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Evolving Tech Impacts Crash Scene Reconstruction

By T Nyland, 03/22/19

The constant change in our human infrastructure in developing a modernized autonomous society is affecting the frequency and types of traffic crashes investigators will come to see. To stay relevant, we must change with the world: altering procedures, replacing outdated equipment, and furthering our education and/or trainings.

Investigators have been transferring from the old school method of documenting a scene with a tape measure and wheel, into the digital age of lasers, scanners, drones, and mapping software. 

Crash Scene Mapping in a Modern Age

Modern Technology Simplifies Crash Scene Mapping/Reconstruction

Clearing and documenting a crash scene are both equally important procedures that need to happen after a traffic crash. Officers and investigators are under a lot of pressure to document a scene as quickly, accurately, and effectively as possible, as no one incident is the end as the risk of secondary crashes are a dominant threat.

Crash scene mapping and reconstruction requires extreme attention to detail

A crash reconstructionist is expected to recreate the traffic crash scene, to scale, from the evidence gathered on scene. An accurate recreation of the scene is likely to include vehicle(s), people, and objects appropriate to the incident, that are key to explaining what and why it happened, and who or what may be at fault.

The reconstruction plays a vital role in a juror’s decision-making process. This document is the central piece of evidence for incidents that have resulted in fatalities, property damage, and/or if it will be used for any legal action that involves a jury determining responsibility. 

A Noticeable Shift Offers Improvements

This technology shift has equipped investigators with intelligent tools that provide increased measurement accuracy and various features that make gathering evidence easy to collect, store, and share. This technology shift for investigators has not only improved their time on scene, it also benefits officers to help clear roadways faster in reducing secondary crashes. 

New age crash mapping tech is cultivating a safer traffic environment for both law enforcement officials and civilians, but it isn’t worth investing in if your investigators aren’t properly trained. One miscalculated or inaccurate data point can result in the entire evidence testimony being thrown out. 

Reconstructionists’ have a high-pressure job that leaves little to no room for error. It is a priority for crash reconstructionist experts to stay ahead of the learning curve, always be ready, prepared, and up-to-date with the latest expertise on scene reconstruction. 

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