CRASH ANALYSIS AND RECONSTRUCTION: A US PERSPECTIVE

This paper will present an overview of the crash analysis and reconstruction activities conducted by Calspan’s Crash Data Research Center. It will open with a review of police reported data and the value of the Police Accident Report for conducting full-scope crash investigation programs that focus on vehicle crashworthiness issues, the evaluation of occupant protection systems, and occupant injury outcome in relation to crash severity. In addition, the paper will address specific programs aimed at crash causation, targeting driver actions, environmental factors, vehicle defects, and roadway design. Aspects of the crash investigation process relating to damage severity assessment, restraint evaluation, determination of occupant trajectories and contact point, injury sources and mechanisms, and reconstruction of vehicle speeds will be summarized. A brief discussion of Event Data Recorders will also be addressed.