Volume Eight, Issue 10
October 2006
The Accident Reconstruction Newsletter
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Your resource for accident reconstruction and traffic accident investigation.
October 2006 - Accident Reconstruction Newsletter
Welcome to the October 2006 edition of the Accident Reconstruction Newsletter.
The
second issue of Collision:
The International Compendium for Crash Research should be
arriving in mailboxes around the world this week. This issue completes
the first Volume (Issues one and two). In addition to all the new, never-before
published articles, this issue will also include the 2006 ARC-CSI
Crash Conference DVD! It's not too late to get a subscription
starting with Volume One, Issue 2. Simply visit the Collision web site
and sign up online to start your subscription today. www.collisionpublishing.com
PLEASE NOTE: If you are a member of NAPARS AND have paid the upgrade fee, you will automatically receive this issue. Please contact NAPARS directly. www.napars.org
HURRY!
Early Registration ($200 savings) Ends December 15, 2006
The ARC Network is getting ready for the upcoming CDR
User's Conference. The conference will be held in Houston,
TX, January 29-31, 2007. This conference focuses on Crash Data Retrieval
and the CDR System. This conference typically sells out, so we advise
you to register early to guarantee a seat and a hotel room. Early registration
ends December 15, 2006. For complete information, please visit www.crashconferences.com
- many of the speakers and topics have been posted to the web site last
week. We will be posting the remaining speakers shortly.
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. 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. (more info)
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
Black boxes spark uproar
A new federal rule to standardize minimum requirements for "black boxes" in vehicles wasn't expected to be controversial, but it has ignited a firestorm of protests from groups that largely agree the information collected by the devices improves auto safety.
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.
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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
Certified Dangerous: Used Cars' Airbags
A grieving mother -- haunted by her 16-year-old son's death
on a dark, two-lane road in Hoke County, North Carolina -- repeatedly
visited the crash scene.
She combed the area for clues into the 2004 death of her son -- a national
honor student who volunteered at a nursing home.
Crown Vic Marginal in Crash Test
Abstract
The largest family car on the road, the 2007 Ford Crown
Victoria earned only a marginal rating in a recent round of tests of vehicle
equipped with side airbags conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety.
Side airbags are optional equipment in the Crown Victoria.
- Black boxes spark uproar
- NEW BOOK: Accident Reconstruction at Traffic Signal Intersections
- Certified Dangerous: Used Cars' Airbags
- Crown Vic Marginal in Crash Test
- Feds Probe Airbag Problems in Chrysler Minivans
- Why do some cars burst into flames?
- High Speed Bicycling
- Recent Trends in Fatal Motorcycle Crashes: An Update
- NHTSA Grants Airbag Exemption to SUV
- Clemson researchers work to educate people about night driving
- Motorcycel Airbag Test Videos
- Side Airbags Substantially Reduce Death Risk in Cars & SUVs; Those That Protect People's Heads Are Especially Effective
- Job Posting- Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist (VAR): Mechanical Focus
- Collision Magazine: Issue #2 shipping this November
- 2007 CDR User's Conference: Now accepting registrations
- Advertising in the ARC Network
- Crash Data Retrieval
- ARC Network New Members
- Events, Conferences and Seminars
- Accident Reconstruction News Articles
Feds Probe Airbag Problems in Chrysler Minivans
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating allegations that front air bag sensors may fail because of corrosion in several DaimlerChrysler minivans, causing the air bags to improperly inflate during a crash or not to deploy at all.
Why do some cars burst into flames?
Three separate car crashes that caused cars to burst into flames this month have raised the questions: Out of the countless car accidents on streets and freeways every day, why do certain crashes ignite into deadly fires? And how can one avoid them?
High Speed Bicycling
Abstract
This paper details the multiple problems bicyclists face due to side of the road operation, and provides a rationale for prohibiting bike lanes on roads with 2% downgrade or more where bicyclist speed of 20 mph or more is expected.
Recent Trends in Fatal Motorcycle Crashes: An Update
Executive Summary
This report was written to provide insight and update into the recent continued increasing trend in motorcycle rider fatalities. The analysis was based on 1995 2004 data from: the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a census of all fatal motor vehicle crashes; Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) motorcycle sales and market distribution data; Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) motorcycle registration and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) data; and the United States Census Bureau general population data. Motorcycle rider fatalities decreased each year from 1995 to 1997, reaching a historic low of 2,116 in 1997. Beginning in 1998 this trend was reversed and motorcycle rider fatalities have increased each year. Since 1997 motorcycle rider fatalities have increased by 89 percent from 2,116 to 4,008 in 2004. NHTSA previously released a comprehensive report in 2001 based on increases in motorcycle rider fatalities for two consecutive years (1998 and 1999). The latest 2004 data show that motorcycle rider fatalities increased for the seventh year in a row since 1997. This report is an update to the previously released report in 2001 along with more recent data from 1995 to 2004. The recently released 2005 projections show motorcycle rider fatalities are expected to increase for the eighth year in a row. The increase in motorcycle rider fatalities from 2004 to 2005 as per the projections is 7.7 percent – from 4,008 to 4,315.
NHTSA Grants Airbag Exemption to SUV
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has granted a waiver to Cross Lander USA Inc. to sell a rough and ready Romanian off-road vehicle in the United States without air bags until May 2008.
Clemson researchers work to educate people about night driving
Drivers see more poorly at night and pedestrians overestimate how visible they are to motorists, according to a Clemson University researcher who has been studying night driving for 20 years. Clemson psychology professor Rick Tyrrell has conducted more than 30 experiments to find ways to help both drivers and pedestrians be safer after dark.
Over the weekend, two pedestrians in Aiken County died after being hit by cars while trying to cross a highway at night, and a Walhalla man died after he was struck by a Greenville County sheriff's deputy's car while crossing a street early in the morning. Each year about 5,000 pedestrians are hit and killed in traffic accidents.
Motorcycel Airbag test videos
This video is from Google Videos and show side-by-side comparisons of a motorcycle with and without an airbag.
SIDE AIRBAGS SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE DEATH RISK IN CARS & SUVS; THOSE THAT PROTECT PEOPLE’S HEADS ARE ESPECIALLY EFFECTIVE
ARLINGTON, VA - Side airbags that protect people's heads are reducing driver deaths in cars struck on the near (driver) side by an estimated 37 percent. Airbags that protect only the chest and abdomen but not the head are reducing deaths by 26 percent.
Job Posting - Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist (VAR)
Mechanical Focus
Job Duties
Candidate will be responsible for investigating vehicular/boating/motorcycle accidents and crashes to determine the cause and origin of the accident by interviewing witnesses, participants and other individuals containing information regarding the accident. Acquiring scene photographs or videos when appropriate. Document and report the findings of the investigation to the client which could consist of insurance companies, adjusters or law firms. You will have client interaction on a regular basis, including marketing of services when not directly working on a job. May be called to provide expert testimony in a court of law. Marketing and business development required during slow periods.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
BS degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred) and a minimum
of 5 years of professional experience providing vehicle accident reconstructions.
PE license preferred. ACTAR certification or able to obtain. Must be able
to communicate with all levels of personnel both verbal and written. Must
be able to travel a high percentage of time if needed.
Physical Working Conditions
- Must be able to work outdoors in the hot/cold weather conditions
- Must be able to stand/walk for long periods of time
- Must be able to climb in or around vehicles and small crawl spaces
- Must be able to kneel, squat or bend
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
Send resumes to: jobs@ptcinc.com
Full-time positions with a benefit package to include: medical/dental,
bi-annual bonus plan, profit sharing, 401k, PTO, ability to work from
home and much more!
Positions located in: MD; VA; NC; KY; TN; OK; AR; CO; CA; WA; OR; IL;
IN; PA; NY
PT&C Forensic Consulting Services, P.A. is a division of Project Time
& Cost, Inc., a 24 year old engineering services firm headquartered
in Atlanta, Georgia. PT&C is expanding its services to include
forensic consulting. . Our Forensic division, provides investigations
to determine the cause and origin of structural or mechanical failures,
fire & explosions, vehicle accident reconstruction, mold and environmental
assessments and catastrophe assessment and more much! Our primary clients
are insurance companies, law firms, government agencies and more. PT&C
is an equal opportunity employer and is a drug-and alcohol-free environment.
www.ptcinc.com
Collision Magazine: The International Compendium for Crash Research
Issue Two of Collision has begun shipping
Issue Two of Collision contains ten (10) feature articles, a new case study, the follow-up case study from Issue One, five (5) "of interest" sections AND the 2006 ARC-CSI Crash Conference DVD which includes 70 crash video clips (rollover, car-to-car, car split, motorcycle-to-car, fire truck-to-car, fire truck-to-van, schoolbus-to-car-to-motorhome, curb strikes and more), 1000+ digital photos, all the crash test data collected (CDR, Stalker, IST, etc.), and the speaker PowerPoint presentation slides!
** SNEAK PREVIEW **
We have extracted a few pages of this issue and put together
a PDF for your review. You may download the
Collision Volume 1, Issue 2 preview at:
http://www.collisionpublishing.com/pdf/Issue2_preview.pdf
SUBSCRIBE
You may purchase each issue of Collision individually or you may subscribe to Collision at a substantial savings off the cover price. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and PayPal.
Subscription Info: http://www.collisionpublishing.com/subscribe.html
Individual Issue Info: http://www.collisionpublishing.com/backissues.htmlSPECIAL OFFER*
If you join the ARC Network as a Police Department level member or a Platinum level member you will automatically receive a FREE subscription to Collision. For more information about becoming a member of the ARC Network, please visit:
http://www.accidentreconstruction.com/members/index.asp
ABOUT COLLISION
Collision Publishing is pleased to offer a new resource dedicated to providing timely and current crash research and information. 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 or DVD containing all conference proceedings in electronic PDF format and supporting data.* Some organizations offer Collision as part of their membership benefits which may reduce your subscription price, ask your organization leadership if they offer Collision to their members!
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.
2007 CDR User's Conference Speaker and Presentation Topics
Bruno Schmidt
Schmidt Consulting Services LLC
Springfield, MO
Two-dimensional analyses of EDR informationDavid M. Little, P. Eng
Baker Materials Eng Ltd
Vancouver, BC
Average Daily Ignition Cycles in SDM-Equipped, GM VehiclesWade Bartlett, P.E.
Survivability Aspects of the 563 RuleCraig C. Wilkinson, PEng
MEA Forensic Engineers & Scientists Ltd
Richmond, BC
The Accuracy of General Motors Event Data Recorders in NHTSA Frontal Barrier TestsBrad Muir
Using Diagnostic Tools with the Crash Data Retrieval SystemWilliam Messerschmidt
GM vehicles: when non-deployments are saved or not saved, and the GM logicTimothy J. Reust
Accident Science
Newhall, CA
Detailed Evaluation of Vehicle Speed and Speed Recorded by an SDMW.R. "Rusty" Haight
Collision Safety Institute
San Diego, CA
When do Airbags DeployOlof Jacobson
Jacobson Forensic Engineering, Inc.
Littleton, CO
Donald Anderson, P.E.
Anderson Engineers LLC
Blaine, MN
Final NHSTA Ruling and Its ImplicationsVetronix
Robert Bosch Inc.
Santa Barbara, CA
Future Developments CDR SystemAdditional speakers to be announced soon!
Hurry! Early Registration Ends December 15, 2006
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/store/index.html
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 Don Eckert Athens-Clarke County Police GA Ian Senkow Daysman Lamb & Associates LTD. British Columbia Louis Peck True Forensics MA Thomas Sobolewski NM Ron Potts Federal Way Police Department WA Robert Gallagher MA Sam Kodsi Ontario Ronald Ouellette Ontario David Porta KY Gregory Voorhees Winshester Police Department WV Jeffrey Farmer Santa Barbara Sheriff CA Kevin Adkins Analytical Mechanics MI Kelly Adamson Adamson Engineering TX Craig Luker Forensic Dynamics WA Daren Marceau Kimley Horn and Associates NC Alan Moore HAS Engineers FL William Hampton W.E. Hampton & Associates, Inc. MO Robert Plummer RK & Associates IN Nelson Welch NM Brian Hansen ID
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 October 2006:
October 25, 2006
Nearly as Many Teens in Fatal Car Crashes During after School Hours as on Weekend Nights, According to AAAOctober 24, 2006
Children Ages 4-8 More Likely to Be Injured in Vehicle CrashesOctober 22, 2006
Automakers want to change US roof strength planOctober 16, 2006
Atmel Announces Extremely Flexible Airbag System Power Supply ICOctober 10, 2006
CORRECTED - Ford recalling over 145,000 vehicles in U.S.October 10, 2006
Integral ABS from Continental Automotive Systems is Successfully Launched in Eight BMW MotorcyclesOctober 5, 2006
New Study: Side and Roof Airbags Save LivesOctober 5, 2006
Consumer Alert: Britax Child Safety, Inc. to Conduct Safety Recall for "Companion" Child Safety SeatsOctober 2, 2006
Study: Aggressive Driving Negates Benefits of Safety Devices
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.
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