Volume Nine, Issue 4
April 2007
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April 2007 - Accident Reconstruction Newsletter
Welcome to the April 2007 edition of the Accident Reconstruction Newsletter.
After months of anticipation and planning we are ready for the upcoming 2007 ARC-CSI Crash Conference June 4-7. We have been working hard on the development of this year's conference. We have secured 16 industry leaders to speak on various aspects of crash research, we have prepared two interactive, hands-on workshops and in addition to the full scale crash tests held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway EFI Global will be conducting a series of low speed crash tests (prior to the ARC-CSI Crash Conference).
The ARC Network and Collision Safety Institute are proud to announce that this year the ARC-CSI crash conference will have the largest attendance yet, with over 230 attendees and 19 exhibitors.
It is not too late to join us this year. You have until May 28th to register and join us in Las Vegas for the biggest and best ARC-CSI yet. For more information on how to register for the upcoming ARC-CSI conference visit www.crashconferences.com or call us at (866) 223-4984.
Collision Publishing is proud to announce that we are preparing to ship the next issue of Collision magazine. With over 10 articles and a case study, Collision Volume 2 Issue 1 is stock full of useful and interesting information and includes the 2007 CDR User's Conference and supporting spreadsheets that accompany some of the articles. If you have not already subscribed to receive Volume 2 Issue 1 you may do so online at www.collisionpublishing.com or call us at (800) 346-9571. Look for Volume 2 Issue 1 in your mailbox at the end of June 2007.
With April behind us, we are also pleased to say that I Got Hit, LLC has successfully finished it's first full month as a stocking distributor in the United States and a authorized reseller in Canada for the crash data retrieval hardware and software. We are continuing to work closely with Bosch to streamline the process of taking your CDR orders and expediting your shipments as efficiently as possible.
As a stocking distributor for the United States we have all of the CDR products in stock. We are also able to ship your order within a couple days of your order, sometimes even the same day.
As an authorized reseller for Canada we assist BOSCH in taking and placing orders for Canadian customers. We do not ship the CDR product line because Canadian orders are shipped directly from the warehouse in Canada to reduce delivery times.
All of what we do and the reasons that we do it is for the ease and effieciency of processing orders for our customers. We work hard to ensure the satisfaction of all of our customers both in the United States and Canada.
Visit our web site to see the entire product line and current specials being offered. Please note, the specials offered are specific to either US orders or Canada orders. www.cdr-system.com
Thank you again for supporting the ARC Network!
Sincerely,
Scott Baker
President
The ARC Network
- NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts - Research Note: Seat Belt Use in 2006-Overall Results
- Results of Transport Canada’s September 2006 Survey of Seat Belt Use in Rural Areas of the Country
- Seat Belt Comic
- Paraplegic Urges Seat Belt Warning
- Study Calls for Stronger Seat Belt Law Enforcement
- Collision: Year Two
- Charles C. Thomas Publisher, Ltd. Advertisement
- Brake Insite by M3consulting
- Tire Safety: Benefits of Temperature & Pressure Monitoring
- SRR Training
- School Bus Seat Belt Background
- Vehicle Performance Caracteristics and Seat Belt Effectiveness in Low Speed Vehicles and Golf Cars
- Advertising in the ARC Network
- ARC Network New Members
- Events, Conferences and Seminars
- Accident Reconstruction News Articles
NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts - Research Note: Seat Belt Use in 2006 - Overall Results
Introduction
In June 2006, seat belt use in the U.S. stands at 81 percent, statistically unchanged from the previous year’s use rate of 82 percent. This result is from the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS), which provides the only probabilitybased observed data on seat belt use in the United States. The NOPUS is conducted annually by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Results of Transport Canada’s September 2006 Survey of Seat Belt Use in Rural Areas of the Country
Background
The National Occupant Restraint Program (NORP 2010) is an important element of Road Safety Vision 2010 — an ambitious partnership approved by the federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for transportation and highway safety to make Canada’s roads the safest in the world. The objective of the National Occupant Restraint Program is to achieve a minimum 95% national seat belt usage and the proper use of child restraints by all motor vehicle occupants. Transport Canada’s contribution to this program of promoting seat belt usage is to conduct observational surveys.
In September 2006, Transport Canada conducted an observational survey of seat belt use in rural communities across Canada. In 2006, for the first time, data on cell phone use by drivers was also collected.
Seat Belt Comic
The National Highway Safety Council has done extensive testing on a newly designed seat belt. Results show that accidents can be reduced by as much as 45% when the belt is properly installed. Correct installation is illustrated below.......
Comic created by www.paisdelocos.com found on jibjab.com
Paraplegic Urges Seat Belt Warning
A story featured on CBS The Early Show.
Quote
"I want car manufacturers to step up to the plate and warn people of the dangers. Because you can be a paraplegic, a quadriplegic, or dead, if you recline your seat like I did, thinking you are comfortable."
Study Calls for Stronger Seat Belt Law Enforcement
Consumer affairs reports findings, on a study done from 1991 to 2003, that show "police should be able to pull over cars whose occupants aren't wearing their seat belts..."
The study conducted by David J. Houston and Lilliard E. Richardson, Jr. can be purchased online at: http://www.ajph.org/cgi/content/abstract/AJPH.2005.074385v1
Collision Magazine
Collision Publishing is proud to announce that we are preparing to ship the next issue of Collision magazine. With over 10 articles and a case study, Collision Volume 2 Issue 1 is packed with useful and interesting information not to mention the 2007 CDR User's Conference CD that contains all the PowerPoint presentations and supporting spreadsheets. If you don't already subscribe to Collision, simply go to www.collisionpublishing.com and subscribe online.
Industry Partners
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We would also like to welcome IAARS as the newest Industry Partner of Collision. As an Industry Partner, IAARS becomes more involved the the magazine and also can offer it's members a discounted subscription rate. If you are an IAARS member and would like to receive Collision at the discounted rate, please contact IAARS directly - www.iaars.org. If you are thinking about joining IAARS, now is great time.
NAPARS continues to be our Premier Industry Partner, offering Collision to all of it's membership at no additional charge. Simply pay the annual dues to NAPARS and you will receive Collision as part of your membership. For information on becoming a member of NAPARS, please visit their web site www.napars.org
The ARC Network is also an Industry Partner of Collision. The ARC Network offers Collision free to all Police Agency members and Platinum members. For more information on becoming a member of the ARC Network please visit www.accidentreconstruction.com/members.
If you do not wish to join an organzation to receive Collision, you can always subscribe online at
Back Issues Are Available
If you missed the last two issues of Collision (Volume One), you can order them online
at
www.collisionpublishing.com/backissues.html
Charles C Thomas Publisher, Ltd. Advertisement
To view this advertisement as a PDF click here.
M3Consulting - Brake Insite
Brake Insite by M3consulting
Brake Insite is a comprehensive air brake evaluation system designed by M3's engineers. They saw the need for an accurate, verifiable way to determine the condition of a vehicle's air brake system following a collision.
The Brake Insite can be used to measure:
• Air pressure
• Brake actuation
• Brake signals
• Pressure loss
• Pressure buildup
• Low-pressure functions (alarm, spring brake apply, etc.)
The Brake Insite can evaluate:
• Brake chamber stroke
• Tractor protection valve
• Low pressure alarm
• Quick release valves
• Relay valves
• Anti-compound function
• Brake adjustment
• Condition of air lines
To find out more contact Alan Moore at 321-946-1283
or alan@brakeinsite.com
For more information about M3Consulting and Brake Insite - click here
Tire Safety: Benefits of Temperature & Pressure Monitoring
By: Gary Rothstein
Introduction
Tires play a critical role in the handling, maneuvering and braking of any motor vehicle. No matter what the type…RV, SUV, EMS vehicle or commercial truck, tires are the only thing that contacts the road. Obviously, there is much more than just the vehicle resting on those tires…its overall safe operation is as well. By following some basic tire safety practices, you will not only drive with a greater degree of security, you will extend the usable life of your tire investment considerably.
Native Americans Less Likely to Use Seat Belts
Consumer Affairs reports findings on NHTSA study. Stating that "Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death for Native Americans throughout the continental United States."
SRR Training
ACTAR Prep Course, Crash Investigation, Crash Reconstruction, Cad Zone, Commercial Vehicles, Crush, Human Factors, Motorcycle, Bicycle, Pedestrians, Report Writing
Chief Reggie Redfern (President/CEO -SRR Training) was a police officer for the City of East Hampton, MA for over 27 years and that department’s Chief of Police for 16 years. He retired June 30, 2002, and has since brought superior law enforcement training to professionals throughout the Nation through his company, SRR Traffic Safety Consulting.
Law enforcement must be prepared to face numerous, ever-changing challenges. The training received should be ready to face these same challenges as well. While the foundation of our courses is based on proven methodologies, SRR Training is constantly modifying them to reflect the latest trends in crash and criminal investigatory procedures.
If you are looking to provide your officers with a unique learning experience, or if you yourself wish to enhance your own professionalism, our courses and instructors will help you to meet your goal.
At SRR, we focus on bringing high quality, in demand courses to law enforcement officers throughout the Nation. Our instructors are recognized experts both on the job and in the classroom. Their main goal? The sharing of information and experience with those individuals that want to learn.
In today’s world, the most powerful tool a law enforcement officer can possess is knowledge. We pride ourselves in providing that edge.
School Bus Seat Belt Background
History
Thirty-five years ago in California, UCLA engineers performed a series of classic school bus crash studies, which determined that the major cause for injury in school bus accidents was the inadequacy of school bus seats. They proposed “compartmentalization” of the child occupants between high-back, well-padded and well-anchored seats capable of absorbing crash forces with large aisle side panels to contain riders. A lap belt was recommended to provide substantial additional protection.
Vehicle Performance Characteristics and Seat Belt Effectiveness in Low Speed Vehicles and Golf Cars
Abstract
Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) use on public roads is currently experiencing a tremendous increase in usage in the United States. There currently exists a debate concerning the impact these vehicles will have on our roadways and the occupant injury exposure resulting from their usage. Of particular controversy are the potential safety benefits and trade offs associated with the use of seat belts in LSV’s and golf cars.
In an effort to create uniform safety guidelines for these vehicles the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has created a new category of “Low Speed Vehicle” (LSV) to regulate small, 4-wheeled motor vehicles, other than a truck, with top speeds of 20 to 25 miles per hour. Any vehicle capable of exceeding 25 mph would fall under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for passenger cars. LSV’s, which include modified personal neighborhood vehicle (PNV), neighborhood electric vehicles (NEV) and golf cars, having a maximum speed greater than 20 mph, but not greater than 25 mph, fall under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 500 (49 CFR 571.500). At present, golf cars with a maximum speed of less than 20 mph are not required to comply with the LSV standard but are still subject to state and local
regulation.
Vehicle dynamic and occupant kinematics studies conducted by the authors indicate that golf cars moving at speeds as low as 11 mph are capable of rapidly producing the lateral accelerations necessary to quickly eject an unbelted occupant even with the hip restraints provided by most golf car manufacturers. The testing included a variety of LSV’s and golf cars ranging from a typical golf car with a top speed of 11 mph to an advanced LSV capable of reaching a top speed of 25 mph. In all cases the unbelted occupants were ejected in J-turn maneuvers while the belted occupants remained in the original seat. This study demonstrates that the safety benefits of seat belts in these vehicles are significant and should be required as safety devices when operated on roadways.
Advertising in the ARC Network
The ARC Network understands all advertising needs are different. We have developed highly effective, easy to implement, advertising methods for companies to gain the most benefit from the ARC Network and also to fit your advertising budget. For all the promotion, traffic, and service we provide compared to other advertising methods you quickly realize the value of advertising with the ARC Network.
Advertising Options
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Why Advertise on the ARC Network?
- The ARC Network is the most visited web site for Accident Reconstruction and Traffic Accident Investigation. We receive over 2.5 million hits per month.
- The ARC Network is ranked in the top position of ALL MAJOR SEARCH ENGINES making it easy for people interested in your product to find you.
- The ARC Network is a trusted, proven, non-biased web site resource for this industry.
Complete information about advertising with the ARC Network can be found in our advertising section.
ARC Network New Members
Please welcome the newest members of the ARC Network.
If you would like to become a member and support the Accident Reconstruction Network, please visit the Membership Section and sign up directly online through our secure server.
Name Company/Department State Reggie Redfairn SRR Training NV Curtis Miller Ford County Sheriff''s Office IL Dennis Percy D Percy & Associates CA Charles Laponius NH Garry Ivey Akron Police Department OH Tim Allred Southaven Police Department MS Randy Green CA Brian McClaughlin Ontario Brent Richter Minnesota State Patrol MN Julian Beaver Southeast Collision Analysis GA David Naiditch Advanced Transportation Solutions, LLC FL Aaron Zeamer Auto Fire & Safety Consultants, Inc. TX Kurt Marshek Beta Pro TX Edward Hall Crash Scene Recon MN Edward Jensen ACS Engineering & Safety TX Basil Psarianos National Technical University Athens, Greece Joseph Stephenson Cedarbyrne Consulting ME Chris Wasinger Garden Grove Police Department CA Jennifer Snell Los Angeles Police Department CA David Breed NJ Phil Van Herle CA Kenneth Pearl CA Edwin Konrath AZ Morrell Munyon Adamson Engineering TX
Events, Conferences & Seminars
The ARC Network host a comprehensive calendar of events relating to the accident reconstruction and traffic accident investigation industry. New events are always being added. It is free to add as many events as you wish. Simply visit this section of the ARC Network and browse through the current events or add your event to the list.
We have currently all courses from:
- SRR Training
- Northwestern University Center for Public Safety
- IPTM - Accident Investigation courses
- All classes offered by Rudy Degger
- All CDR Certification courses offered by Collision Safety Institute
Accident Reconstruction News Articles
The ARC Network continually posts news articles relating to accident reconstruction, traffic accident investigation and automotive safety. The newest articles are always posted on the ARC Network's homepage and all the archived articles are posted in the ARC News Section.
Following are the news articles posted in April 2007:
April 27, 2007
April 25 , 2007
Silicone Materials Driving Innovation in Automotive Safety
One in Three American Deaths Overseas Due to Car Crashes According to New StudyApril 19 , 2007
Electronic Stability Programs Reduced the Number of Passenger Car Crashes by 30%April 19 , 2007
Corzine crash spotlights SUV safetyApril 18 , 2007
World Traffic Safety Symposium Awards Volvo Cars for Innovative Child Booster Cushion SystemApril 17 , 2007
State Police Update Governor’s Crash InvestigationApril 17 , 2007
Corzine SUV Was Going 91 Miles Per Hour Before CrashApril 16 , 2007
Easter Sunday Truck Crash Prompts Lawsuit; Police say tractor-trailer had faulty brakes and driver was distractedApril 13 , 2007
Volvo: Reduced Accident Risk with Volvo's Active Safety SystemApril 12 , 2007
First Round of Crash Test a Success for Phoenix MotorcarsApril 5 , 2007
Tests Show Rear Crash Protection is Spotty
Each month the ARC Network
continues to grow with new memberships and contacts.
We now have over 850 members and going strong. We would like to thank
everyone for their support.
The ARC Network would like to thank everyone
for continuing to make the
ARC Network the number one web site for accident reconstruction and traffic
investigation.
Please
direct any questions regarding this issue of the Accident Reconstruction
Newsletter to
the ARC Network
©
2007 ARC Network, LLC. All rights reserved.
Any comments, questions or suggestions should be e-mailed
to the ARC Network.
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