MATAI Fall 2004 Training Conference

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MATAI Fall 2004 Training Conference

• SPL/LT Gary Megge
• Michigan State Police

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Crash Data Retrieval System(CDR)Made by
Vetronix Corporation
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General MotorsSensing and Diagnostic
Module(SDM)FordRestraint Control Module(RCM)
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A Case Study
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Scene Photographs
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Scene Photographs
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Scene Photographs
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Problems?

• 1, Speed of tractor trailer 1?
• 2, Speed of tractor trailer 2?
• 3, Speed of pick-up?
• 4, Skids, Momentum, Crush, Other????
• 5, Overall crash dynamics?

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Options?

• 1, Witness statements?
• 2, Drivers statements?
• 3, Minimal skid marks?
• 4, Information from tractor data recorders?
• 5, Information from pick-up SDM?
• 6, All of the above

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Results

• 1, Witnesses and drivers stated that all the
  involved vehicles were slowing for a construction
  zone when the crash occurred.
• 2, Driver of pick-up stated the he had slowed
  down, with the brakes applied, to approximately
  20mph just prior to the crash. He then observed
  the tractor trailer behind him and accelerated to
  avoid being struck.

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Results Continued

• 3, There was no indication that excessive speed,
  by any of the drivers, was a factor in the crash.
• 4, Vehicle inspections indicated that the brake
  lights were working on all of the involved
  vehicles.
• 5, The at fault driver in the crash was killed
  as a result of the crash.
• 6, No criminal prosecution, case closed.

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Conclusions

• 1, The SDM/RCM data should not be used in a
  criminal or civil court as stand alone evidence.
• 2, The data obtained is an excellent source of
  information, especially when your traditional
  reconstruction is verified by the downloaded
  data.
• 3, All downloaded data, as well as the
  information in the data limitations section,
  should be carefully analyzed.