Volume Eight, Issue 11
November 2006
The Accident Reconstruction Newsletter
is a monthly newsletter delivered electronically
to over 10,000 recipients. If you would like to receive the newsletter,
simply sign our guest
book
SUBMIT AN ARTICLE
If you would like to submit an article to the
Accident Reconstruction Newsletter, please email the ARC Network:
arc@accidentreconstruction.com
Your resource for accident reconstruction and traffic accident investigation.
November 2006 - Accident Reconstruction Newsletter
Welcome to the November 2006 edition of the Accident Reconstruction Newsletter. \
It's hard to believe the year is almost over. It has been a fast and furious year for the ARC Network. We have received a record number of new members, launched a new magazine (Collision), launched a new conference (CDR User's Conference) which sold out in record time, and had the best turn-out ever for our ARC-CSI Crash Conference! We even had time to offer some really great deals to our current members (like a free version of Jeff Muttart's Drive3 software offered at REC-TEC).
We are now working on Vol. 2 Issue 1 of Collision Magazine and also getting ready for the 2nd annual CDR User's Conference. The media kit for Collision is available as a PDF Download directly from the web site.
The conference registrations have been pouring in, but there are still some spaces left. Please visit www.crashconferences.com/cdrconference/2007/2007cdr.html for complete information.
A couple notes about the upcoming CDR User's Conference:
- We will be offering ACTAR CEU's (thanks to NAPARS)
- We will be offering a special deal for the next update release from Vetronix/Bosch
- We will have a couple "guest" speakers that are not listed on the conference agenda. You will not want to miss these presentations!
We are also glad to announce that we are beginning the preparation for the 2007 ARC-CSI Crash Conference. Once again the conference will be held in Las Vegas and we will be keeping the price at $599 for those who register early. We will be opening registration for ARC-CSI in January 2007.
The ARC Network is planning on adding some new features to the members only section next year, if there is anything you would like to see improved or added, please send us an email.
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
- Edd For The Trucking Industry
- Mobile Awareness and Visor-View Announce Transportation Safety Products Joint Venture
- NEW BOOK: Accident Reconstruction at Traffic Signal Intersections
- Limit Your Company's Liability: Start a Vehicle Accident Prevention Program
- Accident Reconstruction Publications for Sale
- Advertising in the ARC Network
- Crash Data Retrieval
- ARC Network New Members
- Events, Conferences and Seminars
- Accident Reconstruction News Articles
Edd For The Trucking Industry
The new Federal Rules of Civil Procedure that came into effect on December 1, 2006 governing discovery of electronically stored information dramatically changes how litigation will be conducted in the federal jurisdiction and eventually all court systems. The rules pose new demands for the electronically stored information (ESI) to be disclosed. One important item is to know what information and data has been compiled. The trucking industry relies heavily upon computerized systems for efficient operation of dispatch, payroll, billing, accounting, management reports, regulatory compliance and communications. This is accomplished through the satellite systems in the truck (OBC) linked to the computer operating systems in the terminals and any paperwork generated that is scanned into the computer programs.
Mobile Awareness and Visor-View Announce Transportation Safety Products Joint Venture
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gary Rothstein, President
Phone: 866-653-5036
info@mobileawareness.com
CLEVELAND, OH – November 10, 2006 - Mobile Awareness, a provider of leading-edge transportation safety products, announced today that it has signed an agreement with motor vehicle camera-based technology company, Visor-View, Inc. The accord confirms Mobile Awareness as a Visor-View Master Distributor and outlines plans for the two companies to co-develop a variety of vehicle safety solutions.
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Visor-View, Inc. is a leading developer of motor vehicle safety camera systems. Offering a complete line of innovative camera products specifically designed to meet the ruggedized requirements of the transportation industry, at a cost affordable for many consumer applications. With an initial focus on rear-view cameras, the systems also address multiple applications including forward viewing and in-vehicle monitoring. Visor-View’s products are currently in use in commercial trucks, school buses, emergency medical service vehicles (EMS), police & firefighter vehicles, recreational vehicles (RV’s) and individual SUV's.
"We are eager to expand our working relationship with such an enthusiastic vehicle safety equipment supplier as Visor-View," says Gary Rothstein, president of Mobile Awareness. "Their focus on preventing injuries, fatalities and material lose, resulting from backing accidents, is something both our companies share”. Currently Visor-View, Inc. offers an extensive line of rugged single or dual camera configurations, waterproof and low light backup cameras, LCD color monitors and backup camera interfacing devices for factory installed navigation systems. Rothstein adds, "With this extensive product offering, we now have a cost-effective source to address our broad customer requirements including applications for school buses, delivery vans and large commercial trucks.”
Linda Roldan, president of Visor-View states, "Over the past few years, Visor-View's product line has been refined and improved as we utilized vital feedback from our customers. This led us to develop a product offering that is highly rugged, discrete and extremely flexible while maintaining our price advantage. Now as we complete our third year, we are extremely excited to be expanding our relationship with Mobile Awareness, allowing both our companies to offer a greater degree of service and expertise to our customers.”
About Mobile AwarenessTM
Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Mobile Awareness designs, develops and markets leading-edge transportation safety products. The company provides accident prevention solutions for commercial transportation professionals and individuals who want to keep their employees, family members and vehicles protected. Sign up for their free monthly e-newsletter containing important safety information and unique product solutions. For more information, please contact Mobile Awareness, Toll Free: 866-653-5036 or visit http://www.MobileAwareness.com.
About Visor-View®
Headquartered in Ballwin, Missouri, Visor-View is a leading supplier of camera-based vehicle safety products. With over 70 years of import/export expertise, the company has unique access to leading-edge technologies in video imaging and camera-based systems. After scouring the world for the most advanced video components, they developed the Visor-View line of motor vehicle safety camera systems. All products are stock in their St. Louis warehouse and ready for immediate shipment. For more information, please contact Visor-View Inc. Toll Free: 866-922-6800 or visit http://www.visorview.com.
NEW BOOK: Accident Reconstruction at Traffic Signal Intersections
Kinetic Energy Press announces publication
of major new textbook on
reconstruction of traffic collisions at intersections involving signal
lights
Most
individuals involved in accident reconstruction or traffic crash litigation
know how frustrating it can be to gather all the information needed for
a detailed analysis of traffic signals information associated with a given
collision. The complexity of such a situation can be overwhelming, especially
since a thorough analysis requires technical expertise, system specification
details, and knowledge of timing phases related to signals operation.
Compiling all the needed data can take days or weeks, providing that one
really knows where to look and who to ask for required information!
Not anymore, though! Accident Reconstruction at Traffic Signal Intersections, by Daren Marceau, P.E. of Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., ISBN 978-0-9716634-3-5, is the new book release from Kinetic Energy Press that will answer your questions when you really need to know something important about traffic signals as they relate to crash investigation.
This is an indispensable book for anyone involved in crash investigation or litigation. It has it all – detailed photos and charts in crystal clear resolution illustrating precisely what is important in traffic signal analysis – plus a complete guide to forensic reconstruction of accidents involving traffic signal issues. Not to mention numerous case studies illustrating how a successful analysis of traffic signals can be accomplished!
Mr. Marceau’s list of topics is impressive:
- Introduction and Traffic Engineering Basics
- Detailed Discussion of Traffic Signals, Controllers, Phasing, and Design
- Traffic Signal Timing
- Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection
- Signal Preemption
- Signal Systems
- Video Detection at Signals
- Traffic Signals Agencies and Staff
- Accident Reconstruction at Traffic Signals
- Detailed Case Study and Application
- Glossary with Detailed Index
The two sample exhibits below, taken from Accident Reconstruction at Traffic Signal Intersections, demonstrate how clearly the book uses its lavish illustrations to assist the reader in capturing important information.
 |
 |
When considering the amazing detail presented in the photographs and charts, this book is easily worth its cost just on the basis of its illustrations alone! Any expert or attorney needing to convince a judge or jury of the value of traffic signal evidence will find the illustrations in this textbook invaluable as a handy reference.
As always, Kinetic Energy Press provides quality technical books at significant savings due to its choice of CD-ROM as the primary publishing media. Cost for the CD-ROM version of this book (with full color illustrations!) is an amazing $39.99 U.S. with free shipping and handling (USA and Canada orders only). If desired, a printed copy of the book on high-quality paper and with a comb binding can be included with the CD-ROM version for a total of $49.99 with free shipping and handling to USA and Canadian addresses.
Order your copy today
KINETICENERGYPRESS.com
Limit Your Company's Liability: Start a Vehicle Accident Prevention Program
Motor vehicle crashes cost US employers over $60 billion annually in medical costs, legal expenditure, property damage, and lost productivity. While costs by state and Industry vary, on-the-job crash injuries (fatal and non-fatal) amount to about 6.5 percent of all crash injuries. As a result, the cost of workers’ compensation, Social Security benefits, health and disability insurance continues to rise. An investment in a comprehensive motor vehicle accident prevention program can be a winning approach to reducing these expenses and an effective tool for helping limit your company's liability exposure.
In-Vehicle Cell Phone Use - Assessing Accident Risk
Abstract
Mobile phone use in motor vehicles has increased at a remarkable rate over the past 15 years. Yet it is undeniable that utilizing a cell phone while driving can affect driver performance as it relates to the overall safe operation of a vehicle. There are a number of things to consider in deciding whether the trade off in convenience is worth the potential risks associated with the distraction created by a cell phone. Given the fact that the individual driver (and/or business owner) ultimately pays for the resulting consequences associated with an auto or truck accident (financial, emotional and physical lose); it is prudent to seek out relevant and reliable information in making a decision. In doing so, consider the source, as well as the possible motivation behind the information provider.
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
Animation engine for use with CrashZone slides
When you make PowerPoint slide animation you are limited to 10 frames per second max so it is choppy and you can get lag time while files load. Movie maker is low resolution and not a full screen. Someone showed me a program that works better yet - just take your series of snapshots and then use this program to animate.
Animation engine for use with CrashZone slides:
The Bink program is the same engine that one of our competitors uses in their costly program yet it is a free program anyone can download and use. It is simple and the results were great!
RAD Video Tools for Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, and XP. Includes Bink and Smacker.
Download at this site (small file less than 2 MB): http://www.radgametools.com/down/Bink/RADTools.exe
Once program is downloaded and installed (takes only a minute ) here is how to use:
- open program , if no desktop icon was created it will show up as "Bink and Smacker" under programs. Select Rad Video Tools to start the program.
- browse and select your first CrashZone snapshot
- then click on the button that says " Bink Video " (Bink it!)
- program recognizes it is part of a sequence and you click "Yes" to accept
- creates a default output file (uses snapshot series name) and puts a ".bik" extension
- now click the "Bink" button on the right side
- program starts to process and takes about one second per slide to process.
(there are a bunch of compression settings and stuff I have not explored yet but mine defaulted to 15 frames per second which looked good to me so if you use 15 frames to generate slides you are set .)
- double click on the .bik file (which is saved where your snapshots were) to run movie
To compile your videos into an EXE file, first highlight one or more Bink (.bik) files on the main window, and then click the "Advanced play" button. Next, choose the options that you wish to embed into the EXE file. Finally, click the "Make EXE" button. These will run longer animations without the lag time and anyone can run them as a exe file.
We will have a method of automating the slide making process in CrashZone in the next several months which will speed up the whole process more.
I also tried the Smacker on the Bink file which produced a lower res image but did much the same as Bink.
For more info visit their home page: http://www.radgametools.com/default.htm
NHTSA Plans to Crash Test 77 Models Next Year
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration plans to wreck 77 vehicles next year. It's all in the name of safety, though. The 41 cars, 21 SUVs 5 vans and 10 pickups will be subjected to front and side crash tests.
Accident Reconstruction Publications for Sale
Larry Beveridge is selling his collection of Accident Reconstruction books and magazines. The complete list is detailed below.
Contact: Larry Beveridge
(541) 997-8311
travelingadream@bmi.net
Pedestrian Accident Reconstruction and Litigation
2nd Edition, Jerry J. Eubanks & Paul J. Hill Esq.
Includes video
List price:$149.00 Sell for: $125.00 Like new condition
Traffic Accident Investigation Manual
Reprinted 1976—J. Stannard Baker
List price: $2.69-28.00 Sell for: $7.50 Acceptable condition
Lamp Examination for On/Off in Traffic Accidents
1977 Edition—J. Stannard Baker
List price: publication currently unavailable Sell for: $5.00 Like new condition
Basic Motion Equations Used in Traffic Accident Reconstruction
1990—Lynn B. Fricke
List price: $15.00 Sell for: $10.00 Like new condition
Motor Vehicle Accident Reconstruction SP-777 1989
S.A.F. Global Mobility Database
List price: $86.95-87.82 Sell for: $85.00 Very good condition
Traffic Accident Reconstruction 1990—Volume 2—
Lynn B. Fricke
List price: $75.00-95.95 Sell for: $60.00 Very good condition
Impact Velocity From Conservation of Linear Momentum For the Traffic Accident Investigator & Reconstructionist
Walter A. Kennedy IPTM
Make offer Like new condition
The Traffic Accident Investigation Manual
1986—At Scene Investigation & Technical Follow-Up
J. Stannard Baker, Lynn B. Fricke
List price: $9.51-50.00 Sell for $12.50 Very good condition
Automobile Handbook- 4th Edition
Bosch
List price:$37.48-$68.02 Sell for: $30.00 Like new condition
Low Speed Automobile Accidents, Accident Reconstruction and Occupant Kinematics, Dynamics and Biomechanics
Alan Watts, PhD, Dave R. Atkinson, BS, Corey Hennessy, MA
List price: $72.24-72.27 Sell for: $65.00 Like new condition
Forensic Accident Investigation
1995—Thomas Bohan, Arthur Damask
List price: $175.00-200.00 Sell for: $150.00 Like new condition
Forensic Aspects of Driver Perception & Response
Paul L. Olson
List price: $42.95-122.27 Sell for: $35.00 Like new condition
Forensic Accident Investigation 2
1997—Thomas Bohan, Arthur Damask
List price: $175.00 Sell for: $150.00 Like new condition
Accident Reconstruction Journal
1989-2003 (Bi monthly)
List price: $7.33 per issue Sell for: $4.00 per issue Like new condition
Will negotiate for bulk price
Accident Investigation Quarterly
1989-2003
List price $8.00 per issue Sell for: $4.00 per
issue Like new condition
Will negotiate for bulk price
I will sell the entire collection for
$1,000.00 plus shipping (including magazines)
Contact: Larry Beveridge
(541) 997-8311
travelingadream@bmi.net
All items listed are plus shipping costs
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
- Page Sponsorship
- Email Advertising
- Conference Sponsorship
- Co-op Direct Mail Marketing
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 of a Vetronix CDR SystemThe 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 a CDR Technician and Data Analyst Certification course ($450 value) offered by Collision Safety Institute plus a free one-year membership to the ARC Network. click here to review the open classes
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 Complete Information
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 Kathryn Lopez
Armstrong Forensic Engineers, Inc. FL Jahan Rasty Real World Forensic Engineering Inc. TX Francis Hoeflinger
FL Karen Bosch Bosch Automotive AZ Vince Jimno
Murrieta Police Department CA Floyd Beasley II Kanawha Police Department WV Campbell County Police Department KY Andrew Barto Romeoville Police Department IL Dennis Barnett Summit County Sheriff OH Tom Lowe
USDA Forest Service WV Edward Heredia LAPD CA Keith Porter School Bus Accident Reconstruction LLC TX David Cameron
Campbell Police Dept. CA Stephen Hilliard RCMP BC Michael Stechschulte Allen County Sheriff's Office OH Wilkesboro Police Department NC Alireza Bagherian Synapse Health Center CA Van Kirk Collision Reconstruction Associates KY Eastlake Police Dept. OH Michael Adgie Whitpain Township PA Charley Chipman Circle Star Consulting TX
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 November 2006:
November 29, 2006
AUTO21 Drives Development of Innovative Child Seat in Pursuit of Child SafetyNovember 28, 2006
U.S. DOT Announces 2006 Seat Belt and Motorcycle Helmet Use StatisticsNovember 21, 2006
IIHS Recommends More Subaru Models Than Any Other Automotive BrandNovember 21, 2006
2007 Acura RDX Earns an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety TOP SAFETY PICK AwardNovember 21, 2006
2007 Honda CR-V and Pilot Earn Insurance Institute for Highway Safety TOP SAFETY PICK AwardNovember 17, 2006
News From USW: Consumer Safety Alert: Will Goodyear Tires Be Safe For Your Family? Untrained Temp Workers More Likely to Produce Defective TiresNovember 14, 2006
Feds Find Backup Sensors IneffectiveNovember 13, 2006
November 7, 2006
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Administrator Calls for a Collaborative Effort to Solve the Tragic Issue of Motor Vehicle Backovers
Texas Instruments Enhances Automotive Safety With First IEC 61508 Compliant Processor SolutionNovember 6, 2006
Study Finds School Bus Injuries Exceed Previous Reports
Each month the ARC Network
continues to grow with new memberships and contacts.
We now have over 700 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
©
2006 ARC Network, LLC. All rights reserved.
Any comments, questions or suggestions should be e-mailed
to the ARC Network.
ARC
NETWORK QUICK LINKS
Homepage | Contact
Us | Guest Book | Advertising
AR News | Book
Store | Corporate Directory | Discussion
Forum | Education | Events
Calendar | Expert Witness
Directory | Membership
Newsletter | Organizations
| Police Department Directory | Research
Directory