Volume Eight, Issue 7
July 2006
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July 2006 - Accident Reconstruction Newsletter
Welcome to the July 2006 edition of the Accident Reconstruction Newsletter.
It is busy as usual here at the ARC Network. We are working diligently on the agenda and structure of the upcoming Crash Data Retrieval User's Conference. Due to the number of speakers and the topics we are working on, we have decided it would be beneficial to add another day to this conference. The new dates for the CDR User's Conference is 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.
This month (July 2006) the ARC Network and REC-TEC came to an agreement that they would license a copy of Jeff Muttart's DRIVE3 software to the ARC Network. With this arrangement, the ARC Network can make this software FREE to all ARC Network members. The program needs to be reinstalled once per year. The current download version in the ARC Network's members section will be valid until July 2007! This software retails for $250 per copy, but know you can use it free of charge by simply being an ARC Network member (remember - ARC Network memberships start at just $69 per year). If you are already an ARC Network member, simply log in to the ARC Network Member's Only section and you will see the option to download the software. If you are not currently a member, simply go to the Membership Section of the ARC Network and sign up online. Once you sign up online you will be provided with the necessary login information - it's that easy! ALSO - ARC Members receive $50 off the registration tuition for both the CDR User's Conference AND the ARC-CSI Crash Conference!
The ARC Network in conjunction with Collision Publishing are working on Volume One, Issue two of the new magazine COLLISION: The International Compendium for Crash Research. This issue is shaping up to have more articles than the premier issue and will also include the 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 clips from the conference, 100's of digital photos, crash test scene diagrams, speaker presentations, and of course all the instrumented vehicle 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 this new 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.
Lastly, every once in awhile I receive an email or a phone call that really makes my day and keeps me motivated with bringing everyone the ARC Network web site. Here is one of those emails:
Mr. Baker,
Just a brief note to thank you for your website, annual crash conference, and now your magazine. These resources bring a professional and polished contingence to the industry, and they have saved me a great deal of time. Not only are you doing an amazing job at keeping things going, you are bringing NEW information to the table on a regular basis. Not an easy accomplishment. Congratulations on your success!
Best regards,
Susan Bracchi
MapScenes Business Development Manager
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
- Vehicle Safety Defect/Noncompliance Notices Received During April 2006
- Antilock Brake Systems And Risk Of Different Types Of Crashes In Traffic
- The Dynamics of Antilock Brake Systems
- Online Accident Investigation Course: Northwestern University Center for Public Safety
- Antilock Brakes Don't Reduce Fatal Crashes; People in Cars With Antilocks At Greater Risk - But Unclear Why
- Electronic Stability Control Could Prevent Nearly One-Third Of All Fatal Crashes
- Antilock Braking Rulemaking Considerations
- Improper Steering Endangers Drivers With Antilock Brakes!
- Speed Control Deactivation Switch Fires
- Collision Magazine: Issue #2 shipping this Fall
- 2007 CDR User's Conference: Now accepting registrations
- FAQ: Antilock Brakes
- Advertising in the ARC Network
- Crash Data Retrieval
- ARC Network New Members
- Events, Conferences and Seminars
- Accident Reconstruction News Articles
VEHICLE SAFETY DEFECT/NONCOMPLIANCE NOTICES RECEIVED DURING APRIL 2006
Toyota is recalling 133 MY 2004-2006 Lexus LS, MY 2006 Lexus GS and IS; MY 2005-2006 Toyota Avalon, 2007 Camry, 2004-2006 Prius, 205 RAV4, 2005-2006 Scion tC, and 2005-2006 Tacoma vehicles. Due to improper assembly of the air bag inflator, which is used in the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag, and the knee air bag assembly, some inflators were produced with an insufficient amount of the heating agents necessary for proper air bag deployment. In this condition, the expansion force of the gas may be insufficient to properly inflate the air bag when the SRS system is activated during a crash. This may increase the risk of injury to the occupant in the involved seating position in the event of a crash. Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag. The recall is expected to begin during April 2006. 06V-096
Country Coach is recalling 103 MY 2005-2006 Affinity and Magna motor homes for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, 'Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles other than Passenger Cars.' The Federal tire labels incorrectly state the cold tire inflation pressure for the Toyo 12R22.5 rear tires. This noncompliance could lead to premature tire wear and potentially a tire failure if the tires are inflated to the maximum inflation pressure. Such a tire failure could result in the loss of steering control and could result in a crash. Owners will be provided with new Federal tire labels which reflect the correct cold tire inflation pressure for the rear tires. The recall is expected to begin on April 10, 2006. 06V-097
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS AND RISK OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF CRASHES IN TRAFFIC
by: Leonard Evans
ABSTRACT
While antilock brakes (ABS) have been convincingly demonstrated to enhance test track braking performance, their effect on crash risk in actual driving remains less clear. This paper examines how ABS influences crash risk using mainly two published studies which used police-reported crashes. The published findings are augmented by including new data and additional results. All the work is based on seven General Motors passenger vehicles having ABS as standard equipment for 1992 models but not available for 199 1 models. The ratio of crashes under an adverse condition (say, when the pavement is wet) to under a normal condition (say, when the pavement is dry) is compared for ABS and non-ABS vehicles. After correcting for such factors as model year effects not linked to ABS, the following associations between ABS and crash risk were found by averaging data from the five states Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Indiana (the errors are one standard error); a (10 k 3)% relative lower crash risk on wet roads compared to the corresponding comparison on dry roads; a (22 Y& 1 l)% lower risk of a pedestrian crash compared to the risk of a non-pedestrian crash; a (39 & 16)% increase in rollover crash risk compared to the risk of a non-rollover crash. Data from the same five states were used to examine two-vehicle rear-end collisions. Using the assumption that side-impact crashes estimate exposure, it was found that for wet roads ABS reduces the risk of crashing into a lead vehicle by (32 5 8)%, but increases the risk of being struck in the rear by (30 f 14)%. The results from this study and from all available reported studies are summarized in tabular form.
The dynamics of antilock brake systems
by: Mark Denny
ABSTRACT
The nonlinear dynamics of automobile braking are investigated. Nonlinearity arises because of the manner in which the friction coefficient between vehicle tyres and road surface depends upon vehicle speed and wheel angular speed. We show how antilock brake systems approach optimum braking performance.
New Online Course in Accident Investigation
Offered by Northwestern University Center for Public Safety
Accident Investigation 1 - Online Course
If you have some technical experience and wish to begin Northwestern University Center for Public Safety’s Accident Investigation series, Accident Investigation 1 Online may be what you need. This newly developed online program incorporates all of the techniques and most of the practical field exercises that you get in the on-campus Accident Investigation 1 course. You will be taught in an interactive format with instructors to guide you through the process and grade your projects and exams.
After successfully completing Accident Investigation 1 Online, you will be prepared to take the on-campus Accident Investigation 2 course.
To learn more and register, click here >>To find out more call Dawn Patten at 800-323-4011 or d-patten@northwestern.edu.
For more information about Northwestern University Center for Public Safety - click here
ANTILOCK BRAKES DON’T REDUCE FATAL CRASHES; PEOPLE IN CARS WITH ANTILOCKS AT GREATER RISK — BUT UNCLEAR WHY
ARLINGTON, VA — Dec. 10, 1996 — Cars with antilock brakes are more likely than cars without them to be in crashes fatal to their own occupants. In particular, antilock cars are more likely to be in fatal single-vehicle crashes. These are the findings of a new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study comparing the fatal crash experience of cars with antilocks and otherwise identical models with regular brakes.
“These findings add to evidence that antilocks aren’t producing overall safety benefits,” Institute President Brian O’Neill points out. According to previous Highway Loss Data Institute research, antilocks aren’t reducing the frequency or cost of insurance claims for vehicle damage. Federal studies also show no overall benefits.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL COULD PREVENT NEARLY ONE-THIRD OF ALL FATAL CRASHES AND REDUCE ROLLOVER RISK BY AS MUCH AS 80%; EFFECT IS FOUND ON SINGLE- AND MULTIPLE-VEHICLE CRASHES
ARLINGTON, VA — An extension of antilock brake technology, electronic stability control (ESC) is designed to help drivers retain control of their vehicles during high-speed maneuvers or on slippery roads. Previous research found significant effects of ESC in reducing the risk of fatal single-vehicle crashes. Using data from an additional year of crashes and a larger set of vehicle models, researchers at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have updated the 2004 results and found that ESC reduces the risk of fatal multiple-vehicle crashes by 32 percent.
The new research confirms that ESC reduces the risk of all single-vehicle crashes by more than 40 percent —fatal ones by 56 percent. The researchers estimate that if all vehicles were equipped with ESC, as many as 10,000 fatal crashes could be avoided each year.
“The findings indicate that ESC should be standard on all vehicles,” says Susan Ferguson, Institute senior vice president for research. “Very few safety technologies show this kind of large effect in reducing crash deaths.”
ANTILOCK BRAKING RULEMAKING CONSIDERATIONS
by: Sam Daniel and Andrew Snyder 5/15/2003
PDF document of a Powerpoint presentation.
IMPROPER STEERING ENDANGERS DRIVERS WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES!
Improper steering in vehicles equipped with antilock brakes (ABS) can send the vehicle veering dramatically out of control, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found. "When drivers are about to hit something, they often panic, jam on the brakes, and jerk the wheel," says David K. Willis, president of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "If the car has antilock brakes it will respond to the extreme steering and run off the road."
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety tested cars with and without antilock brakes. At 35 mph, a panic stop combined with a violent jerk of the steering wheel caused an ABS-equipped car to dart across two lane widths, enough to send the vehicle into oncoming traffic or off the roadway. The same action in a car without antilock brakes locked the wheels so the car skidded forward in the lane but hit the obstruction
Speed Control Deactivation Switch Fires
BASIS: OD1 opened PE04-078 on November 19,2004 to investigate 36 alleged speed control deactivation switch (SCDS) failures and related engine compartment fires that occurred in model year (MY) 2000 Ford F-150's, Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators. These fires started with the vehicle parked and the ignition in the off position. In January 2005, Ford announced it was recalling (Recall #05V-0 17) over 730,000 vehicles including certain MY 2000 Ford F 150, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator and certain MY 200 1 Ford F 150 Supercrew trucks due to an extremely high SCDS failure/fire rate when compared with other vehicles using the same switch. At the time of the recall, the root cause for the failure of the SCDS was unknown.
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
FAQ:
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS)
From NHTSA
1.How do I know whether my vehicle has ABS? Most newer car models offer ABS as either standard or optional equipment. There are different ways to find out whether your car has an antilock brake system:
* Read your owner's manual
* Check your instrument panel for an amber ABS indicator light after you turn on the ignition.
* When you buy, lease or rent, ask your dealer or rental car company.2.Where Can I get more information about ABS? Call the NHTSA Auto Safety Hotline on 1-888-327-4236, 1-888-DASH-2-DOT.
3.What is ABS? An antilock braking system works with the regular or foundation brakes on your vehicle. ABS simply keeps your base brakes from locking up. In vehicles not equipped with ABS, the driver can manually pump the brakes to prevent wheel lockup. In vehicles equipped with ABS, the driver's foot remains firmly on the brake pedal, allowing the system to automatically pump the brakes.
4.Why is that important? When your brakes lock up on wet and slippery roads or during a panic stop, you lose steering control and your vehicle can spin. Rear wheel ABS prevents wheel lockup so that your car stays in a straight line. If your car has ABS control on all four wheels, you also keep steering control. If you have steering control, it is possible to avoid a crash by steering around hazards if a complete stop cannot be accomplished in time.
5.Will I notice anything when the ABS is working? In many vehicles, drivers may experience a rapid pulsation of the brake pedal--almost as if the brakes are pushing back at you. Sometimes the pedal could suddenly drop. Also, the valves in the ABS controller may make a noise that sounds like grinding or buzzing. In some cars you may feel a slight vibration--this means the ABS is working. It is important NOT to take your foot off the brake pedal when you hear noise or feel pulsations, but instead continue to apply firm pressure.
6.How does ABS work? What ABS does is similar to a person pumping the brakes. It automatically changes the pressure in your car's brake lines to maintain maximum brake performance just short of locking up the wheels. ABS does this very rapidly with electronics.
7.How can I familiarize myself with ABS? Read your owner's manual for more details on the complete operation and benefits of ABS. The antilock brake system is speed sensitive, and will not activate at very slow speeds. One way to familiarize yourself with the operation of ABS is to test drive the vehicle at a speed above which the ABS activates (usually above 10 mph) in an unobstructed parking lot and apply the brakes firmly. It is easier to activate the ABS on a wet and slippery road surface. The antilock system should prevent the wheels from skidding. Pulsation may be felt in the brake pedal and you may hear a clicking sound. Avoid pumping the brake, even if the pedal is pulsating.
8.Does ABS change the way I should use the brakes? You should not pump your brakes if you have ABS. Just hold your foot firmly on the brakes pedal and remember that you can still steer.
9.Do cars with ABS stop more quickly than cars without? ABS is designed to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle during emergency braking situations, not make the car stop more quickly. ABS may shorten stopping distances on wet or slippery roads and many systems will shorten stopping distances on dry roads. On very soft surfaces, such as loose gravel or unpacked snow, an ABS system may actually lengthen stopping distances. In wet or slippery conditions, you should still make sure you drive carefully, always keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you, and maintain a speed consistent with the road conditions.
10.Are all antilock systems the same? They are all very similar in the way they control brake pressure, but some systems are designed to prevent only the rear wheels from locking up. These rear-wheel-only systems are found on pickups and sport-utility vehicles. Rear-wheel ABS keeps your vehicle from spinning out of control, but you will not have steering control if the front wheels lock up. All other ABS systems-including those for cars and minivans--are designed to keep all four wheels from locking up. If you own a pickup or sport-utility vehicle, you can check your owner's manual to see what type of ABS you have.
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
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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.
Vetronix Crash Data Retrieval
System
Special Offer from the ARC Network
FREE CDR CERTIFICATION COURSE with Purchase
More Certification Courses just added! - click here to review the open classesThe 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 the CDR Technician and Analyst Certification course ($450 value) offered by Collision Safety Institute plus a free one-year membership to the ARC Network.
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 the Details
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 Wayne Simmons Simmons Accident Investigation CA Ken Iliadis Ontario George Bonnett REC-TEC FL Toni Wolfe LAPD CA Rodney Posey Hayward Police Department Ca Douglas Heustis IN Gordon Harris Horry County Public Safety Division SC Dave Delaney Yorkville Police Department IL Gary Belch Jefferson County Sheriff NY Mathew Mumm Oswego Police Department IL Edward Ingram Recon Engineering TX Stephen Thorn CA Michael Barnes Accident Reconstruction Consultants Inc. KY Donald Pohl Graham Ryan Consulting Ltd. Alberta Carlos Reoyo PR Norman Meeker, Jr. Champaign County Sheriff's Office IL Stephen Huss AARO Associates International CA Herbert Meany ARHOBBY CA Ronald Weber National Highway Safety Associates VA Terry DeGuentz City of Des Peres - DPS MO Andrew Rich Bergen County Prosecuters Office NJ Thrasso O'Mahony T.T. O'Mahony CY John Reynolds MH Raymond Wangler Fort Worth Police Department - TIU Tx Kevin Bryce Bryce, Williams and Associates, Inc. Tx Steven Bellino California Traffic Specialists CA John Mulkern CA Patrick Darrow Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office CO Tony Scotti Tony Scotti Associates MA John Johnston Toronto Police Service Ontario
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.
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 July 2006:
July 31, 2006
Independent Tests Show Volkswagen Rabbit, Jetta and Passat are Leaders in SafetyJuly 24, 2006
CPSC Posts Recall to Its Web SiteJuly 21, 2006
Firestone steps up effort on tire recallJuly 20, 2006
Office of Gov. Blagojevich, ISP & 21st Century Insurance Sponsor Marion Child Safety Seat InspectionJuly 17, 2006
2007 Dodge Caliber Earns Top Safety Ratings in Government Crash TestsJuly 14, 2006
The State of Florida, the Florida Highway Patrol & 21st Century Insurance Sponsor Child Safety Seat FairJuly 12, 2006:
Iteris and Maverick Report a 65 Percent Reduction in Accidents after Deployment of Lane Departure Warning System
Each month the ARC Network continues to grow
with new memberships and contacts.
We now have over 650 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
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2006 ARC Network, LLC. All rights reserved.
Any comments, questions or suggestions should be e-mailed
to the ARC Network.
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