INTRODUCTION
Welcome
to the January 2002 edition of the Accident Reconstruction
Newsletter. The ARC Network has begun the new year full-throttle!
The dream of networking the accident reconstruction industry
together is becoming a reality. As the membership base of
the ARC Network grows so does the visibility of the Network.
We are very pleased to announce Northwestern University,
University of California- Riverside and Collision
Safety Institute have decided to join and participate
in the ARC Network. We are very excited to be working closely
with these fine institutions of higher education.
With
this newsletter we are also announcing a highly-anticipated
new feature - online stiffness coefficients! To reward our
loyal members we will be offering this as a "members-only"
feature. When you join the ARC Network you will be provided
a username and password that will give you access to the
stiffness coefficients area of the ARC Network. It is completely
database/asp driven and is based on data from NHTSA crash
tests. We will be giving everyone a free preview
- more on this topic in this newsletter.
You
have also noticed a new look and feel to some of the pages
in the ARC Network. We have developed a new navigation and
graphical look to help users more easily find the information
they are looking for. Over the past four years the ARC Network
has grown so much in terms of research pages, communication
features and membership that we thought it was time to rework
the site navigation. We hope you like. Please read the article
in this newsletter for important information on the new
site design.
Thank
you again for supporting the ARC Network. Please read on
for the rest of the newsletter....
VS
Accident Investigator is now twice as good!
Get
two licenses of the easiest & best diagramming software
in the world for the price of one.
Find
out why more than four law enforcement agencies each day
are choosing VS Accident Investigator. www.visualstatement.com
PAPER:
Automobile Event Data Recorder (EDR) Technology - Evolution,
Data,
and
Reliability
This
paper is a general review of the development of the EDR
and related systems and a group of crash tests conducted
with different vehicle models in an effort to foster a more
complete understanding of the intended purpose and general
function of the EDR system, the reliability of the data
collected, and to provide some insight into air bag deployment
criteria relative to vehicle and collision types. The paper
offers examples of the data collected which might be compared
to "real world" downloads from EDR equipped vehicles
for a more complete understanding of the collision event
pre-, during, and post-crash.
Download
the entire paper
W.R.
"Rusty" Haight
ACTAR #135
Collision Safety Institute
San Diego, CA
www.collisionsafety.net
rustyhaight@collisionsafety.net
NEW:
Online Stiffness Coefficients
The
ARC Network is pleased to announce a new feature - online
vehicle stiffness coefficients! This application is completely
web-based. It is a combination of database and asp programming.
To use
this new feature simply enter the year, make and model of
the vehicle you are looking for and the results will appear
directly on the web page. Below is a sample screen shot
of the output.
As
you can see the output produces:
- Test
number (if you want additional information on a particular
crash you can order them from NHTSA by referencing the
test number)
- Impact
Speed
- Bumper
Engagement
- Average
Crush
- Impact
Location
- A
and B Stiffness Coefficients
- A
and B Stiffness Coefficients average
The
database will pull all tests that are available and you
can select or deselect the tests you want to use.
This
feature is available to all members of the ARC Network.
There is no limit to the number of searches you can perform
and is included free with your membership
annual dues.
|
For
a limited time, we are allowing access to everyone
who receives this newsletter. The USERNAME and PASSWORD
listed below will be good until Wednesday, January
23, 2002. On Wednesday we will change the USERNAME
and PASSWORD.
USERNAME:
guest
PASSWORD: guest
Here
is the link:
http://www.accidentreconstruction.com/security/logon.asp
|
Please
Note: We will be sending all members of the ARC Network
a USERNAME and PASSWORD on Wednesday, January 23, 2002.
NHTSA
Special Crash Investigations Notification
The
ARC Network has just learned of a special division of NHTSA.
NHTSA will send an investigation unit to investigate a crash
if any of the following situations apply:
- Any
seated occupant protected by a deployed air bag receives
a severe, life threatening or fatal injury
- Pregnant
seated occupant protected by a deployed air bag receives
a severe, life threatening or fatal injury and / or injury
to the fetus
- Side
air bag (door / seat mounted) and / or side curtain deployment
into an occupied position
- Any
air bag deployment in a 2000 or newer vehicle.
Toll
Free Nation Wide: (877) 201-3172
Washington
D.C. Area: (202) 366-2545
Fax
Number: (202) 366-5374
Email:
airbag.crash@nhtsa.dot.gov
NHTSA:
People Saving People
www.nhtsa.dot.gov
IN THE NEWS:
Every
day the ARC Network updates the web site with valuable,
important industry news. Following are a few articles from
last month.
|
Independent
Witness, Inc. to Provide Incident Data Recorders to
NASCAR
Black Box Technology Which Helps Companies
Fight Soft Tissue Fraud Will Be a Catalyst for Improving
Racing Safety
SALT
LAKE CITY, Jan. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Independent Witness,
Inc. (IWI), a leading developer and manufacturer of
patented, portable, long-life battery-powered Incident
Data Recorders (IDR) commonly referred to as ``black
boxes,'' today announced that the National Association
for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) has named the Company
as its Exclusive IDR Provider.
Starting
with the 2002 season, IWI's IDR, called ``The Witness,''
will be installed in all vehicles in NASCAR's Winston
Cup, NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division
and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Implementation
of The Witness is latest in a series of competitive
safety initiatives to be introduced by NASCAR.
``This
is a significant step for NASCAR, and it is also a
scientific step,'' said George Pyne, Senior Vice President,
NASCAR. ``It reflects our ongoing commitment to creating
a safer racing environment for drivers. We also are
excited about the technology and the overall quality
of the recorders that IWI will provide. Many NASCAR
drivers have been so impressed with The Witness, that
they have expressed interest in installing the product
in their personal vehicles.''
Read
the full article
|
Keeping
Drivers Safe: Automakers Adopt Stability Control
Technology Trend Helps Prevent Rollovers and Spin-Outs
DETROIT,
Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- To some people, ``spin control''
means making the best of bad news.
To
auto engineers, however, spin control means making
the best of bad driving situations, which is why
stability control systems are among the fastest
growing features in new cars and trucks.
The
driving stability system known as the Electronic
Stability Program (ESP) is on constant standby to
assist drivers as critical situations arise in the
twists and turns of driving. It is an interactive
safety system that significantly improves vehicle
stability in all three areas of vehicle performance:
accelerating, cornering and braking. It can help
avoid potential accidents, and helps drivers maintain
control of their vehicles even in critical situations.
ESP,
through electrical sensors strategically placed
throughout the vehicle, analyzes steering wheel
activity, wheel speeds, acceleration and the vehicles
rotation about its vertical axis (called yaw) and
continually analyzes this data to determine whether
the actual course of the vehicle corresponds to
the desired direction. If this is not the case,
by braking individual wheels, ESP corrects understeer
and oversteer, and helps keep vehicles on the road.
Read
the full article
|
Suzuki
XL-7 Earns 'Good' Overall Rating In Insurance Institute
for Highway Safety Crash Test
BREA,
Calif., Dec. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Suzuki's XL-7 earned
a place in the highest possible overall rating category
for crash evaluations performed by the Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS gave
the seven-seat Suzuki an overall ``good'' rating
in its 40-mph offset frontal impact test, which
is a laboratory test that focuses on a specific
type of accident.
Test
vehicles are rated either ``good,'' ``acceptable,''
``marginal'' or ``poor.'' The evaluation of midsize
sport-utility vehicles will be featured in an NBC
Dateline national broadcast set to air tonight.
``Suzuki
makes safety a priority and we are pleased that
our efforts have been recognized by this IIHS test,''
said Rick Suzuki, president of American Suzuki Motor
Corporation. ``At the same time, Suzuki is again
making a strong value statement, that our XL-7 achieves
the same 'good' rating in this test as luxury vehicles
costing thousands more to own and operate.''
The
XL-7's ``good'' rating in this test places Suzuki's
performance among that of the priciest mid-sized
SUVs tested by the Insurance Institute: the Acura
MDX, BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery Series II, Lexus
RX 300 and Mercedes M Class. These luxury-brand
vehicles have manufacturer's suggested retail prices
ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 more than the Suzuki
XL-7.
Read
the full article
|
For
all the news in accident reconstruction and automotive safety
please visit the News and Information
section of the ARC Network.
Important
Browser Information
The
ARC Network recently performed an analysis on what Internet
Browsers users of the ARC Network are using to surf the
Internet. The results were very surprising! So surprising
that we wanted to dedicate a section of the Newsletter addressing
this topic.
We ran
the report starting November 1, 2001 and ending January
15, 2002. Following is a chart of the results:
Over
20% of ARC Network users are using AOL 4.0. AOL is currently
offering 7.0 as as free upgrade (almost every Internet browser
has a free download).
Almost
4% of ARC Network users are using Netscape 3.0 or less!
Why
is this data so shocking....
When
it comes to your Web browser, think “out with the old,
in with the new.”
Having
the newest version of AOL, Internet Explorer or Netscape
keeps you updated with the latest technology that makes
your e-mail and Internet experiences easy and efficient.
For
example, if you're running an older version of AOL, Netscape
or Explorer, you may not be able to see e-mails written
in HTML. Newer versions are compatible with recent Web enhancements,
such as JavaScript and downloadable fonts. They offer better
plug-ins and increased privacy protection.
Running
the latest browser versions should also mean faster page
loading and fewer error messages when surfing the 'Net.
Web sites viewed with the most current browser versions
are usually much more attractive, too.
In addition
to what is mentioned above, having the latest Internet browser
software installed on your computer provides you with:
- better
streaming media options
- increased
security and warnings for your personal files
- increases
compatibility with the latest plug-ins (flash, shockwave,
audio, video, and page design)
- increased
protection against computer viruses
- better
download capabilities for databases and documents (PDF)
- and
most importantly a faster and more pleasing web browsing
experience.
The
best part of all is upgrading your browser is FREE.
So what
are you waiting for? Here's where to go to get your upgrades:
Internet
Explorer (IE) 6.0: Internet Explorer 6 sets a new standard
in privacy, reliability, and flexibility.
Browser
Upgrade
Order
the CD
NOTES: The ARC Network recommends IE 6.0.
To
upgrade Netscape:
Browser
Upgrade
Order
the CD
NOTES: We have had a few problems with Netscape 6.0 and
we have heard they are currently experiencing a problem
with opening multiple PDF documents.
To
upgrade AOL 7.0: http://free.aol.com/tryaolfree/cdt.adp?139331
NOTES: The ARC Network has never used AOL so we can't comment
on browsing capabilities, however, we have run into numerous
email problems with AOL 4.0 and below.
Each
site has instructions on how to download and install the
files. Please read them carefully if you are not familiar
with downloading files from the Internet.
Because
downloading the new browser versions can be a lengthy process,
you can also install the browsers via CD. The CDs are available
from the sites mentioned above for free (Netscape charges)
and with a small shipping fee. See the websites for shipping
and handling costs.
NOTE:
We tested the ARC Network web site on Netscape 2.0 and found
that most of the site worked "ok". However, there
were many tables of data that did not appear and functionality
that incorporated JavaScript did not work.
For
what it is worth, the ARC Network designs with Microsofts
Internet Explorer browser in mind and then we test our page
designs against Netscape 4.x. We have found that some (very
minimal) page layouts simply don't work very well in Netscape
no matter how hard we try. If you have the option we
recommend using IE 6.0 for your Internet browser.
Welcome
New Members
The
ARC Network now has over 230 members and continues
to grow each month. We would like to thank all of our members
for their support.
We would
like to welcome our newest members and those who recently
renewed their membership with our organization.
|
|
Carmichael,
Scott - California (GOLD) |
| Nordhoff,
Lawrence - California (GOLD) |
Duval,
Gregory - Utah (GOLD) |
| Mahoney
Daniel - California (GOLD) |
McKinzie
Robert - Kansas (Gold) |
| Bloomberg,
Christopher - Florida (Gold) |
Rast,
Peter - California (Gold) |
| Martin,
Michael - California |
Elkin, William
- Minnesota |
| Oldham,
Francis - Missouri |
Abraham,
George - Georgia |
| Hamerski,
David - Minnesota |
Rohde,
Scott W. - Wisconsin |
| Rathbun,
Christopher - California |
Degger,
Rudy - California |
| Heckman,
Darryl - Pennsylvania |
Webb,
Donald G - Oregon |
| Muse,
John - California |
Janes,
W.F. Dean - Canada |
| Gruen,
Paul - Arizona |
Julian,
Daniel V. - California |
| Poplin,
Woodrow - South Carolina |
Mitchell,
Mark - New Hampshire |
| Ogilvie,
George - Oegon |
Bearden,
Gerald - Iowa |
| Cipriani,
Alfred - Maryland |
Sommers,
William - Indiana |
| Ruller,
Robert J. - Australia |
Reust,
Timothy - California |
| Pembleton,
Charles D. - Maryland |
Haight,
Rusty - California |
| Gillen,
Larry - Indiana |
McMurtrie,
Howard L. - Pennsylvania |
| Bailey,
Mark T. - California |
Huston,
Frank - California |
| Plant,
David P. - Washington DC |
Borelli,
Christopher - Massachusetts |
|
|
|
S.O.A.R.
- Society of Accident Reconstruction Specialists
|
|
|
MEMBERSHIP
Become
a member of the fastest growing online community developed
exclusively for the industry of Accident Reconstruction.
Each membership package is tailored to fit your needs
and your budget. With over 500,000 hits to this site
each month you can't afford not to participate in this professional
organization.
"We
needed to locate an expert quickly,
we were able to do so thanks to your site."
-Public Defender, California
"We
receive several cases a year via the ARC Network,
thanks for providing a topnotch expert directory!"
-Platinum Member
...More
testimonials
Becoming
a member of the ARC Network not only gets you a listing
in one of the most visited forensic expert directories on
the Internet, it also supports the ARC Network and allows
us to continue to provide excellent research and communication
FREE of charge to all users of the site. With the introduction
of the New ARC Network Expert Directory, membership in the
ARC Network becomes even more valuable. Memberships start
at just $49 per year.
The
ARC Network now has six levels of membership to choose from:
|
Individual
Membership
|
Group
Membership
|
|
|
When
you evaluate all the promotion and service we provide to
our members, you will quickly see the benefits of becoming
a member. Finally, when you compare our prices to other
web companies, print advertising and distribution lists
you realize the membership
packages offered by the ARC Network are very competitive
and a great value.
EVENTS
CALENDAR
The ARC Network provides an easy way to view and register
for many of the seminars, conferences and crash tests available
across the United States and Internationally. Below is an
overview of coming events. Please visit the ARC Network
Events Calendar for a complete
listing with additional information.
January and February Schedule:
Photogrammetry
in Accident Reconstruction
Jan 21-22, 2002 - California
For more info
and registering information click
here
Interviewing
Techniques for the Traffic Crash Investigator
Jan 21-25, 2002 - Jacksonville,
FL
For more information
click
here
Advanced
Traffic Crash Investigation
Jan 21-Feb 1, 2002 - Jacksonville,
FL
For more information click
here
The
Role of the Expert Witness in Product Liability Litigation
Jan 22-23, 2002 - California
For more info
and registering information click
here
Pedestrian/Bicycle
Crash Investigation
Jan 28-Feb 1, 2002 - Miami
Beach, FL
For more information
click
here
Traffic
Accident Reconstruction 2
Jan 28 - Feb. 2, 2002 - Evanston,
Il
For more information
click
here
Principles
and Procedures of Traffic Accident Investigation
Jan 28 - Feb. 2, 2002 - Riverside,
CA
For more information
contact UCR
Extension, Natural Sciences Department (909) 787-5804
or sciences@ucx.ucr.edu
At-Scene
Traffic Crash/Traffic Homicide Investigation
January 28-Feb 8, 2002 - St.
Petersburg, FL
For more information click
here
Commercial
Vehicle Accident Investigation
February 4-7, 2002 - Riverside,
CA
For
more information contact UCR
Extension, Natural Sciences Department (909) 787-5804
or sciences@ucx.ucr.edu
Traffic
Crash Reconstruction
Feb 4-15, 2002 - Jacksonville,
FL
For
more information click
here
CDR
"Black-Box" Technology (IPTM
February 6-8, 2002 - Jacksonville,
FL
Motorcycle
Collision Dynamics
February 7-8, 2002 - Riverside,
CA
For
more information contact UCR
Extension, Natural Sciences Department (909) 787-5804
or sciences@ucx.ucr.edu
Advance
Collision Investigation
Feb 11-22, 2002 - Mesquite,
TX
For more information click
here
Advanced
Traffic Crash Investigation
Feb 18 - Mar 1, 2002 - New
Braintree, MA
For more information click
here
At-Scene
Traffic Crash/Traffic Homicide Investigation
Feb 18 - Mar 1, 2002 - Tampa,
FL
For more information click
here
Vehicle
Lamp Analysis in Traffic Accidents
February 20, 2002 - Riverside,
CA
For
more information contact UCR
Extension, Natural Sciences Department (909) 787-5804
or sciences@ucx.ucr.edu
Pedestrian/Bicycle
Crash Investigation
Feb 25-Mar 1, 2002 - Jacksonville,
FL
For
more information click
here
Add
your event
to the ARC Network Events Calendar
FREE
If you would like to add your event to the ARC Network please
e-mail your information to arc@accidentreconstruction.com.
CadZone:
Now with 3D
Quickly
create 2D and 3D crash scenes with
Drawing Software for Accident Reconstruction
For
seven years The CAD Zone has provided the crash industry
with the best drawing software available. Now we’re
even better! Imagine creating a complex 2D crash scene diagram
with painstaking accuracy, only to be told that 3D views
would be more effective in the courtroom. There’s no
need to start all over, just open the diagram in The CAD
Zone’s new 3D Viewer! Everything in the diagram is
automatically converted to 3D - roads, vehicles, highway
dividers, power poles, fences, and more. So easy, anyone
can create a 3D diagram in minutes!
-
It’s Fast - symbols and line types automatically
convert to 3D! Draw a single line for a fence or cones
and see it displayed in 3D! It’s automatic!
-
It’s compatible - Import 3D data points from
Laser Technology or total station systems.
-
See whatever you want - Change your point of view
to see the scene from any angle! The results are amazing!
-
It’s easy to use - just add the heights of
objects in 2D and the rest is done for you!
Need
3D? Follow these 5 simple steps:
- Use
Crash Zone or Crime Zone to create your 2D diagram. Add
symbols, text and dimensions.
- Place
special line types to show fences, railroad tracks, traffic
cones, highway dividers, etc.
-
Assign heights and elevations to objects like walls, skybridges,
and overpasses.
- Open
the diagram in the 3D Viewer.
- Adjust
the “camera” and “target” to determine
your point of view. That’s all there is to it!
Purchase
The Crash Zone 6.0 with the 3D Viewer for $599!*
Call today for your FREE evaluation copy and more information!
800.641.9077
or visit their web site at: www.cadzone.com/index_crash.htm
CDR Class in February
"CDR
Toolkit User's Certification Course."
This
is a 2 day, 16 hour course approved by Vetronix for their
certification of those who complete the course as a CDR
Toolkit Operator. Pre approved for 12 ACTAR CEUs. The course
fee is $250 and INCLUDES the ACTAR CEUs and certification
from Vetronix - there's no other cost for the certification
or CEUs. The course will be held in Baltimore at the BWI
Holiday Inn over the weekend of April 13-14, 02.
Course
topics include the historical development of the SDM/EDR
system, how the system gets data from the car, and the mechanics
of an actual download with actual hands-on data retrieval.
The last part of the course is examples of actual downloads
from both real world crashes as well as downloads from crash
tests used to verify the reliability of the system. Both
types of examples are used to enhance the user's understanding
of the system operation, its application to real world crashes
and overall reliability.
Download
Course Flyer in PDF
RESEARCH:
Event Data Recorders
The
ARC Network is pleased to announce the newest research topic
in our research section: Event Data Recorders (EDR).
Event
Data Recorders (EDRs) are devices which record events. This
is very important to the accident reconstruction industry
because EDRs assist in real world data collection aiding
in law enforcement and understanding the specific aspects
of a collision.
Of particular
interest to the accident reconstruction industry is the
Crash Data Recorders (CDR). This new research section gives
you a history of the EDR, articles, papers, interactive
polls, FAQs, Powerpoint presentations, PDFs and much more.
This
new research section is located in the Research section
and named Event
Data Recorder
Interactive
Poll
Please
take a moment to complete the following poll about Crash
Data Recorder.
If you
have any information, papers, articles, or data you would
like to share with the ARC Network for the EDR section please
contact the ARC Network toll free (866) 223-4984x4 or email
us research@accidentreconstruction.com
ARC
Network's New Look
Beginning
in January 2002, the ARC Network began integrating a new
look to the ARC Network. Because of the enormous growth
we have experienced, sections of the ARC were beginning
to be over populated and navigation was becoming a bit sporadic.
We took a close look at all the areas within the ARC and
reorganized it in a way we thought would make the most sense.
In doing this we combined a few areas into one. For example,
Newsletters are now found in the News section instead of
two separate areas. We also combined Vehicle Stats with
the Research Directory.
As
we began to update the site we quickly realized how many
pages and directories were contained on this site. To make
it easier for you (the user of the site) we developed a
"site map". The site map link is located in the
upper right corner of all the "new" ARC Network
pages. When you click the link you are taken to a page that
outlines the entire ARC Network site in alphabetical order
by main directory. If you are having trouble finding an
area in the ARC, refer to the site map for even easier navigation.
The
new page design places all "administrative" links
in the upper right corner of the web site and at the very
bottom of all pages. This area includes - contact us, about
us, site map, membership, advertising, and the guest book.
In
addition, there is a centered navigation bar that lists
links to all the major sections of the ARC Network. We have
also included this navigation bar at the bottom of each
page as well.
We
will be continuing to update pages of the ARC Network though
the first week of February. We hope you like and enjoy the
new look and the ease of navigation it provides.
Test Your Skill
1.
A vector is a quantity which has both magnitude and _______________.
2.
When working with vector diagrams, the length of a given
vector line times the scale of the diagram is equal to...
a.
the velocity of one vehicle or another
b. the angle of the vector
c. the magnitude of the vector
d. none of the above
3.
True or False, the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), Cockpit
Voice Recorder (CVR), the automobile Sensing Diagnostic
Module (SDM) and the automobile Event Data Recorder (EDR)
all share a common primary function.
Click
Here for the answers...
All
Newsletters are archived
online.
The ARC Network
is designed to save one of the most valued commodities:
time. The resources of the ARC Network are available twenty-four
hours per day, seven days per week. Best of all, the ARC
Network is free. Please let us know what you would like
to see in the site and how we could make it more valuable
to you. After all there is no ARC Network without YOU. Thank
you for your time,
The Entire Staff
of the ARC Network.
www.accidentreconstruction.com
arc@accidentreconstruction.com
ABOUT
THE ARC NETWORK
The
ARC Network stands for Accident Reconstruction Communications
Network. We are a web-based professional organization
specifically for accident reconstruction and accident investigation.
Located on the Internet at www.AccidentReconstruction.com,
the ARC Network provides its users with a multitude of communication
and research tools that aid in the efficiency and effectiveness
of daily case requirements.
The ARC Network
is created as a "community" which has a look, feel and functionality
that individuals and businesses within the industry of accident
reconstruction can immediately recognize. Equally important,
it is simple, easy to use, and has a low barrier to entry,
which is, no new hardware, proprietary software, or other
upfront costs. The ARC Network allows users to enter
the web site specifically designed for them and their industry
and retrieve the information they want as quickly as possible.
Along with daily
industry news, an events
calendar, a comprehensive research
directory, crash
test data, a bookstore, a
training section and an interactive
online discussion forum, the
ARC Network also maintains a professional accident reconstruction
expert directory. Attorneys,
insurance agencies and other professional companies use
the expert directory to locate and retain qualified experts.
You will see the
benefit of having one Internet web site that you can visit
to obtain the information you need.
ADVERTISING
WITH THE ARC NETWORK
The ARC Network offers advertising solutions to anyone interested
in promoting their product or service to the industry of
Accident Reconstruction.
The ARC Network
is currently receiving close to 500,000 hits
to the site each month.
Now is the time to advertise your product or service in
the ARC Network.
