Volume Nine, Issue 1- 2
January/February 2007
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January/February 2007 - Accident Reconstruction Newsletter
Welcome to the January/February 2007 edition of the Accident Reconstruction Newsletter.
The ARC Network has been busy working hard for our members and users.
We just wrapped up our 2nd annual CDR User's conference, held in Houston this year. The conference was a huge success. Based on the conference evaluations, the overall response was very positive. The conference met or exceeded the expectations of more than 98% of the attendees. This year's CDR User's conference introduced the addition of Chrysler to the list of automobile manufacturers to be supported by Vetronix. It also introduced the new 2.9 version of the CDR software. The ARC Network would like to thank all of those who attended and supported our conference. We look forward to seeing you again next year. As information becomes available, it will be posted on www.crashconferences.com.
2007
ARC-CSI Crash Conference
We are currently preparing for our 6th annual ARC-CSI Crash Conference to be held in Las Vegas, NV. This year's agenda includes 15 industry experts from around the world. In addition we will be conducting live instrumented crash tests at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
In order to continually improve on the quality of the information and agenda presented at our crash conference, we have gone through all the past evaluations and re-worked the format of this conference. This conference will be bigger and better than ever. This year we are focusing on making each presentation more relevant to situations accident reconstructionists would encounter on a day-to-day basis. We have also included two workshops to give you hands-on, real-world crash test case studies. The focus of these workshops is to evaluate reconstruction methods and compare the findings to known values from ARC-CSI crash tests and other meaningful research.
Registration to this conference opened in late February and we already are ahead of projections. To make sure you get a seat to this conference please register early. In addition, if you register before May 1st you will receive a $200 discount off your registration. Click here to register. PLEASE NOTE: ARC Network and NAPARS members receive an additional $50 discount. Click here to learn more about becoming an ARC Network member.
With the successful first year of COLLISION: The International Compendium for Crash Research completed (the hottest new print publication for the accident reconstruction industry) we are getting ready to publish Volume 2, Issue 1. If you haven't already subscribed, please do so by May 1st to make sure you don't miss another issue.
We have made it easy for you to subscribe directly online. Simply go to the subscription section of www.collisionpublishing.com and choose "subscribe online" or the "Add to Cart" button. You can even add the back issues you may have missed by visiting the "Back Issue Sales" section. All of this is done through a secure server backed by Wells Fargo Bank and Authorize.net payment gateway - so you know your transaction is secure!
COLLISION is currently delivered to over 1700 accident reconstructionists, police departments, engineers, and attorneys worldwide. We are also indexed in the Transportation Research Board master publication database, SafetyLit research database, NTSB database and other international libraries.
The ARC Network has always received positive feedback from members about what we are doing. But we do not want to stop there. So, in addition to providing resources in the members only section, giving discounts to conferences and other numerous benefits we are now working hard with industry vendors to bring even more value to our members. Stay tuned....
Finally, The ARC Network is pleased to announce that through our marketing channels, we have become the #1 leader in sales for the Vetronix/Bosch CDR system. The ARC Network's sister company, I Got Hit LLC, is currently working on becoming an authorized stocking distributor for the Vetronix/Bosch CDR system. What does that mean for you? You will be able to purchase any CDR System kit, hardware part or software update directly from us at a discounted price. Since we will have on-hand inventory, we will be able to tell you exactly when items will ship and be delivered. We are currently setting up an online store where you can choose any CDR related item and purchase directly online. Not to worry, we will still be offering the free CDR certification course (now a 5-day class) or a cash rebate with the purchase of a new CDR system. We will notify everyone when the new site launches (planning for the week of March 12th!). The new web site will replace the existing web site at www.cdr-system.com.
Thank you again for supporting the ARC Network!
Sincerely,
Scott Baker
President
The ARC Network
- The Effect of Motorcycle Helmet Use on the Probability of Fatality and the Severity of Head And Neck Injuries
- 2007 Congress Sessions Cover Key Technology Topics
- The Effect of Color Contrast on Daytime and Nighttime
Conspicuity of Road Worker Vests -
Mack Trucks, Inc. Chassis Data Management Applications, Usage, and Output
- The Influence of Lens Haze On Headlamp Beam Patterns
-
Winter braking tests with 66 drivers,different tyres and disconnectable ABS
- Upcoming Class: Crash Investigation Review and Updates 2007
- Advertising in the ARC Network
- ARC Network New Members
- Events, Conferences and Seminars
- Accident Reconstruction News Articles
The Effect of Motorcycle Helmet Use on the Probability of Fatality and the Severity of Head And Neck Injuries
Introduction
This article evaluates the effectiveness of motorcycle helmets in accident situations. A latent variable model is developed and estimated. It is concluded that (1) motorcycle helmets have no statistically significant effect on the probability of fatality; (2) helmets reduce the severity of head injuries; and (3) past a critical impact speed [13 MPH], helmets increase the severity of neck injuries. Further analysis establishes the qualitative and quantitative nature of the head-neck injury trade-off.
2007 Congress Sessions Cover Key Technology Topics
Introduction
The technical program of the SAE 2007 World Congress (April 16-19, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan) will feature over 1,500 presentations in over 125 sessions. Sessions are divided into six technology tracks.
The “Safety/Testing” track will include sessions on accident reconstruction, biomechanics, fire safety, human factors, structural crashworthiness, vehicle aerodynamics, and more.
The “Electronics” track will include sessions on: automobile electronics and systems reliability; controller system software testing and validation; distributed embedded systems engineering; in-vehicle software and networks; and more.
The “Emissions/Environment” track covers: advanced catalysts and substrates; China’s “End of Life” vehicle directive; diesel exhaust emission control; emissions measurement and testing; particle emissions from combustion; and other topics.
“Management and Marketplace” track sessions will include “Engineering Education” and “Innovation Through Leadership: A Woman’s Perspective.”
The “Materials” track will feature sessions on aluminum, casting, the durability process, dummies and structures for crash safety applications, and nanotechnology for automotive applications.
Sessions in the “Propulsion/Powertrain” track will examine advanced hybrid vehicle powertrains, fuel cells in vehicles, compression ignition engine performance, homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI), new diesel engines and components, and new spark ignition engine and component design.
For more information on SAE 2007 World Congress technical sessions, including updated session titles and schedules, visit sae.org/congress.
The Effect of Color Contrast on Daytime and Nighttime Conspicuity of Road worker Vests
Abstract
A static field study was conducted, both during the day and at night, to examine the effect that color contrast within a safety vest has on noticeability. Fluorescent orange and yellow fabrics were matched with orange, yellow, silver, or white retroreflective trim to appear similar to a safety vest. The method of paired comparisons was used to develop a linear scale of how noticeable the various color combinations appeared under cluttered and uncluttered viewing conditions. The results indicate that color contrast within the safety vest, as well as relative to the environmental surround, affects judgments of noticeability. However, in the nighttime condition color contrast was not an identifiable attribute, as all the retroreflective materials used appeared white when illuminated. In the nighttime condition, the luminance of the retroreflective trim accounted for almost all of the variance in the noticeability judgments. The results of this study suggest that a design for safety apparel that includes a combination of fluorescent yellow and fluorescent orange fabrics (providing color contrast for the daytime) with silver/white micro-prismatic retroreflective trim (proving high luminance for nighttime) is likely to be the most noticeable combination in both daytime and nighttime conditions.
Mack Trucks, Inc. Chassis Data Management Applications, Usage, and Output
Overview
A Power Point presentation on Mack Truck Event Data Recorder capabilities by Scott H. Hinkson Reliability Engineer, Vehicle, Electronics, of Mack Trucks, Inc.
The Influence of Lens Haze on Headlamp Beam Patterns
Abstract
This study investigated changes in headlamp beam patterns as a function of the level of haze in sheets of plastic materials that were inserted in front of either a U.S. or a European low-beam headlamp. The level of haze was measured according to the method required by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This method (ASTM Standard D1003-92) measures the percentage of transmitted light that deviates from the incident beam through forward scatter by more than 2.5°.The actual effects on the beam pattern were then compared with predictions based on modeling the effects by assuming Gaussian distributions of the scattered light. The main finding is that the predictions for the four different plastic materials tested were neither uniformly accurate nor uniformly inaccurate. This lack of consistency is in agreement with the fact that the ASTM definition of haze does not uniquely specify the distribution of the scattered light. This problem with using the ASTM definition was confirmed by measuring the distributions of light scattering by two materials that had essentially the same ASTM index of haze.
The implication of this research is that establishing a justifiable maximum haze level for headlamp lens materials would require using a definition of haze that uniquely defines the resultant distribution of the light scatter. Consequently, it is recommended that future research should evaluate the distribution of scattered light using actual materials for headlamp lenses after different lengths of weathering exposure.
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
Effectiveness of ABS and Vehicle Stability Control Systems
Abstract
A literature review of advanced technology braking systems and vehicle stability control systems available or under development around the world was undertaken. Literature on the range of devices available as well as their likely effectiveness in preventing crashes an injuries was sought from a range of scientific and engineering sources for the review. In addition, an analysis was also performed on local data sources to assess potential safety benefits in Australia. The findings from this review were somewhat inconclusive. Some evidence suggested that vehicles equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) were involved in fewer crashes with opposing, adjacent or same direction vehicles compared to non-ABS fitted cars but were over-involved in run-off-the-road crashes. The analysis performed on local data suggested that ABS may have some benefit in reducing injury severity to vehicle occupants in some specific models but these findings were rather weak and inconsistent. Preliminary evidence suggested that Electronic Stability Programs (ESP), currently gaining popularity in new vehicles, are having a very positive influence on safety with claims of reductions in crashes and injuries by up to 35%. More comprehensive data that allow the effectiveness of ESP in improving safety in all surface conditions (i.e. wet, dry, and icy) and for all types of crash configuration are required. While it is always difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of devices that prevent crashes using crash data, the study makes a number of recommendations on how additional analysis might be undertaken to statistically confirm the findings presented here.
Winter braking tests with 66 drivers,different tyres and disconnectable ABS
Overview
Paper on ABS/Skidding relationships for different slick surfaces and tire combinations. On the 15 pages of the paper you will find 15 diagrams, 17 literature references and an in depth final discussion.
Upcoming Class: Crash Investigation Review and Updates 2007
5/21/2007 - 5/25/2007
North Las Vegas, NV
DESCRIPTION
This class is a comprehensive review, plus known updates, in the field of crash investigation. Crash investigation and reconstruction is a skill that requires those individuals that are called upon to investigate motor vehicle crashes to be a finder of facts. Were human factors involved? Was reduced visibility a causative factor? Could it be that the crash was unavoidable? Was mechanical failure an issue? Was it preventable? These, and numerous other issues, will be discussed in this week long review with others charged with the answering the same questions, "Who and/or what caused the crash?"
To Register click here
For more information Email or call Jim Byrne at 702-633-1017 x5031
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
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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 Accident Reconstruction & Engineering OR Joyce Lancaster SAE International PA James Swanson
Riverside County Sheriff's Department CA John G Whittall TL Services Investigations, LLC NY Crash Analysis & Reconstruction Inc FL Dale Dodson Sparta Police Department TN Darren W Longnecker
San Bernardino Police Department CA Timothy W Pelella Pelella's Crash Analysis & Reconstruction Services, Inc. FL Christine Soohoo Accident Research & Biomechanics CA Beth Moses
Accident Research & Biomechanics CA Renato C Orsi IAPA - Instituto de Avaliações e Perícias Automotivas Brazil David M Forystek Flint Police Department MI Mike Hageman
Cincinnati Insurance OH M. Reza Vaghar Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. FL Denis Ratekin Shelby County Sheriff IN J. Larry Williams
AR Gary L. Flippen MSARI CO Harry Edmondson Edmondson Engineering Inc. GA Erin Lockyer Royal Canadian Mounted Police Saskatchewan John Gallups Progressive Insurance Company AL William Messerschmidt Messerschmidt Safety Consulting AL Daniel Julian Military Police Operations CA Robert Squire Maryland Association of Traffic Investigators, Inc MD Tina Durham Elk Grove Police Department CA William Summers Pennsylvania State Police PA Dan W. Postelnick Chicago Police IL Kenneth Watson Watson Consulting AR Donald J. Calkins Riverside Sheriff's Department CA Paul D Richardson PDR & Associates IL Kevin W Hollander Augspurger Komm Engineering, Inc. AZ Lawrence B. Burgess Hollywood Police Department FL Paul Gray California Highway Patrol CA Daniel Voss Biomechanical Research and Testing CA Henry Poydar MA Merlyn R Wilson Transportation Safety Inc. CA John Velasco MATAI MI
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 ARC News Section.
Following are the news articles posted in January/February 2007:
February 20, 2007
Motorcycle Death Rates Rising, Safety Chief WarnsFebruary 16, 2007
Subaru Legacy and Outback Earn Highest Ratings in NHTSA NCAP Crash TestsFebruary 15, 2007
16-Year-Old Drivers Involved in 38 Percent Fewer Fatal Crashes in States with Most Comprehensive GDL Programs, Says AAA Foundation for Traffic SafetyFebruary 14, 2007
Researcher Says Airbags Pose Threat To HearingFebruary 13, 2007
NHTSA Gives Five Stars to 24 Passenger VehiclesFebruary 12, 2007
GM Buys Back 800 Problem Cars and TrucksFebruary 12, 2007
AAA, NHTSA, Others Unite to Remind Parents of the Importance of Child Passenger SafetyFebruary 9, 2007
NHTSA Will Write New Child Safety Seat RulesFebruary 8, 2007
Could your car spy on you?February 8, 2007
Nation’s Top Highway Safety Official Calls on Manufacturers, Retailers and Consumer Groups to Make Child Safety Seats Easier to InstallFebruary 7, 2007
Feds to Require Additional Minivan Door LatchFebruary 7, 2007
New Device Keeps Young Kids Safe in the CarJanuary 31, 2007
First Seat Raises the Standards for Child Car-Seat SafetyJanuary 29, 2007
MicroSurvey Releases Evidence Recorder 4.0January 19, 2007
Honda recalls 81,000 Accord sedans in U.S.January 19, 2007
UPDATE 1-Toyota to recall 533,000 Sequoias, Tundras in U.S.January 18, 2007
Statement From National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator Nicole Nason Regarding Consumer Reports’ Withdrawal of Its Infant Car Seat Test ReportJanuary 18, 2007
Consumer Reports Admits Errors in Its Infant Car Seat TestsJanuary 9, 2007
Feds Propose New Auto Safety TestsJanuary 8, 2007
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters Announces Plans to Improve Vehicle Crash Tests and Five Star Rating ProgramJanuary 5, 2007
Infant Fatalities Illustrate Car Seats' ShortcomingsJanuary 5, 2007
Chrysler Group Statement on Child Safety SeatsJanuary 4, 2007
Child Car Seats Not Up to the ChallengeJanuary 4, 2007
Child Safety Seats Highly Effective in Real World Crashes Says ACTS: Consumer Reports Conclusions Not Based on Real World ExperienceJanuary 4, 2007
GM Daewoo to recall 46,147 SUVs over brake defectJanuary 3, 2007
Camera-Based Automotive Systems Could Save Costs and Lives, According to ABI Research
Each month the ARC Network
continues to grow with new memberships and contacts.
We now have over 750 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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