Volume Eight, Issue 8
August 2006
The Accident Reconstruction Newsletter
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Your resource for accident reconstruction and traffic accident investigation.
August 2006 - Accident Reconstruction Newsletter
Welcome to the August 2006 edition of the Accident Reconstruction Newsletter.
The ARC Network is trying to attend more conferences and seminars this year to meet its members face-to-face and answer any questions. The ARC Network will be at the following events:
- TAARS Conference (assisting with crash testing): Sept. 18-21, 2006
- WATAI Conference (Scott Baker will be presenting on ARC Network, Crash Conferences, Collision Magazine and Vetronix CDR System): October 11-13, 2006
- CAARS Conference (ARC Network will have a vendor booth): November 16-18, 2006
- CDR User's Conference (ARC Network is a co-host): January 29-31, 2007
As we continue to work on the agenda and structure of the upcoming Crash Data Retrieval User's Conference, we have made an arrangement with Continental airlines to offer a discount on air travel. Click here to obtain the code and more information.
Due to the number of speakers and the topics we are working on, we have added an additional day to the conference! The new dates for the CDR User's Conference are January 29-31, 2006. We have put all the information online at www.crashconferences.com AND you can now register directly online using any major credit card or PayPal. Last year this event sold out very quickly, so please register early to reserve your seat.
The second issue of the new magazine COLLISION: The International Compendium for Crash Research is getting ready to go to print. In addition to all the new, never-before published articles, this issue will also include the 2006 ARC-CSI Crash Conference DVD! We switched this year to a DVD to be able to provide more data. The DVD contains over 70 crash test video clips from the conference, 100's of digital photos, crash test scene diagrams, speaker presentations, and of course all the instrumented vehicle crash data. All-in-all over 2 Gigabytes of information!!!! This issue will be shipping this Fall.
There are three ways to make sure you will get your copy of Collision Magazine:
1) become a NAPARS
member (all NAPARS
members receive a free subscription),
2) join the
ARC Network as a Platinum
of Police Department Level member, or
3) go to the Collision
web site and subscribe online.
Thank you for making the ARC Network the number one organization and web site for accident reconstruction and traffic investigation.
Sincerely,
Scott Baker
President
The ARC Network
Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 124 Accelerator Control Systems
FMVSS 124 specifies requirements for the return of a vehicle's throttle to the idle position when the driver removes the actuating force from the accelerator control, or in the event of a severance or disconnection in the accelerator control system. The purpose of FMVSS 124 is to reduce deaths and injuries resulting from engine overspeed caused by malfunctions in the accelerator control system. The standard applies to passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles (MPVs), trucks and buses.
Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 202 Head Restraints
FMVSS 202, Head Restraints, specifies requirements for head restraints to reduce the frequency and severity of neck injury in rear end and other collisions. The standard applies to each front outboard Designated Seating Position (DSP), and allows head restraints to be tested either dynamically or statically. The compliance test procedure preferred by the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) is the STATIC TEST, which is the subject of this test procedure. The head restraint must meet specific dimensional and load carrying requirements.
- Accelerator Control Systems: Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 124
- Head Restraints: Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 202
- Impact Protection for the Driver from the Steering Control System: Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 203
- Safety Record
- Brake Insite
- Light Vehicle Brake Systems: Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 135
- Air Brake Analysis and Accident Investigation / Reconstruction
- Motorcycle Brake Systems: Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 122
- Rear Impact Guards: Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 223
- Job Posting: Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist (VAR) Mechanical Focus
- Roof Crush Resistance — Passenger Cars: Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 216
- School Bus Passenger Seating And Crash Protection: Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 222
- Accident Prevention Begins With Individual Awareness
- (Static) Side Impact Protection: Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 214s
- Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 208, FMVSS 212, FMVSS 219, FMVSS 301F
- Collision Magazine: Issue #2 shipping this Fall
- 2007 CDR User's Conference: Now accepting registrations
- Advertising in the ARC Network
- Crash Data Retrieval
- ARC Network New Members
- Events, Conferences and Seminars
- Accident Reconstruction News Articles
Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 203 Impact Protection for the Driver from the Steering Control System
The purpose of S203, Impact Protection For The Driver From The Steering Control System, is to minimize chest, neck and facial injuries. When the steering control is impacted in accordance with SAE J944, Jun 1980, at a velocity of 15 mph, the impact force transmitted to the steering column shall not exceed 2,500 lbs. except for intervals whose cumulative duration is not more than 3 milliseconds (ms) or 0.003 seconds.
The Safety Record
The Safety Record is SRS’s bi-monthly newsletter that covers issues related to motor vehicle safety with a particular emphasis on important industry trends, defects, government activities, and related litigation.
M3Consulting - Brake Insite
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 linesTo find out more contact Alan Moore at 321-946-1283 or alan@brakeinsite.com
For more information about M3Consulting and Brake Insite - click here
Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 135 Light Vehicle Brake Systems
This standard applies to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 3500 kg ( 7716 lbs.) or less. Standard 135 specifies requirements for service brake and associated parking brake systems in order to insure safe braking performance under normal and emergency driving conditions.
Air Brake Analysis and Accident Investigation / Reconstruction
The issues involved with trucks, tractor-trailers and other air brake equipment involved in crashes has become more complex since the final rules issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in 2005. The regulations were proposed on April 14, 1997 and were part of general amendments in the final rule issued August 15, 2005 covering Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation. The amendments specifically discussed in this article involve air-brake vehicles.
Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 122 Motorcycle Brake Systems
As a general rule, any motor vehicle type having a seat or saddle for the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground is classified as a motorcycle. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems," specifies requirements for motorcycle brakes to ensure safe performance under normal and emergency conditions.
Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 223 Rear Impact Guards
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 223, “Rear Impact Guards”, specifies requirements for rear impact guards for trailers and semitrailers. The purpose of Standard 223 is to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries that occur when light duty vehicles collide with the rear end of trailers and semitrailers. The standard applies to rear impact guards for trailers and semitrailers subject to FMVSS 224, “Rear Impact Protection”.
Job Posting: Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist (VAR) Mechanical Focus
Job Duties
Candidate will be responsible for investigating vehicular/boating/motorcycle accidents and crashes to determine the cause and origin of the accident by interviewing witnesses, participants and other individuals containing information regarding the accident. Acquiring scene photographs or videos when appropriate. Document and report the findings of the investigation to the client which could consist of insurance companies, adjusters or law firms. You will have client interaction on a regular basis, including marketing of services when not directly working on a job. May be called to provide expert testimony in a court of law. Marketing and business development required during slow periods.Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
BS degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred) and a minimum of 5 years of professional experience providing vehicle accident reconstructions. PE license preferred. ACTAR certification is preferred. Must be able to communicate with all levels of personnel both verbal and written. Must be able to travel a high percentage of time if needed.Physical Working Conditions
Must be able to work outdoors in the hot/cold weather conditions
Must be able to stand/walk for long periods of time
Must be able to climb in or around vehicles and small crawl spaces
Must be able to kneel, squat or bend
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
Send resumes to: jobs@ptcinc.com
Project Time & Cost, Inc., an Atlanta (Vinings) based national cost and forensic engineering consulting firm is recognized as one of the leading cost management firms in the nation. Founded in 1982, PT&C provides cost engineering consulting services for commercial, industrial, civil works and environmental clean up projects to Architectural and Engineering firms, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense. Our highly trained, client-oriented service professionals hold numerous professional certifications and bear directly on the quality and value of PT&C’s professional consulting services. Our Forensic division, provides investigations to determine the cause and origin of structural or mechanical failures, fire & explosions, vehicle accident reconstruction, mold and environmental assessments and catastrophe assessment and more much! Our primary clients are insurance companies, law firms, government agencies and more. PT&C is an equal opportunity employer and is a drug-and alcohol-free environment.
Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 216 Roof Crush Resistance — Passenger Cars
FMVSS 216, Roof Crush Resistance — Passenger Cars, establishes strength requirements for the passenger compartment roof. The purpose of the standard is to reduce deaths and injuries due to the crushing of the roof into the passenger compartment in rollover accidents. The standard does not apply to passenger cars that conform to the dynamic rollover test requirements of FMVSS 208, Occupant Crash Protection, paragraph 5.3 by means that require no action by passenger car occupants. It also does not apply to convertibles, except for optional compliance with the standard as an alternative to the rollover test requirements in paragraph 5.3 of FMVSS 208.
Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 222 School Bus Passenger Seating And Crash Protection
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 222 sets forth the minimum requirements for school bus passenger seating and crash protection. The purpose of this standard is to reduce the number of deaths and the severity of injuries that result from the impact of school bus occupants against structures within the vehicle during crashes and sudden driving maneuvers.
Accident Prevention Begins With Individual Awareness
Whether you drive a car, SUV, RV or long haul truck, it’s vital to always bring along one item … “safety awareness”! The safe operation of any vehicle is determined by the attentiveness, alertness and ability of an individual to focus on the task at hand. Increasing your own driver awareness can go a long way to help prevent the costly accidents, fatalities and material losses that affect us all.
Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 214s (Static) Side Impact Protection
FMVSS 214, Side Impact Protection, specifies performance requirements for protection of occupants in side impact crashes.
The purpose of this standard is to reduce the risk of serious and fatal injury to occupants of passenger cars by specifying strength requirements for side doors. This standard applies to all PASSENGER CARS as well as 90% of light truck type vehicles with a GVWR < 10,000 lbs, manufactured on and after September 1, 1993, to August 31, 1994. On and after September 1, 1994, all light truck type vehicles with a GVWR < 10,000 lbs will be required to meet the static requirements.
Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 208, FMVSS 212, FMVSS 219, FMVSS 301F
The Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) provides contractor laboratories with Laboratory Test Procedures as guidelines for obtaining compliance test data. The data are used to determine if a specific vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment meets the minimum performance requirements of the subject Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS). The purpose of the OVSC Laboratory Test Procedures is to present a uniform testing and data recording format, and provide suggestions for the use of specific equipment and procedures. If any contractor views any part of an OVSC Laboratory Test Procedure to be in conflict with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) or observes deficiencies in a Laboratory Test Procedure, the contractor is required to advise the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) and resolve the discrepancy prior to the start of compliance testing.
Collision Magazine: The International Compendium for Crash Research
Collision Publishing is pleased to offer a new resource dedicated to providing timely and current research and information on crash research. This is the first publication of its kind, featuring conference proceedings, articles of interest, peer-reviewed papers, crash test data, industry news and research. Included with every issue is a bonus CD containing all papers in electronic PDF format and supporting data. The bonus CDs will include information captured at the annual CDR User's Conference and the ARC-CSI Crash Conference.
Volume 1, Issue 2 will ship this Fall (2006) and will include
the 2006 ARC-CSI Crash Conference DVD.
This new publication, is dedicated to keeping its subscribers current in crash research.
ARC Network Conferences And Training
January 29-31, 2007
Houston, TX
Sheraton North Houston HotelEarly Registration (Through Dec. 15, 2006): $575
Late Registration (After Dec. 15, 2006): $775The 2nd Annual Crash Data Retrieval User's Conference is a comprehensive conference to publish CDR System related information in the form of papers, data compendium and the like. Legal issues, legislation, user applications, current and future developments and applications are all covered at this international conference.
The 2007 Crash Data Retrieval User's Conference will be held in Houston, Texas in January. This comprehensive event will address many aspects of crash data from a variety of perspectives. Well known presenters will offer insight into crash data and using the Vetronix Crash Data Retrieval System through peer reviewed papers, data compendium and presentations.
Last year this conference sold out prior to the end of the early registration period. Seats to this conference will be registered on a first-come-first reserved basis. Seats are registered with a full registration payment or an approved and signed purchase order. All purchase orders need to be paid in full by the early registration period to receive the early registration rate. All other purchase orders need to be paid one week prior to the start of the conference.
Now Accepting Early Registrations
CDR Train the Trainer Course
February 1-2, 2007
Houston, TX
Sheraton North Houston Hotel
Tuition: $400We will also be offering the Collision Safety Institute CDR Train the Trainer Course immediately following the CDR User's Conference. This is a 2-day course.
This very specialized training course is open only to those who have completed the full CDR Operator's Certification courses as offered by CSI since January 2004. This CDR Technician Course Train-the-Trainer Certification course is an opportunity for qualified and experienced CDR Data Analysts to train others to the Technician Level. This course provides qualified individuals with an opportunity to teach the one day CDR Technician Course; the prerequisite to the CDR Data Analyst's Certification Course. It does not qualify one to teach the CDR Data Analyst's Certification Course.
Those who successfully complete this course will be provided with a training materials CD personalized for them to teach the Technician Level course from but which cannot be changed. This ensures that the Technician Level course material presented is the same each time it's offered, no matter who teaches it. Periodic updates, will be made available to registered trainers as the Trainer course is updated in the future. During this course, prospective trainers are walked through the course material, slide-by-slide and the concepts and purpose of each topic is explained in detail so the trainer can comfortably and professionally present that material on their own.
Space is VERY limited and there is a large demand for this course.
Click here to register.
>> More information on the 2007 CDR User's Conference
Conference CDs Available Online
If you missed a previous ARC Network conference, you may order a CD copy directly online from our secure web site.
The conference CDs include all the data collected at the conference including video, digital pictures, CDR data, diagrams, presentations, IST files and more.
www.crashconferences.com/products/index.html
Advertising in the ARC Network
The ARC Network offers advertising solutions to anyone interested in promoting their product or service to the industry of Accident Reconstruction and Traffic Accident Investigation. If you are looking to target this industry... there is no better place to advertise!
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
- Banner Advertising
- Newsletter Advertising
- Products Directory Listing
- Page Sponsorship
- Email Advertising
- Conference Sponsorship
- Co-op Direct Mail Marketing
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.
Vetronix Crash Data Retrieval
System
Special Offer from the ARC Network
FREE CDR CERTIFICATION COURSE
with Purchase of a Vetronix CDR SystemThe Vetronix Crash Data Retrieval System has fast become an indispensable part of a complete crash reconstruction program. Police agencies, private reconstructionists, government agencies and other safety researchers have fast come to the realization that data stored in the air bag control module and accessible using the Vetronix Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) System is an invaluable part of a complete and thorough crash reconstruction.
Whether for trial, research, or any other crash related safety program, the Crash Data Retrieval System has become an integral tool in the effort to move roadway safety efforts forward.
Purchase a CDR System through the ARC Network and choose between:
- FREE tuition to a CDR Technician and Data Analyst Certification course ($450 value) offered by Collision Safety Institute plus a free one-year membership to the ARC Network. click here to review the open classes
OR (if you choose or have already taken the certification course)
- A $200 Cash rebate and a free one-year membership to the ARC Network.
>> Click
here for Complete Information
or call the ARC Network toll free (866) 223-4984
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 Terence Fischer Fischer Forensic Services NJ Marshall Lyles LA Richard Warden FL Michael Miller TX Dan Mills DCM Technical Services Inc Ontario, Canada Dennis Boone Heritage Trucking TX Jonathan Roth PA Roger Stuart-Smith NSW, Australia John Morris Athens-Clarke County Police GA Walter Podzyhun Burl-Oak Investigative Services Ontario, Canada Frank Stevens York Special Investigations Inc FL Jason Hoschouer Danville Police Department CA Daniel Smoker Danville Police Department CA Thomas Kuechler Kuechler & Associates FL Cameron Pucci IPTM FL Jeff Dillon Stillwater Police Department OK David Willat David F. Willat D.C. CA Ellen Roberts State Attorney's Office, Palm Beach County FL Carmel McDonald Ontario, Canada Wallace Ochterski NY Ke-Chi Chang Curacao Surveillance Services Curacao, Neth. Antilles Stephen Schmidt Hazlet Township Police NJ Kenneth Oland K W Oland Consulting MD Alan Moore Brake Insite FL Joseph Brophey St. Clair Township Police OH Dave Williams Royal Canadian Mounted Police BC Jeff Williams FACTS FL David Cotton Roselle Police Department IL Tom Watters Impact Data Systems Inc. New Brunswick, Canada Douglas Brooks EC Group, Engineering GA Troy Rowell Cartersville Police Department GA
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:
- 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 AR News Section.
Following are the news articles posted in August 2006:
August 23, 2006
Your car, the black box and Big BrotherAugust 23, 2006
SUV Fatality Rate Down 8.7%; Greatest Decline of All Vehicle Types According to Latest Fatality DataAugust 22, 2006
Rise in Motorcycle and Pedestrian Deaths Led to Increase in Overall Highway Fatality Rate in 2005August 21, 2006
New DOT Rule Requires Automakers to Tell Consumers if New Vehicles Are Equipped with Event Data RecordersAugust 16, 2006
U.S. DOT Releases 2005 Data on Alcohol-Related Traffic Fatalities; State, National Statistics Underscore Severity of Drunk-Driving ProblemAugust 7, 2006
Plaintiffs Expose Ford's Safety Problems With Cruise Control on Ford ExplorerAugust 3, 2006
UPDATE 1-Ford recalls 1.2 mln trucks to fix cruise controlAugust 1, 2006
Greater Risk of Accidents in Young Adult Drivers with ADHD
Each month the ARC Network continues to grow
with new memberships and contacts.
We now have over 700 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
©
2006 ARC Network, LLC. All rights reserved.
Any comments, questions or suggestions should be e-mailed
to the ARC Network.
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