In This Issue: Important ARC Network Update In the News ARC Network Membership 15th Annual Traffic Crash Reconstruction Conference 2001: A Collision Odyssey Welcome New Members August Events About the ARC Network   IMPORTANT ARC NETWORK UPDATE! The ARC Network is pleased to announce that we are expanding our business. About one year ago we moved from Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA with the intention of attracting some business partners to help grow, expand and enhance the services of the ARC Network. We have done just that! Beginning August 1, 2001 the ARC Network will be located in a new office, complete with additional support staff and additional funding to continue to grow the ARC Network and make it the best organization for accident reconstruction research, communication and marketing. With our new business partners in place we can now focus directly on serving your research and communication needs more effectively. We are also planning some new areas of the ARC Network. One of the most exciting new features will be online training. The ARC Network is beginning to prepare a few online classes in different areas of accident reconstruction and investigation. We will also be hosting at least one major crash test and seminar. To help promote the ARC Network we will also be actively attending as many events we can during the next year. We are scheduled to attend the IATAI Conference in September and the "2001: A Collision Odyssey" in October. Also, look for our full-page ad in the coming issue of the Accident Reconstruction Journal. Another area of the ARC Network that will be enhanced is the Expert Directory. This directory is quickly becoming one of the best tools on the Internet for attorneys to locate and retain expert services. Through feedback we have determined a few areas where we can enhance this directory and make it even more useful. In addition, we are going to launch a huge direct mail and email campaign directly for attorneys across the United States informing them of our Expert Directory. We are very excited to take the ARC Network to the next level. However, we know we couldn't do it without your support and participation. Last month we once again exceeded our number of hits to the site - we received a whopping 401,367 hits in the month of June! With that said here is the information regarding the new ARC Network offices. Please be sure to update your records. The ARC Network 11650 Iberia Place Suite 201 San Diego, CA 92128 (858) 618-1085 Thank you again for supporting the ARC Network. Please note this newsletter is shorter than normal due to the logistics of relocating our offices and some restructuring. Next month will be a full-featured newsletter. Please read on for the rest of the newsletter.... 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.   Q: What instantly turns 60 pounds into 2,700 pounds? A: A 30-mph crash. Force = Mass x Acceleration. While that maybe an oversimplification, the fact is the laws of physics are unyielding. Imagine this: A 60 pound unbelted child in the back seat of a car traveling at a mere 30 miles per hour is involved in a sudden collision can weigh as much as a young elephant -- about 2,700 pounds. That means the child can, during a frontal accident, impact the windshield or the front seat occupant -- with deadly force. Not a pretty physics lesson. False: An unbelted person in the rear seat is safe. True: It's a human tragedy that is easy to prevent - CLICK! Read the full article   Continental to Showcase Today's Driving Safety Solutions PONTIAC, Mich., July 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Automotive chassis systems supplier Continental will give vehicle manufacturers and journalists an opportunity this week to learn more about and actually test drive some of the latest technology that will help shape the future of auto safety. The glimpse of the future will take place July 16-20 at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan. The demonstration is being sponsored by Continental, a major brake, tire and chassis system supplier to the motor vehicle industry. Experts from Continental will be on hand to highlight key safety features of the company's Global Chassis Control Strategy. Continental Teves N.A. division, vice president sales and marketing Jeff Klei said, ``We know that simply making new safety technology available does not automatically translate into fewer injuries and fatalities to motor vehicle occupants. And, it's not enough to merely say, 'safety sells.' We believe that safety should be standard, not an option, and we have an obligation to help consumers understand their vehicle's safety features so they can use them to best advantage.'' Read the full article   U.S. Transportation Secretary Mineta Announces Analysis of Motorcycle Fatalities, Safety Plan WASHINGTON, July 3 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta today announced a comprehensive analysis by the department's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of motorcycle fatalities over the past decade. Motorcycle fatalities decreased steadily between 1993 and 1997, but rose 16.8 percent between 1997 and 1999, underscoring the importance of NHTSA's new draft motorcycle safety plan. ``Unfortunately, the increase in motorcycle popularity has been followed by a rise in fatalities, and we must find ways to prevent these unnecessary deaths,'' Secretary Mineta said. ``As we work together with our partners in developing effective motorcycle safety programs, we must understand the reasons for the trend toward increasing motorcycle rider fatalities, and that is what our analysis does.'' NHTSA last week released a draft motorcycle plan that will serve as a blueprint for future agency motorcycle safety programs. 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. ARC NETWORK MEMBERSHIP The ARC Network provides up-to-date research information on a variety of topics dealing with accident reconstruction and investigation. We also provide many other areas free of charge for accident reconstructionists and investigators to use helping them stay current with industry trends, classes and seminars and new safety components. However, it is through membership that we are able to continue to provide this information. Currently the ARC Network has approximately 185 members and we continue to grow each month. We are also proud to say our members are very pleased with the services provided by becoming a member of the ARC Network because we have maintained a 90% renewal rate for the last three years! Membership has its benefits, one of them is being listed in our global expert directory, others are referrals for case work, discounts on web design, discounts on seminars and crash test and much more. Soon we will be offering a "Members Only" section to better serve our members and provide data that we were not able to offer before on a public web site. Beginning in September 2001, the ARC Network will be increasing the annual membership dues for its Basic membership package to $50 per year. Please be assured that when you see the improved Expert Directory and Members Only section you will see the value of being a member of the ARC Network. If you join (or renew your membership to) the ARC Network any time before September 1, 2001 you will pay our current rates for membership and will NOT pay the price increase until your annual membership expires the following year. Learn more about becoming a Member Membership Application Form ARC Network Lapel Pins ARC Network lapel pins are now available through the ARC Network. 1" Steel - Die Stuck Semi Cloisonne Gold Plating 1.2 mm Each pin bears the ARC Network shield and is elegantly detailed with gold lettering. ARC Network lapel pins are FREE to all Gold and Platinum members. If you are not a Gold or Platinum member you can order these for only $8.50 per pin. SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND ORDER ONE TODAY. For more information, click here 15th Annual Traffic Crash Reconstruction Conference Come and join your colleagues on September 26th to 28th, in Danville, Illinois at the Illinois Association of Technical Accident Investigators' 15th Annual Crash Reconstruction Conference. Satisfy your professional appetite and enjoy the many diverse topics to be presented. Examine new equipment, software and books from various vendors. Enhance your level of practical experience by participating in live, outdoor practical test sessions. Enjoy the social activities offered by the Conference and by the Central Illinois Area. Conference topics will include the following: Intersection Signal Timing - Dan Vomhoff III Human Factors: Perception - Dr. Paul Olson Eyewitness Reliability - Dr. Patrick Robbins Vehicle Forensics - Wade Bartlett Updated information and a detailed final course schedule, when available, will be posted at www.iatai.org/conf2001.htm. Daily lunch will be included with conference fee. There will be a general membership meeting with elections for Vice-president and Treasurer. 2001: A RECONSTRUCTION ODYSSEY Your Key To Collision Investigation For the 21st Century ~ October 11-13, 2001 ~ Concord, California “Education is no Accident” Sponsored by: CA2RS—California Association of Accident Reconstruction Specialists And SOAR—Society Of Accident Reconstruction Co-Sponsors: TAARS—Texas Association of Accident Reconstruction Specialists NAPARS—National Association of Professional Accident Reconstruction Specialists FARO—Forensic Accident Reconstructionists of Oregon Featured Topics Incident Management Roadway Issues A.I. Tool Box (group discussion) Staged Collisions Insurance Fraud Energy Basics “Do’s & Don’ts” Momentum Basics “Do’s & Don’ts” ACTAR CEU’s and CA POST Certification pending ACTAR Test October 14 For More Information Please Contact CAARS caars@hotmail.com or Click Here The ARC Network helps Non Profit Accident Reconstruction and Engineering Organizations develop a presence on the Internet and promote their organization. For more information on how your organization can become a part of the ARC Network please visit Organizations Section   WELCOME NEW MEMBERS The ARC Network currently has over 185 members and continues to grow each month. We would like to thank all of our members for their support. Following are the newest members (and those returning for a second and even third year) to the ARC Network: Philip Hight (Platinum) California Paul Van Vorce (Gold) New York FARO (Organization) Oregon William Morrison Nevada Timothy McIlrath Mississippi Bob Kovach California Larry Hootman Ohio T.R. Bongartz Hawaii William Newman Illinois Steven R. Thomas New Hampshire Bruce Setler Maine Terrance Martin Vermont George Hall, P.E. Oklahoma 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 400,000 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 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. Memberships start at just $35 per year. APPLICATION 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 that of other web companies, print advertising and distribution lists you realize that the membership packages offered by the ARC Network are very competitive and a great value. Membership Section Expert Directory AUGUST EVENTS 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.   SAE TOPTEC® Advances in Side Impact Test Methodologies and Occupant Protection August 1-2, 2001 Novi, MI: Novi Hilton Hotel Register by Friday, July 13th for Special Early Bird Fee! To register or receive additional information, please contact SAE Professional Development at phone (724) 772-7148; email profdev@sae.org; or visit on-line at http://www.sae.org/calendar/toptecs2.htm#airbag. Investigation of Auto-Ped and Auto-Bicycle Collisions (FARO) August 2-4, 2001 Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue Training Center located in the heart of the Willamette Valley just outside of Sherwood, Oregon. For more information click here Investigation of Motorcycle Crashes August 6-10, 2001 Jacksonville, FL For more information visit IPTM www.iptm.org ACTAR Examination Sunday August 12, 2001 Vancouver BC CANADA Registration cutoff 8/3/01 For more information visit ACTAR The 4th International Conference on Accident Investigation, Reconstruction, Interpretation and the Law August 13 - 16 To be held at the University of British Columbia Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. For more information visit http://www.civil.ubc.ca/AIRIL01.html Inspection and Investigation of Commercial Vehicle Crashes August 13-17, 2001 Lake Worth, FL For more information visit IPTM www.iptm.org CATAIR Conference & Ped/Bike Collision Investigation Course August 19-26, 2001 Fredericton, NB For more information e-mail atlanticrash@ns.sympatico.ca Computer Diagramming of Accidents Using AutoSketch Law 886.1A (2.4 CEU) August 29-31 , 2001 Riverside, CA - UCR: UCR Extension Center, 1200 University Ave. Computer-aided drafting is a crucial skill for the traffic accident investigator and reconstructionist. This three-day hands-on course discusses the principles and operations of AutoSketch, a powerful drawing tool. Computer-aided drafting allows for the creation of professional drawings that can be used for demonstrative court evidence and is an essential tool for reconstructing traffic collisions. Topics include: principles of locating and plotting collision scene evidence based on the X,Y coordinate system; conversion of collision diagrams to the required X,Y coordinate system; AutoSketch commands, options and data entry; utilizing AutoSketch to assist in obtaining critical reconstruction data; and printing, plotting and developing AutoSketch files. ACTAR: 18 CEU's Elective for Advanced Traffic Accident Reconstruction Training Institute For more information visit: http://www.unex.ucr.edu/catalog/safety.html To view the entire Events Calendar, click here If you would like to add your event to the ARC Network please e-mail your information to arc@accidentreconstruction.com. There is no charge to be added in our Events Calendar. 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. We have set our prices to accommodate all budgets starting from just $50. The ARC Network is currently receiving close to 400,000 hits to the site each month. Now is the time to advertise your product or service in the ARC Network. For more information please visit our Advertising Section or e-mail arc@accidentreconstruction.com.