation.
 Elements of traffic accident

The vehicle involved

The highway
The road user.
 Causes of Traffic Accident

Direct Causes :
Usually only four direct causes are
considered in accident investigation; such
as;

Initial Behaviour

Speed

Delayed Perception

Faulty Evasive Action

 Mediate and Early Causes A mediate
cause of an accidentis an irregular or
unusual condition of a vehicle, the
road,the weather, or of a road user
driver or pedestrian that explains one of
the four direct causes of an accident:
initial behavior, speed, delayed
perception and faulty evasive action.
 Early Causes - An early cause of an
accident results from the act of any
individual, or the failure to act by any
person, which creates conditions leading
to the chain of events making up an
accident.
Early cause of an accident- is an act or
negligence on the part of an individual or
an organization which causes orpermits
a mediate cause to exist.
 Traffic Accident Analysis

Condition of the motor vehicles involved in the

accident;
Condition of the drivers at the time of the accident;
Load of the vehicle;
Weather condition;
Characteristics of the road, which involves the
designcondition, and inhabitants of the place of
accident
Presence or absence of traffic sign and its condition.
All these factors must considered in order to fully
uncover the reasons of the accident, and thereby
provide a factual bases in coming-up with a traffic
prevention program and traffic plans and programs.
Accident
an accident is any happening beyond the
control of a person the consequences of
which are not foreseeable.
There is no criminal liability in accident
provided; the following requisites or
elements under the law must be
satisfied;
 Performance ofa lawful act
With due care
Causes injury to another by mere
accident
Without any fault or intention of causing
it
Key Event
means the one which characterizes the
manner of the occurrence of the traffic
accident.
It determines the time, place, and type of
accident.
 Point of Possible Perception is the place and
time at whichthe unusual or unexpected
movement or condition could havebeen
perceive by a normal person.

Delay in Perception or Perception Time it is

the time between the point of possible
perception and actualperception.

Prompt Perception is the perception of hazard

which is actually nearly the possible accident.
 Maximum Delayed Perception occurred when the traffic
unit does not sense a hazard until he hits another vehicle.

Point of no Escape is the place and time after or beyond

which the accident cannot be prevented by the traffic unit
under consideration.

Point of Impact is used to mean as the point of

initialcontact, sometimes it is considered the point of
maximum engagement or center of force.

Final Position is the place and time when the object
involved in the accident finally come to rest
withoutapplication of power.
3Es OF TRAFFIC

Traffic Education comprises all means for public information and

the safety education of both drivers and pedestrians as to traffic laws
and the use of traffic facilities and an adequate training programs in
traffic control throughout the police unit.

Traffic Engineering- is a branch of civil engineering that uses

engineering techniques to achieve the safe and efficient movement of
people and goods on roadways.

Traffic Law Enforcement comprises all police activities in

connection with the direction of traffic, regulation and education of
drivers, determine potential offenders, constant patrol, giving of
assistance in the prosecution of offenders, investigation of accidents,
follow-up complaints, requesting police action, warning, summoning
or arrest of violators, reporting of road hazards and obstruction.
Functions of Traffic Engineering

Fact finding surveys and recommendation

of traffic rules and regulations.
Supervision and maintenance to the
application of trafficcontrol devices.
Planning of traffic regulations.
Objectives of traffic Engineering

To achieve efficient, safe, free and rapid

flow of traffic.
To prevent traffic accidents and
casualties
To present the role of traffic engineering
in reducing the needs for police action
and simplifying police performance.
To show that good police action and
performance makes engineering plans
effective.
Traffic Island
a small raised area in the middle of a
road which provides a safe place for
pedestrians to stand and marks a division
between two opposing streams of traffic.
Traffic Enforcement Action

Detection
Apprehension
Prosecution
Adjudication
Penalization
 Enforcement action is usual
limited to:
Verbal or written warning;
Summon or citation requiring the
offender to appear in court;
Arresting traffic violators for traffic
violations not attended
Suspension or revocation of license;
Payment of fines or civil damages, and;
Prosecution of criminal offenses in
relation to traffic.
Traffic lights
a set of automatically operated coloured
lights, typically red, amber, and green,
for controlling traffic at road junctions,
pedestrian crossings, and roundabouts.
Traffic Light Signals
is a power operated traffic control device
by which traffic is warned or directed to
take some specific actions.
Red Light Full Stop
Orange Light Prepare
Green Light Go
Traffic Patrol
refers to the observation of road
conditions, the behavior of the drivers
and other users of vehicles for the
purpose of traffic supervision and law
enforcement and providing authorized
traffic connected services to the public.
Purpose of Traffic Patrol

Deterrent to violations and dangerous

driving.
Detecting and apprehending violators.
Observing and reporting traffic
conditions.
Observing and reporting road conditions,
including view obstruction which needs
attention.
Providing certain services to the public.
 Types/Kinds of Traffic
Patrol
Line Patrol Conducts observation either in moving or stationary
observation at a certain route or point of a major street in a city.

Area Patrol Conduct observation either by moving patrol or
stationary observation in a certain area, which included
anumber of streets roads or sections of a highway.

Stationary Observation Observation of traffic conditions of a

selected place, usually one with unfavorable accident
experiences for traffic law supervision. Stationary
observationmay be conspicuous, visible or concealed,
depending upon thelocation of the patrol unit in relation to the
street under observation.

Conti..1
Conspicuous Observation Stationary observation in
which the observer remains in full review of traffic
conditions.

Visible Observation Stationary observation in which

observer is full view but so located, for example, at
Side Street, soas to require effort on the part of
traffic users to discoverthe observer.

Concealed Observation Stationary observation in

which the observer is not visible to persons using
ordinary power ofobservation form the roadway
being observed.
Traffic Signs
a device mounted on a fixed or portable
means of words or symbols, officially
created and installed for the purpose of
regulating, warning and guiding traffic.
Types of Traffic Signs

Regulatory Signs - are intended to inform road-users of

special obligations, instructions or prohibitions which
mustcomply. A round shape is used for regulatory signs
withexception of stop and yield signs.

Warning Signs - are intended to warn road-users of danger

onthe road and to inform them of its nature. These signs
havean equilateral triangular shape with one side
horizontal.

Guide or Informative Signs - are intended to guide road-

users while they are travelling or to provide them with
other usefulinformation.
Types of Guide Signs

Route markings is usually found on highways composed

of several lanes which are going into different direction.

Destination and distance signs is usually erected
onhighway informing the motorist as to the number of
kilometresand at which way to take going to its place of
destination.

Information signs is usually erected on highway which

informs the motorist of the establishments in the era,
such hospitals, restaurants, restrooms, hotels, and other
establishments which provide services to motorist.
Classification of Road

National Road
Provincial Road
Municipal City Road
Barangay Road
Private Road
Hit-and-run
is the act of causing or contributing to a
traffic accident such as colliding with a
person or a fixture, and failing to stop
and identify oneself afterwards. It is
considered a crime in most jurisdictions.
 Characteristics of Hit-and Run
Drivers
After living the scene, he dreads or frighten of being
caught.
He may have left the accident scene because he was
shocked, injured, or intoxicated.
He may have been too confused to know he was
doing.
He may have a long record of violations or accidents
andtherefore a terrible fear ofgetting further involve
withthe law.
More often, he fears financial loss especially if he
does nothave liability insurance.
Hit-and run drivers do not have a establish method of
operation unlike criminals.
Pavement Markings
are markings on the roads and surfaces whereby a
message is conveyed by means of words or symbols,
officially reflected for the purpose of regulating,
warning and guiding traffic. May Indicate a Number of
things like
Where lanes are divided
Where you may pass other vehicles
Where you may change lanes or which lane to use for
turns
Where pedestrian walkways are located
Where you may stop for traffic signs and traffic signals

 Types of Pavement
Markings
Curve Markings are used to show where
parking is legallyprohibited or not allowed, such
Bus Stop, or in front of a fire hydrant, drive way.
Striped Curb Markings are markings used in
traffic islandsin order to warn the driver of the
traffic island on the road and aids the motorist to
its traffic lane.
Painted Crosswalk are placed at intersections
and other places where there is considerable
pedestrians traffic to provide pedestrians with
safety zones when crossing.
 Object Markings are painted on fixed
poles, and on vertical ends of bridges and
ports to avoid accidents.
Reflectorized Markings are used to
mark hazardous areas and also used as
delineators or road limits, these
delineators are aids especially during
night driving, particularly when the
alignment of a road changes and might
confused theoperator of the vehicle.
 Broken White Lines is used to define or
separate traffic lanes. It permits crossing
from one lane to another if there is ample
passing distance, and if the opposing
lane is clear of traffic.
Solid White Line is used to separate
opposing streams oftraffic. Crossing is
unlawful except where ample distance
exists and where the opposing traffic lane
is clear of traffic.
 Solid Yellow Line is your driving lane
prohibits you frompassing other vehicles.
Double Yellow Line indicates two way
traffic; were crossing of pedestrian and
motorist is not allowed. It separates
theopposing flow of traffic.
Broken Yellow Lines is a two way/highway
which means no overtaking or passing is
permitted only when the road ahead is clear.
Stop Line it indicates where stop should be
made.
Pedestrian Crossing
is a place designated for pedestrians to
cross a road.
 Places Where Parking is
Prohibited

Within an intersection
On a crosswalk
Within six meters of the intersection of curb lines.
Within four meters of the driveways entrance to any
fire station.
Within four meters of a fire hydrant.
In front of a private driveway
On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or
parked at the curb or edge of the highway.
At any place where official signs have been erected
prohibitingparking.
Professional Driver
shall mean every and any driver hired or
paid for driving or operating a motor
vehicle, whether for private use or for
public.
Categories of Drivers

Tourist
International Driver
Government
Professional
Non-professional
Student Permit
Skid Marks
are marks caused by tires on roads which
occur when a vehicle wheel stops rolling
and slides or spins on the surface of the
road.
Importance of Skid Mark In Traffic Accident Investigation

Skid marks can be analyzed to find the

maximum and minimum vehicle speed
prior to an impact or incident.
Kinds of skid Marks

Pavement Grinding is the collection of many fine

scratches and some larger one form by particles of
gritty materials such as stone, gravel, glass and
sometimes bit of metal embedding itself in the
rubber of the tire or in the thread pattern and being
ground or scored against the road surface.
Tire Grinding is the collection of particles of rubber
ground from the tire surface by gritty paving,
especiallybefore the tire gets hot enough smear. It
occur on hard, dry, granular surfaces, particularly
weathered or new butnot traffic-polished cement.
 Erasing is a clean light area where a
sliding tire haderased or removed dirt
from the pavement. Erasing is most likely
to be found on traffic-polished concrete
road.
Squeeze Mark are areas where a sliding
tie rubs moisture of the surface in its
path. It occurs on some kind of surface as
erasing except that the surface is wet.
 Smear of Soft Material materials such as
snow, mud, or debris usually wet smooth
or spread by a sliding tire. Itoccurs on
road covered with snow, or mud.
Smear of Bituminous Material is excess
asphalt or tar,usually warm which spread
by a sliding tire this occurs in pavement
patches and joints in very warm weather
and elsewhere when there is an excess of
tar or asphalt bleeding tothe surface.
 Tire Smear is a rubber melted from the tire rather
thanmaterial melted from the road by a sliding tire.
Scrub of Tire during Collision collision of cars
usuallycause the wheel to jam and prevents it from
turning. If the vehicles are moving there will be a
heavy scrubbing action between tire and road
surface.
Furrow is a ploughed depression made by a sliding
tire withmaterial piled-up on each sides and usually
at the end. If the soil is smooth and sticky, there
may be soft material smear in the bottom of the rut.
 Furrow is a ploughed depression made
by a sliding tire withmaterial piled-up on
each sides and usually at the end. If the
soil is smooth and sticky, there may be
soft material smear in the bottom of the
rut.
Scuff Marks
are signs left on the road by tires that are
sliding or scrubbing while the wheel is
still turning.
Types of Scuff Marks

Decelerating Scuf are left while the vehicle

is slowing by braking effort and tires are both
sliding and rolling.
Accelerating Scuf are left by a wheel driven
by the engine and spinning on the ground.
Side Scuf are scuff marks left by a tire that
is free to rotate without braking or power the
sliding sideways, these are usually left by a
vehicle steering around a curb and also in
collision.
 Combination Scuf are combination of
slide with either decelerating or
accelerating scuffs.
Flat Tire Scuf are marks lefts on the
road by the edges of under-inflated or
greatly overloaded tires. They are usually
smear of rubber, a flat tire rolls it become
a very hot specially at the edges where
the pressure is greatest.
 Scrub of Tire during collision it is much
the same whenthe wheel is rotating as
when it is locked.
Furrows by a rotating and sliding wheel
are little different than one with a locked
wheel.
SIMPLIFIED GUIDE IN
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
INVESTIGATION

ARIEL B. BARREDA,
PROGRAM DIRECTOR CRIMINOLOGY
Introduction

Traffic accidents are extremely confusing

events. How they occur, who or what
caused them, and why they occurred are
facts that police must determine. Every
peace officer must know the
fundamentals of traffic accident
investigation and know how to prepare
traffic accident reports.
Objective:

Explorers should be able to investigate a traffic accident, obtain

witness and victim information, determine the cause and fault of
an accident and properly fill out the Accident Report form.
Explorers should be able to properly clear the scene of an
accident calling upon the necessary resources such as
Emergency Management System EMS, wreckers, firemen or
repair crews.
Securing facts upon which to base an accident prevention
program;
Determining whether or not laws have been violated, gathering
evidence which will reveal the road user responsible for the
accident, and taking on-the-scene police action; and
Ascertaining the facts so that those involved in accidents can
properly exercise claims under our Civil Law.
Initial Steps
Prompt arrival at the scene of an accident
is essential.
Safety, however, should be emphasized
at all times.
While in route, the traffic investigator
should maintain contact with the
dispatcher.
They should also be on the lookout for
any suspicious or damaged vehicles
fleeing the general area.
Arrival at the Scene.
The following steps should be taken upon
arrival at the scene of the accident. While
enroute to the scene, the traffic
investigator should obtain as much
preliminary information as possible
concerning the accident. Such
information includes:
 Location
Time of notification
Who notified the officer and how
Weather and visibility conditions
General information as to seriousness of the accident--
injuries, hit and run, amount of traffic congestion, etc.
Whether or not additional support is proceeding to the
scene, such as wrecker, ambulance, or additional
Police patrols
By obtaining such information prior to arrival at the
scene, the investigators may more quickly and
efficiently respond to the needs of the situation.
 Location of the Patrol
Vehicle
The police vehicle should be positioned
so as not to cause further traffic
congestion or accidents.
If necessary, it may, however, be used as
a roadblock.
At night it should be parked so the
headlights illuminate the entire scene.
At all times the emergency lights should
be on to warn approaching motorists of
the hazard.
 Care for injured and protect the
scene
The investigators should determine the extent of injuries, if
any, to accident victims; render first aid; and request medical
assistance, if necessary.
Severely injured persons should not be moved, except to
preserve their safety.
The position of all victims should be noted for report purposes
and, if on the road, the positions outlined in chalk or road
paint.
A doctor/corner or justice of the peace makes final
determination of death. After caring for the injured, the scene
should be secured to protect property and preserve evidence.
Personal property of accident victims must be protected. In
case of accidents involving fatalities or felonies, Explorers
should request appropriate specialized accident investigators.
Establish Traffic Control
Traffic control is essential at the accident
scene to prevent further accidents or
injury.

Rerouting vehicles around the accident

scene is the most common procedure
used.

Spectators or unnecessary personnel

should be cleared from the accident area.
 Request Additional
Support
Additional support personnel should be
requested, if necessary, such as power
line repair; road repair; water pipe repair;
portable lighting, signal personnel (for
telephone repair or photography),
medical personnel (for ambulance,
special medical equipment), and civilian
police personnel within their jurisdiction.
 Essential Elements of an
Investigation

The accident form when completed,

contains the essential investigative
elements who, what, when, where, why,
and how the accident happened.
It may be used alone, or supported by
scaled diagrams, photographs and/or
statements.
This form is one of the special tools
needed to clearly explain what happened
at the accident scene.
Securing Facts at Scene

After completing the initial steps and

securing the scene of the accident, the
investigator obtains and records facts
needed to complete their reports to arrive at
logical and objective conclusions.
The main thrust of the investigation is to
determine whether or not there was a
violation of the law; and if so, to prove each
element of the offense.
Explorers should issue a traffic ticket when
appropriate.
 Moving Vehicle and Marking
Wheels

The decision to move a vehicle from its final position must

often be made by the police patrol arriving at the scene.
When this is done, the positions of the wheels should be
marked on the ground so they can be relocated for
investigative purposes. Under the following conditions, a
vehicle must be moved immediately:
When an injured person is trapped in the wreckage and
cannot be treated there.
When a person is trapped in wreckage near burning
material, or an area of potential fire hazard.
When a vehicle position is an immediate hazard to
oncoming traffic and adequate traffic control cannot be
established.
 Identify and Preserve Fragile
Evidence
Any fragile evidence that can be damaged, altered,
destroyed or removed from the scene by any willful or
negligent act must be identified and secured.
Prior to removal, its position should be noted, sketched,
photographed and/or marked in chalk. Examples of such
evidence are puddles of gasoline, oil, blood or pieces of
broken glass.
The position of turn signal levers should be checked;
although this is not a positive indicator of whether a turn
signal was in use it can be helpful. Alcoholic beverage
containers inside a vehicle should also be secured.
Evidence should be tagged, marked, and secured in
accordance with proper evidence gathering procedures
prior to its removal from the scene.
Take Statements

Questioning and taking statements of witnesses

and victims should be done at the scene.
If this is not possible, statements should be taken
as soon as possible at the hospital, police station
or homes of those involved.
Names, number and contact address of witnesses
should be noted on the accident report.
All parties should be separated when questioning
them, but in a safe location like on the sidewalk,
not in the roadway.
Make sure the parties exchange names and phone
numbers before leaving the accident scene.
Recording Observations
After gaining all the information possible
from all persons involved in the accident,
the investigator begins to examine the
physical condition of the scene, and to
record his observations.
Vehicle Final Rest Position

The examination should start where the vehicle came to final

rest.
Debris or broken parts from vehicles, with other indications, will
help locate the key event and indicate the paths of the vehicles
involved.
Marks or traces such as skid or scrape marks help the
investigator locate pertinent points accurately.
All marks, puddles, bits of metal and contents of vehicles must
be located and their positions measured and recorded.
Skid marks are very important since they show position and
direction of travel, evasive action or unlawful behavior.
Note especially things that would help locate the point of first
contact, such as changes in skid marks, chips in pavement and
damage to roadside objects.
Path of Vehicles
The investigator should next retrace the
paths of the vehicles involved.
Note visibility, condition of signs and
signals, road surface condition, traffic
volume, angles of view and possible
distractions.
 Vehicle Search and
Inspection
A careful inspection of vehicle equipment and contents is
necessary.
Items affecting vehicle control should be particularly
checked, such as tires, brakes, lights, steering, signals and
safety equipment.
For example, it is important to know whether a tire blew
out as a result of the accident, or whether a tire blowout
was a possible contributing factor of the accident.
This fact can be determined by analyzing skid and scuff
marks.
Contents of the vehicle may also give important
information concerning the identity, residence, occupation,
destination and position of vehicle occupants.
Sketches
Depending on the type and severity of an
accident, sketches are made, which may
range from a simple sketch on the accident
form, to detailed scaled drawings on separate
sheets. Sketches serve four purposes:
Help explain the accident
Help the investigator reveal facts
Locate any given point at the scene
Serve as the basis for accurate scale
drawings.
 Field sketches are made at the scene and are
used to support the officers original notes.
The following information must be placed on
sketches and scaled drawings:
Time of the accident (date and hour).
Names of roads. If on a rural highway, show
the distance to the nearest identifiable
landmark.
Direction of North.
Report or case number.
References to photographs taken.
 Steps in Preparing a
Sketch
The investigator first draws the
roadway, shoulder and other areas
of the scene that are pertinent to
the investigation.
This includes any physical characteristics
which may constitute contributing factors
to the cause of the accident, or which will
be used as base points.
 Base points are then drawn on the sketch.
These are those points used in making
measurements by triangulation. They are
permanent objects such as telephone poles,
mileage markers, road sign posts, etc. If
permanent objects are not available, base points
can be established by driving wooden stakes into
the dirt at the edge of the roadway or driving nails
into the asphalt. Measurements are made from the
place where the base point meets the ground. If
large circular objects, such as telephone poles are
used, the exact reference point should be marked
with a nail or paint.
 The next portion of the sketch shows
the final position of the vehicle,
occupants and objects involved in
the accident. All damage to the vehicle
and other property is also indicated on
the sketch. This information should also
be entered in the narrative portion of the
report.
 The sketch is completed by including information on
vehicle marks and debris at the scene. Vehicle marks
include skid and scuff marks, scratches, scrapes and
gouges of the pavement and yaw marks.
These marks will be used in determining speeds of the
vehicles involved.
Debris is useful in determining the point of first contact.
An outline of the areas in which debris has come to rest is
included in the sketch.
Debris is usually spread in an elongated pattern in the
direction of travel.
Points where debris concentration is greatest are also
indicated. Notes should be made if there appears to be two
or more separate debris areas.
 After entering identifying
information on the sketch, the final
step is to recheck the sketch at the
scene. The investigator should retravel
the paths of the accident vehicles at their
level of vision height to determine
visibility and any obstructions. The sketch
must have an understandable legend.
Measurements
Accurate measurements are necessary to
relocate and relate exact points in an
accident scene. There are two methods of
making measurements--triangulation and
coordinate.
Photography
Photographs are used to supplement an accident
investigation and the written report concerning
the accident. When used in court testimony, they
help indicate and explain the chain of events.
Photographs, however, never take the place of an
investigation or a report. The investigator should
take as many pictures as necessary to properly
depict the accident. They should represent what
is actually seen by the investigator, thus scale,
angles of view, color and light should be as nearly
like what, is seen as possible. Photographs must
be taken as follows (minimum):
 Establishing Photograph

This picture should show the scene

The approaches to the scene, and a fixed object in
the background to establish the scene 360-Degree
Photographs.
These pictures should show all four sides of the
accident scene, that is, looking north, south, east
and west.
Damage Photographs Close-up pictures of damage
to all vehicles and items struck by vehicles
involved, to include contact and induced damage.

Skid Marks and Debris
Any persons, materials or marks not
included in the original scene should not
be included in the photographs.
Photographs in Court

To be admissible in court, the investigator

taking and using photographs should
follow these four steps:
Authentication

Photographic evidence will be

authenticated in court by the officer who
takes the pictures.
A summary describing the incident
should be annotated and attached to the
negative film packet or recorded on the
reverse side of the hard copies soon after
the photographs are taken.
This will assist in authentication.
Inspection of Vehicles
After sketching, measuring and
photographing the accident scene, the
investigator should begin his inspection
of the vehicle(s) condition and damage.
Vehicle body condition
Check locations of damage.
The amount of buckling or breaking can indicate the force of the
accident.
Check for alteration to the frame, body, or suspension, which could
have affected the driver's vision or vehicle reaction. Tires and rims
condition.
Check to see if the tires are fully inflated, have good tread, or show
signs of a blowout.
Check for tread scrape marks, sidewall scrapes or cuts, which can
indicate how well the vehicle held up to braking and sideways skidding.
Check rims for fresh scrapes, cuts or scratches. They may indicate that
a blowout occurred prior to the accident.
Light conditions Check all lights for operation and position of knobs and
levers used to control lights. These checks are often necessary to verify
statements. Note also any lights burning when you arrived at the
scene.
Vehicle body condition
The condition of the glass in an accident vehicle can determine
whether it may have caused poor visibility and may indicate
the manner in which injuries were caused.
Check to see if glass is cracked or broken. If cracks are clouded
or discolored, the cracks existed prior to the accident. Note
obstruction on the glass such as dirt or frost.
For side windows note position, up or down, if relevant.
Operation of side and rearview mirrors should also be noted.
Checks of vehicle damage compared to scratches/gouges on
the roadway or other damage to roadway objects may show
vehicle position and direction of travel after the key event.
The age of all damage should be determined to relate it to the
specific accident.
All accident damage and vehicle conditions should be
photographed, if relevant to the specific investigation.
Actions After Gaining Facts
Clear the Scene Vehicles are removed safely
from the scene under Police supervision.
Civilian vehicles normally are removed by
commercial wrecker if they are not drivable. In
this case, the wrecker operator's name, firm,
time of departure, and new location of the
vehicle should be recorded on the ST-3 accident
report, especially if further inspection of the
vehicle may be necessary. Roads should be
cleared of debris by the wrecker drivers. Fire
fighters should assist when fire hazards, such
as large pools of spilled gasoline are present.
Additional Searches

Prior to leaving the scene the investigator

should recheck the accident location for
any additional marks, debris, victims, etc.
Completing Investigation

Traffic accident investigations must

provide accurate explanations of the
facts.
In addition to the accident report, the
accident investigation may include
additional diagrams, statements and
photographs, the investigator should
prepare a statement.
Special Considerations

Alcohol Use of alcohol by drivers is a

factor in over half of all fatal traffic
accidents.
The investigator may suspect a
participant in an accident was under the
influence of an intoxicant or drug during
the course of the investigation.
Plain view search of vehicle for
intoxicants.

Detection of odors of intoxicants or other

unusual odors.
Observation of individual's actions.
Search of the vehicle with permission of
driver.
Search with a search warrant, based on
probable cause.
THANK YOU
End of my presentation