ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

HASAN SHRESTHA
• Accident investigation is the process of determining the root causes of accidents in order to
prevent them from occurring again.
• The following investigations may be carried out to enable analysis of the accident on scientific
basis:
1.Recording general observations
• Measurement of skid marks.
• Relative position of vehicles and objects involved in the accident.
• Details of accident,injuries and damages
2. Drivers test
• Analysis of breath of drivers involved in the accident for alcohol content.
• Test on drivers characteristics such as reaction time, distance judgement, angle of clear
vision etc.
3. Skid resistance of pavement surface
• The average skid resistance of the road surface along the skid marks should be measured
under the prevailing condition as soon as possible.
4. Vehicle tests
• Tests on the condition of breaks and steering of the vehicles involved
• Characteristics and details of dents on the vehicles and other objects involved
5. Probable causes of accident
• Assessment of probable causes of accidents are recorded.
6.Cost analysis
Estimation of the cost of accidents by working out the cost involved for the following items:
• Injuries and fatalities of persons involved.
• Damages of vehicles.
• Property damages.
• Other consequences including traffic delay.
• Investigations and legal proceedings