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Index to Articles

The following articles are written for attorneys and traffic accident investigators.  Click on the title of any article you wish to read.  The authors are in private practice as experts in traffic accident reconstruction. The authors are also available as speakers for your functions. 

You can also search the entire site using our search form.

 

Antilock Brakes - What they can and cannot do . . .

        Antilock brakes have distinctive characteristics. This article explains some performance aspects first generation anti-lock brakes.

Anti-Lock Brakes - Some good news, some bad news . . .

       
Anti-lock brakes are impressive performers on the test track and in car commercials. But there are instances where ABS has produced unexpected results. Find out more about anti-lock brakes here.

Cause and Contributing Factors in Traffic Accidents

       
Causation is at the heart of any traffic accident case. This article explains the relationship of cause and contributing factors.

Automotive Crash Data Event Recorders

        Crash data event recorders (black boxes) are now being installed on some model year 2000 cars and light trucks.  These devices record a vehicle's speed, seat belt use, brake application and more for up to 5 seconds before an impact.

Computer Animation - Is it the right tool to use?

        A very good article on the use of computer animations in the courtroom.

Night-time Photography

        A short article on some of the technical difficulties of trying to obtain a photographic image of what a driver could have or should have seen just before an accident during the hours of darkness or periods of twilight.

Preserving and Presenting Evidence in Traffic Accident Cases

        Some of the different types of trial exhibits, costs, and advantages and disadvantages. How to use video effectively and present a skid speed demonstration.

How Credible are Eyewitnesses?

        Eyewitness testimony is often considered the most reliable. But is it? This article examines the ability, or inability, of eyewitnesses to correctly recall situations.

Human Factors - Perception and Reaction

        Human factors play a role in almost every accident. Perception-reaction times are used in the reconstruction traffic accidents. Find out where the current values come from and how they are applied to various situations.

Lamp Examination to Determine On or Off in a Collision

        There are ways to tell if the headlights, taillights or brake lights on a car were on or off following a collision. This article details some of the things to look for when conducting a lamp examination.

Environmental Factors - Determining Ambient Light Levels

        A large percentage of accidents happen just at sunset and sunrise. Do you know how to tell when civil twilight begins and ends? Many states require headlights to be used in conjunction with civil twilight. The possibility of glare from the sun can also be analyzed. This article provides details and resources on determining the position of the sun and moon for any place on Earth at any time and where to obtain historical weather data.

Low Speed Rear End Collisions

       
This link will take you to the introduction page for low speed rear end collisions.  An article on correlating vehicle damage profiles to occupant injuries, a New York Supreme Court decision on the use of experts in such accidents and a special offer for a trial presentation by an expert in traffic accident reconstruction is posted here.

Determining Vehicle Speeds from Skidmarks

        This is a very basic primer on how to determine vehicle speeds from skidmarks. It explains how to determine speeds from skids and provides a table for common situations.  A table of skid distances on various road surfaces is presented.

Skidmark Evidence

       
Minimum speed from skid marks.  What does this mean?  What are shadow skids?  What are impending skids?  Find out in this brief article with photos showing impending skid marks.

Principles of Testifying

        Suggestions for any expert witness or anyone called to testify as an expert in any profession.

Tractor-Trailer Underride - Another Look - and Another

        Tractor-trailer underride accidents cause severe injuries and deaths. Analyzing these cases requires a unique understanding of the factors involved.

Trailer Underride Revisited

        This type of accident is very complex.  This article goes into more depth than the previous article.

Trailer Underride: Conspicuity, Human Factors and Rear Bumpers

        Excerpts from a published treatise on the subject.