November 2005 - Accident Reconstruction Newsletter

Welcome to the November 2005 edition of the Accident Reconstruction Newsletter. On December 1st we launched the new membership section of the ARC Network. This new section allows new members to join online, create their profile and see all the information about their account through the new member control panel. We also allow existing members to update information online, add states and specialties to their expert listing and renew their membership directly online.

We have also begun the process of "reworking" the design of the ARC Network. The new layout can be found by visiting the membership section of the web site. Over the next couple of months we will be updating this new look to the rest of the ARC Network. Then we will begin updating all the databases in the Member's only section.

Last month we received a record 2.75 million hits to the web site!

The CDR User's Conference is coming along just as planned. Space is still available in the CDR Conference but we are receiving registrations daily and we only have a certain number of seats available. The additional 2-day CDR Train the Trainer class is almost full so if you are planning on attending that class I would urge you to register ASAP.

Please use the links below to view this months featured articles. Note: you can use the "Back to Index" link to return to this index.

• Several Vehicles Receive Top Honors in First Group of Model Year 2006 Crash and Rollover Tests
• Laboratory Study of Hands-free Conversations in a Driving Simulator
• NHTSA Policy and FAQs on Cellular Phone Use While Driving
• Analysis of Speeding-Related Fatal Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes
• Forensic Analysis of Seat Belts - Special Price!
• A Review of the Evidence on Impairment of Antihistamines and Driving Ability
• Reconstructing the James Dean Crash (Part 1 of 3)
• Crash Data Retrieval User's Conference
• Forensic Investigations - Accident Analysis Package
• Acronyms for Traffic Safety
• Accident Reconstruction Equations for your TI Calculators
• ARC-CSI Crash Conference 2006
• Did You Know? - Crashes Trivia
• Free Crash Data Retrieval Certification Course
• ARC Network New Members
• Events, Conferences and Seminars
• Accident Reconstruction News Articles
• Become a Member of the ARC Network

Several Vehicles Receive Top Honors in First Group of Model Year 2006 Crash and Rollover Tests

The first round of government crash tests for new model year 2006 passenger vehicles have resulted in five getting top honors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently completed its first round of front and side impact crash tests on new vehicles already in dealer showrooms and found five vehicles--the Honda Odyssey minivan, the Hyundai Sonata four-door sedan, the Hyundai Tucson sport utility vehicle, the Mercedes Benz ML Class SUV, and the Subaru B9 Tribeca SUV all worthy of five-star ratings. The Pontiac G6 two-door Coupe took top honors in NHTSA’s rollover rating program.

Read the Full Article

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Laboratory Study of Hands-free Conversations in a Driving Simulator

National survey data for 2002 indicate that more than 60 percent of drivers have a cellular phone, and 30 percent use their phones while driving. An observational study in 2000 indicated that 3 percent of drivers are using a hand-held cell phone at any given time.

From an information-processing perspective, using a phone while driving requires the driver to divert at least some attention away from the driving task, and the level of distraction involved has not been well understood. Prior to this study, we did not know whether there are “practice effects”— that is, whether people improve with practice at attending to the driving task while talking on a cell phone.

A study conducted for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration examined whether the distracting effects of having a conversation while driving diminish with practice.

Read Full Study

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Analysis of Speeding-Related Fatal Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes

This study analyzes speeding-related motor vehicle traffic fatal crashes using NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Of interest are characteristics of drivers that are speeding as well as the extent of this problem in the states. The analysis is presented along major categories of interest that are likely to affect speeding like environmental, behavioral and vehicle-related factors. A separate section discusses the extent of speeding-related crashes by state.

Read Full Study

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A Review of the Evidence on Impairment of Antihistamines and Driving Ability

The driving risks due to alcohol use are well known and in 2002, there were 17,970 alcohol related crashes in the United States. There has also been a growing awareness of the traffic safety risks due to the behavioral toxicity of drugs other than alcohol. These include not only illicit drugs, such as cocaine and marijuana, but also medicinal drugs that are available over-the-counter or by prescription.

Widespread use of antihistamines (histamine H1-receptor antagonists, or H1-antagonists) present a particular concern since the first-generation antihistamines are well known for causing sedation and central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction that can jeopardize safe driving. Antihistamines also have additive effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants. These drugs are widely used and are available in both over-the-counter and prescription treatments for colds, allergies, and hay fever. Second-generation antihistamines have been produced in the last decade. These are associated with fewer side effects and have fewer reports of sedation. Currently, there are more than 60 oral antihistamines available.

Read Full Report

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Reconstructing the James Dean Crash (Part 1 of 3)

As you know, this tragic crash occurred September 30, 1955 at 5:45 pm near Cholame, California. It has been the subject of many independent
investigations and research studies over the years. Recently, National Geographic decided to review it again using a different approach and new
crash science.

Their researchers discovered Visual Statement and asked us to participate and use modern approach in a new reconstruction. We eagerly volunteered as it was a great opportunity to show the world our latest software technology. Therefore, our Mike Kennedy (CEO), and our Mike Greenfield (Director of Forensic Mapping) met the film crew from London, England at Cholame, California in April of 2005, to reconstruct the crash, in real time at the actual crash location.

James Dean was enroute to an amateur road race in Salinas, coming from Los Angeles. He was driving his brand new 1955 Porsche Spyder 550, which he had just purchased for the purpose of his amateur racing activities. He was accompanied by Rolf Weutherich, a German mechanic, sent by Porsche to support new American owners of racing Porsches. They took a route that caused them to pass through Cholame, California on Highway 46. Shortly before the crash, Dean was pulled over by a CHP officer and ticketed for speeding. At approximately 5:45 pm, Dean was westbound passing through the “Y“ intersection at Highway 41, one mile east of Cholame. At that point, Donald Turnipseed, driving a 1950 Ford business coupe, turned left in front of Dean, and the collision occurred. Dean was killed almost immediately, and Weutherich was ejected from the Porsche and found beside the drivers side of the car at final rest. Dean was found slumped against the passenger door, which sparked a long standing controversy about who was driving. Turnipseed rotated counter clockwise and slid sideways from impact to rest about 38 feet east of the impact point. Dean's Porsche traveled about 45 feet from impact to rest in a northerly direction. CHP officers attended the scene and took some
photographs and basic measurements.

Read Full Article - Part 1

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Crash Data Retrieval User's Conference 2006

The Crash Data Retrieval User's Conference is scheduled for February 13-14, 2006 in Dallas, Texas.

During this 2-day conference, experts from around the world will be presenting technical papers on Crash Data Retrieval. Topics to be covered will include, legal aspects, legislation, user applications and future developments. This conference is sponsored by the CDR User's Group, Vetronix Corporation, the National Association of Professional Accident Reconstructionists (NAPARS), the Accident Reconstruction Network (ARC) and Collision Safety Institute (CSI).

The papers presented at this conference will be
published in the Accident Reconstruction Journal.

We are now accepting registrations. Please be aware that due to the Hotel facilities at the Embassy Suite, space is limited for this conference. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all seats are filled.

Registration Information - click here

Hotel Information - click here

Approved Abstracts/Topics - click here

Conference Overview - click here

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Forensic Investigations - Accident Analysis Package

LSIA (Low Speed Impact Analysis) is an analysis package for vehicle versus barrier (bumper to barrier) and vehicle versus vehicle analysis (bumper to bumper). LSIA automatically generates and prints reports which include: vehicle(s) year, make, model, delta v, final velocity, and acceleration rates as well as coefficients of restitution, impact duration, relevant equations and barrier information. The program automatically imports data from vehicle versus barrier analysis to vehicle versus vehicle analysis. Saves hours by expediting the iteration process!

Available for an introductory price of $50.00 (USD)
(Snapshot of LSIA shown below)

To learn more about this accident analysis software or to order your copy, please contact:

Louis Peck
Forensic Investigations
www.fi-ar.com
(866) 411-8472
Email: lpeck@fi-ar.com

About Forensic Investigations:
Forensic Investigations is an engineering based firm with investigators specializing is several disciplines to cover all your needs. Our investigators have formal engineering educations, ranging from Bachelor’s to Doctoral degrees, and have worked on nearly two thousand cases. We specialize in vehicular and industrial accident reconstruction as well as fire investigation.

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Acronyms for Traffic Safety

There are many, many acronyms in our business. Here are a few for your review...

BAC	Blood Alcohol Concentration
BTS	Bureau of Transportation Statistics
CDL	Commercial Driver's License
CDR	Crash Data Retrieval
CDS	Crashworthiness Data System
CODES	Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System
DOT	Department of Transportation
EDR	Event Data Recorder
EMS	Emergency Medical Service
FARS	Fatality Analysis Reporting System
FHWA	Federal Highway Administration
GES	General Estimates System
GVWR	Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
ITS	Intelligent Transportation System
LTVs	Light Trucks and Vans
MUTCD	Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
N/A	Not Applicable
NASS	National Automotive Sampling System
NCSA	National Center for Statistics and Analysis
NHTSA	National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
PAR	Police Accident Report
PCR	Police Crash Report
PCs	Passenger Cars
PSAs	Public Service Announcements
PSUs	Primary Sampling Units
VIN	Vehicle Identification Number
VMT	Vehicle Miles Traveled

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Accident Reconstruction Equations for your TI Calculators
David Thornburg - Thorn Consulting Services

T1-83/TI-84/TI-89 Calculators - Great for your Accident Reconstruction Equations!

Do you have a Texas Instruments 83+, 84+, or 89 Titanium calculator? Over 60 calculations and equations performed; similar to the Excel Calculator, but with the portability you can take to a crash scene or have in the courtroom. Fifty ($50) dollars for just the programs if you currently own a TI-83/84/89 Calculator and have the TI-Graph Link Cable to connect it to your computer. The programs are typically emailed, but can be sent to you via mail on a 3.5" floppy or CD. If you currently do not own one of these calculators, I can send a brand new one to you that's already been programmed, including the TI-Graph Link Cable and instructional manual, and includes all tax, shipping, insurance charges, all for one price listed above.

The differences between the three TI calculators are the operating speed, available memory, and amount of preloaded TI applications. In addition, the TI-84+ and TI-89 Titanium have built in USB ports with cable compared to the TI-83+. The Accident Equation Programs also work on the Voyage 200 TI calculator. Please call or email TCS direct to order the programs for the 200. If you have an equation(s) that you need specific to your work or business, call TCS and I can program your calculator to fit your needs.

Contact Information:
David C. Thornburg, ACTAR
Thorn Consulting Services
PO Box 48482
Spokane, WA 99228-1482
Office: (509) 325-6510
FAX: (509) 325-6511
www.collisionrecon.com

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NHTSA Policy and FAQs on Cellular Phone Use While Driving

Policy Statement

The primary responsibility of the driver is to operate a motor vehicle safely. The task of driving requires full attention and focus. Cell phone use can distract drivers from this task, risking harm to themselves and others. Therefore, the safest course of action is to refrain from using a cell phone while driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does cell phone use while driving cause traffic crashes?

A. Research shows that driving while using a cell phone can pose a serious cognitive distraction and degrade driver performance. The data are insufficient to quantify crashes caused by cell phone use specifically, but NHTSA estimates that driver distraction from all sources contributes to 25 percent of all police-reported traffic crashes.

Q. Is it safe to use hands-free (headset, speakerphone, or other device) cell phones while driving?

A. The available research indicates that whether it is a hands-free or hand-held cell phone, the cognitive distraction is significant enough to degrade a driver’s performance. This can cause a driver to miss key visual and audio cues needed to avoid a crash.

Q. In an emergency should I use my cell phone while driving?

A. As a general rule, drivers should make every effort to move to a safe place off of the road before using a cell phone. However, in emergency situations a driver must use their judgment regarding the urgency of the situation and the necessity to use a cell phone while driving.

Q. Is NHTSA conducting further research to better quantify the safety impact of using cell phones while driving?

A. NHTSA is conducting research projects on driver cell phone use and will continue to monitor the research of others on this subject. As we learn more about the impact of cell phone use on driver performance and crash risk, and as wireless technologies evolve and expand, NHTSA will make its findings public.

Q. Is talking on a cell phone any worse than having a conversation with someone in the car?

A. Any activity a driver engages while driving has the potential to distract the driver from the primary task of driving. Some research findings comparing cell phone use to passenger conversations while driving, show each to be equally risky, while others show cell phone use to be more risky. A significant difference between the two is the fact that a passenger can monitor the driving situation along with the driver and pause for, or alert the driver to, potential hazards, whereas a person on the other end of the phone line is unaware of the roadway situation.

Q. What do the studies say about the relative risk of cell phone use when compared to other tasks like eating or drinking?

A. The current research does not provide a definitive answer as to which behavior is riskier. In a controlled study, comparing eating and operating a voice-activated cell phone to continuously operating a CD player, it was found that the CD player operation was more distracting than the other activities. In a test track study conducted by NHTSA, the results showed that manual dialing was about as distracting as grooming/eating, but less distracting than reading or changing CDs. It is also important to keep in mind that some activities are carried out more frequently and for longer periods of time and may result in greater risk.

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Forensic Analysis of Seat Belts - Special Price!

KINETIC ENERGY PRESS ANNOUNCES A SPECIAL SALES PROMOTION OF A BEST SELLING, INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED BOOK –
JUST IN TIME FOR HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING!

FORENSIC ANALYSIS OF SEAT BELTS
Donald J. Felicella, ACTAR
Kinetic Energy Press
Salem, Oregon

An indispensable book for anyone involved in crash investigation or litigation. The book that has it all – crystal clear photographs, technical know-how made easy to understand – plus a complete guide to forensic examination and analysis of seat belt systems. Expertise you simply cannot afford to be without!

SPECIAL PRICE - ON SALE NOW JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
NO SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES FOR U.S. AND CANADIAN ORDERS!

CD-ROM Version: $29.99 U.S.
Printed Copy (with CD-ROM): $39.99 U.S.

FORENSIC ANALYSIS OF SEAT BELTS
has 130 pages, with 94 illustrations and tables!

CONTENTS:

• Introduction and history of seat belts
• Function of seat belts in a collision
• Occupant kinematics
• Nomenclature
• Exterior vehicle documentation
• Interior vehicle documentation
• Inspection of the seat belt system
• Injury correlation
• Malfunctions, problems, and litigation claims
• Seat belt recalls and notices
• Important references, including FMVSS 209 & 210

This book is worth its price just for the photographs alone! Order your copy today!

Sample photo from book

Sample photo from book

Forensic Analysis of Seat Belts
*** Sales Price for the Holidays ***
by Donald J. Felicella
PRICE (CD only): $29.99For all United States Orders (Includes Shipping)
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Mail Form or

For more information and other books to choose from, please visit Kinetic Energy Press on the web:
www.kineticenergypress.com

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ARC-CSI Crash Conference 2006

Date: June 5-8, 2006
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Hotel: Palace Station Hotel and Casino
Crash Testing: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
ACTAR: 21 CEUs Pending
ATTENDEE: Registration Form
EXHIBITOR: Registration Form

The fifth ARC-CSI Conference, run for the fourth year in Las Vegas and including activities at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is designed to be topical, timely and a lasting learning experience for all involved. The topics for the 2006 conference are yet to be determined.

If you have any suggestions of what topics you would like to see presented, please email them to info@crashconferences.com

As has been the case with ARC-CSI conferences in the past, a half day of live crash testing will kick off the conference on the first day and crash data compiled during that week's testing on CD will distributed coupled with a data review will close out the conference.

Witness live crash testing first hand, attend presentations by recognized leaders in their field, leave Las Vegas with crash data in hand including the photos and video of the testing, copies of presentations for later review and related documents and reference material. It's hard to find a better opportunity for training anywhere.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
The ARC Network is now accepting attendee registrations for this years ARC-CSI Crash Conference.
Registration Fee:
>> Early Registration (until April 30, 2006): $599
>> Late Registration (After April 30, 2006): $799

HOTEL INFORMATION
This years ARC-CSI Crash Conference will be held at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino. The ARC Network has arranged a special room for attendees of this conference. For complete hotel information and to book your room, click here.

EXHIBITOR INFORMATION
Each year the ARC Network offers an Exhibitor room for companies to display their products and/or services to the attendees of the ARC-CSI Crash Conference. If you would like to be a Exhibitor at this years ARC-CSI Crash Conference, click here.

SPONSORSHIP
The ARC-CSI also offers additional recognition if you would like to be a SPONSOR of the ARC-CSI Crash Conference.
Please contact Scott Baker of the ARC Network for more information. Toll Free: (866) 223-4984

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Did You Know? Crashes Trivia

Did You Know - Crashes

• More than 6.3 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 2003. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (38,252) resulting in a death. - [Crashes ; 2003 ]
• Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 2003, with 1,228 and 1,208 fatal crashes, respectively. - [Crashes ; 2003 ]
• Fifty-seven percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 30 percent of injury crashes and 31 percent of property-damage-only crashes. - [Crashes ; 2003 ]
• More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 25 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads. - [Crashes ; 2003 ]
• Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 19 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 44 percent of fatal crashes. - [Crashes ; 2003 ]
• Forty percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 77 percent involved alcohol. - [Crashes ; 2003 ]
• Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 2000, with 1,271 and 1,218 fatal crashes, respectively. - [Crashes ; 2000 ]
• Fifty-six percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 30 percent of both injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes. - [Crashes ; 2000 ]
• More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 22 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads. - [Crashes ; 2000 ]
• Forty percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 77 percent involved alcohol. - [Crashes ; 2000 ]
• Nearly 6.3 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 1999. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (37,043) resulting in a death. - [Crashes ; 1999 ]
• Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 1999, with 1,215 and 1,182 fatal crashes, respectively. - [Crashes ; 1999 ]
• Fifty-six percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 28 percent of both injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes. - [Crashes ; 1999 ]
• More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 22 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads. - [Crashes ; 1999 ]
• Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 17 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 41 percent of fatal crashes. - [Crashes ; 1999 ]
• 1999 Motor Vehicle Crash Data from FARS and GES Thirty-eight percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 75 percent involved alcohol. - [Crashes ; 1999 ]
• More than 6.3 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 1998. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (37,081) resulting in a death. - [Crashes ; 1998 ]
• Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 1998, with 1,218 and 1,208 fatal crashes, respectively. - [Crashes ; 1998 ]
  • Fifty-six percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 28 percent of both injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes. - [Crashes ; 1998 ]
• More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 23 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads. - [Crashes ; 1998 ]
• Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 17 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 40 percent of fatal crashes. - [Crashes ; 1998 ]
• Thirty-nine percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 76 percent involved alcohol. - [Crashes ; 1998 ]
• More than 6.7 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 1997. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (37,280) resulting in a death. - [Crashes ; 1997 ]
• Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 1997, with 1,190 and 1,196 fatal crashes, respectively. - [Crashes ; 1997 ]
• Fifty-six percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 28 percent of both injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes. - [Crashes ; 1997 ]
• More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 22 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads. - [Crashes ; 1997 ]
• Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 18 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 40 percent of fatal crashes. - [Crashes ; 1997 ]
• Thirty-nine percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 75 percent involved alcohol. - [Crashes ; 1997 ]
• More than 6.8 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 1996. One-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (37,351) resulting in a death. - [Crashes ; 1996 ]
• Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour period throughout 1996, with 1,250 fatal crashes. - [Crashes ; 1996 ]
• Fifty-six percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 29 percent of both injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes. - [Crashes ; 1996 ]
• More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 21 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads. - [Crashes ; 1996 ]
• Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 17 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 40 percent of fatal crashes. - [Crashes ; 1996 ]
• More than 6.6 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 1995. One-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (37,221) resulting in a death. - [Crashes ; 1995 ]
• Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour period throughout 1995, with 1,339 fatal crashes. - [Crashes ; 1995 ]
• Fifty-seven percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 28 percent of both injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes. - [Crashes ; 1995 ]
• Slightly more than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or more, while only 21 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads. - [Crashes ; 1995 ]
• Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 17 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 40 percent of fatal crashes. - [Crashes ; 1995 ]
• Forty-one percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 78 percent involved alcohol. - [Crashes ; 1995 ]
• Almost 6.5 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 1994. One-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (36,223) resulting in a death. - [Crashes ; 1994 ]
• Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour period throughout 1994, with 1,290 fatal crashes. - [Crashes ; 1994 ]
• Fifty-seven percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 30 percent of both injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes. - [Crashes ; 1994 ]
• Slightly more than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 22 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads. - [Crashes ; 1994 ]
• Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 17 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 39 percent of fatal crashes. - [Crashes ; 1994 ]
• Forty-one percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 78 percent involved alcohol. - [Crashes ; 1994 ]

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Free CSI Crash Data Retrieval Certification Course

The ARC Network, in conjunction with Vetronix Corporation and Collision Safety Institute, is now offering to pay your tuition to a CSI Crash Data Retrieval Certification Course (up to $300) or a $200 cash rebate when you purchase a Vetronix CDR System through the ARC Network. You may also qualify for a free one-year membership to the ARC Network - Click here for details.

If you are thinking about purchasing a CDR System for your department or business, now is the time. This offer is for a limited time only.

>> Click here for the Details
or call the ARC Network toll free (866) 223-4984

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ARC Network New Members

Please welcome the newest members of the ARC Network.

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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. Some of the events that have just been added:

• CDR Users Conference - February 2006
• ARC-CSI Crash Conference - June 2006

View the entire Events Calendar

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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 November 2005:

November 22, 2005:
Harley-Davidson Announces Safety Recall and Related Customer Care Plan

November 22, 2005:
New Lighting Technologies Can Potentially Reduce 2,300 Pedestrian Fatalities

November 19, 2005:
Truck speed may be limited - 105 km/h would 'clog' highways

November 16, 2005:
Manslaughter Trial - CDR Mention

November 7, 2005:
Bill targets vehicle 'black box' data use

November 7, 2005:
Just like their airplane counterparts, black boxes in cars provide invaluable information in crashes

November 4, 2005:
Honda witness destroyed proof - Court says expert purposely obliterated evidence that suggested crash victim was wearing a seat belt

November 3, 2005:
Breathalyzer source code must be disclosed

November 3, 2005:
Audi A3 earns double best pick from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

November 3, 2005:
Passat named Double Best Pick in side and front crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

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