UNIT TITLE:1.1.0
UNIT NUMBER: Fatal and Serious Injury Crash Investigation
Maine Criminal Justice Academy
15 Oak Grove Road
Vassalboro, ME 04989
Date: 3-06-2009
Fatal and Serious Injury Crash Investigation
Significant contributions to this lesson plan were made by Troopers Patrick Munzing, Angela Porter and Darren Foster of the Maine State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit.
Additional thanks to the following for their contributions to this effort:
Sgt. Richard McAlister of the Maine State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit
and James Lyman, MCJA Training Coordinator.
Overview
This lesson is a basic overview intended to stress the importance of the proper techniques to investigate fatal and serious injury crashes to ensure the public is provided with a through, complete, and accurate documentation of the crash.
Officers must facilitate the exchange of information between operators and/or persons involved in the crash.
With the elimination of the 48 hour form in 2003, it is important that operators of vehicles involved in a crash exchange driver and insurance information while still at the scene of the crash. Officers therefore shall facilitate the exchange of driver and insurance information between or amongst operators of vehicles involved in crashes in order to ensure that any subsequent insurance and/or other type of claim that may be filed by any of the operators, or by any of the operator’s authorized agents, may duly occur.
Due to the technical nature of this material and the desire to offer standardized training throughout the State, certified Maine Criminal Justice Academy Traffic Crash Reconstruction Specialists will be utilized for this mandatory training block. A list of MCJA certified Traffic Crash Reconstruction Specialists are attached to this lesson plan.
If you would like to schedule this class within your training region, please contact;
A Certified Crash Reconstruction Specialist from the attached list; or
Jim Lyman at the MCJA at 877-8009, or
Sgt. Richard McAlister of the State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit at 624-8930.
This training session will also be developed as an on-line training course by Justice Planning and Management Associates
Instructional Goal
Performance Objectives
Administrative Information
Estimated Time Range:
Presentation Methods / Media
MethodsMedia
Material & Equipment
Student outside assignments:
Maine Criminal Justice Academy
Lesson Plan Outline
Maine Criminal Justice Academy
Lesson Plan Outline
Maine Criminal Justice Academy
Lesson Plan Outline
Maine Criminal Justice Academy
Lesson Plan Outline
Maine Criminal Justice Academy
Lesson Plan Outline
Maine Criminal Justice Academy
Lesson Plan Outline
Maine Criminal Justice Academy
Lesson Plan Outline
Maine Criminal Justice Academy
Lesson Plan Outline
Maine Criminal Justice Academy
Lesson Plan Outline
Maine Criminal Justice Academy
Lesson Plan Outline
Maine Criminal Justice Academy
Lesson Plan Outline
Maine Criminal Justice Academy
Lesson Plan Outline
Maine Criminal Justice Academy
Lesson Plan Outline
Criterion Test Questions
Answer the following questions based on the information provided in this block of instruction
1. Which answer best reflects the criteria of a motor vehicle crash? (Select one answer)
A. Occurs on a public way
B. Occurs in a place where public traffic may reasonably be anticipated
C. Results in bodily injury
D. Apparent damage greater than $1,000
E. All of the above
- Crash reports are to be forwarded to the State Police Traffic Division within____ days of the crash.
- 5
- 7
- 10
- 14
- None of the above
- In order for a death to be considered a motor vehicle fatality, the death must occur within ____ of the date and time of the crash.
- 48 hours
- 30 days
- 90 days
- 365 days
- If a crash results in serious injury or death, the investigation must be conducted by:
- Any law enforcement officer
- An officer who has met the training standard of a full time law enforcement officer
- A reserve officer provided he/she has three years experience
- A full time officer before attending the basic police school
- MRSA Title 29-A §2251 requires the following persons to report a crash by the quickest possible means
- Operator of involved vehicle
- Person acting for the operator
- Owner of involved vehicle have knowledge of the crash, if operator is unknown
- All of the above
- A and B only
- Measurements of a crash scene should be taken when death, serious injury, or high property value damage occurs as a result of a crash.
- True
- False
- The Following resources should be notified when investigation a serious injury or fatal motor vehicle crash involving a commercial vehicle
- Crash Reconstruction Specialist
- Commercial Motor Vehicle
- Forensic Mapping Specialist
- All of the above
- Both A and B
- The Maine Department of Transportation shall be notified under what conditions?
- All school bus crashes involving death or injury
- Any serious injury or fatal crash in which the highway road conditions or traffic control device caused or contributed to the crash
- All crashes in which the involved vehicle was operating under a special highway permit authority
- Truck crashes involving spills of cargo into the road
- All of the above
- The first responsibility for the initial Officer arriving at the scene of a crash is:
- Scene safety secure the scene
- Aiding the injured, if applicable
- Traffic control
- Locating possible witnesses
- Locate the Media and start conducting interviews
- Types of evidence present at a crash scene can include:
- Roadway evidence
- Vehicle evidence
- Occupant injury evidence
- All of the above
- Both A and B
Bibliography
Munzing, Patrick H. (Maine State Police Crash Reconstruction Specialist)
Lesson Plan Design and Interview, January, 2009
Foster, Darren (Maine State Police Crash Reconstruction Specialist)
Interview, February, 2009
Maine, State of, Maine Revised Statutes Annotated Title 29-A. 2009
Maine, State of, Maine Revised Statutes Annotated Title 179-A. 2009
HO#1
MCJA Certified Crash Reconstruction Specialists
for 2009
Last Name / First Name / DepartmentANDERSON / LAWRENCE / WATERVILLE PD
BEAUREGARD / DAVID / BATH PD
BROOKS / JASON / SANFORD PD
BROWN / JUSTIN / OXFORD SO
CALCINA / MATTHEW / YORK PD
DAILEY / MICHAEL / PARIS PD
DAVIS / OWEN / YORK PD
DEARING / JAMES / BANGOR PD
DOYON / RICKY / BIDDEFORD PD
FARRENKOPF / JAMES / WESTBROOOK PD
FLINT / ROBERT / BIDDEFORD PD
FLYNN / ROBERT / MSP F
FOISY / SCOTT / SANFORD PD
FOSTER / DARREN / MSP TRAFFIC
FRANK / BRENT / GORHAM PD
GALLANT / EUGENE / WINDHAM PD
GARREPY / THOMAS / BRUNSWICK PD
GILBERT / CHAD / LCSO
HALL / DAVID / CUMBERLAND SO
HANNA / ANDREW / CCSO
HANSON / DANIEL / MSP B
JORDAN / STEPHEN / BANGOR PD
KANE / JAMES / PISCATAQUIS SO
KANE / PATRICK / HANCOCK SO
MAILMAN / ROBERT / GORHAM PD
MCALISTER / RICHARD / MSP TRAFFIC
MCFARLAND / JEFFREY / HANCOCK SO
MILLARD / JEFFREY / BANGOR PD
MUNZING / PATRICK / MSP D
NEIN / JASON / LINCOLN SO
PILKINGTON / JEFFREY / BERWICK PD
PORTER / ANGELA / MSP TRAFFIC
POTTER / WILLIAM / BRUNSWICK PD
POULIN / MARC / MSP E
ROSE / LAWRENCE / MSP A
RUGER / DAVID / S BERWICK PD
SAVAGE / DAVID / MADISON PD
SEEKINS / BENJAMIN / WALDO SO
SHAW / CHRISTOPHER / AUGUSTA PD
SHOREY / JESSICA / MSP F
SOMMA / JEREMY / LEWISTON PD
TURCOTTE / AARON / MSP C
WATSON / CHRISTOPHER / ORONO PD
WELCH / THOMAS / KNOX SO
WREDE / RUSSELL / BRUNSWICK PD
H.O.#2
MRSA 29-A §2251. Accident Reports
1.Definition. As used in this section, "reportable accident" means an accident on a public way or a place where public traffic may reasonably be anticipated, resulting in bodily injury or death to a person or apparent property damage of $1,000 or more. Apparent property damage under this subsection must be based upon the market value of the necessary repairs and may not be limited to the current value of the vehicle or property.
[ 2007, c. 348, §23 (AMD) .]
MRSA 29-A §101. Public Way Defined
59.Public way. "Public way" means a way, owned and maintained by the State, a county or a municipality, over which the general public has a right to pass.
[ 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF) .]
MRSA 29-A §2522. Accidents
- Mandatory submission to test. If there is probable cause to believe that death has
occurred or will occur as a result of an accident, an operator of a motor vehicle involved
in the motor vehicle accident shall submit to a chemical test, as defined in section 2401,
subsection 3, to determine blood-alcohol level or drug concentration in the same
manner as for OUI.
MRSA 17-A §2-5. Bodily Injury Defined
5.Bodily Injury. "Bodily injury" means physical pain, physical illness or any impairment of physical condition. [ 1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW) .]
H.O.#3
Reporting Officer:
Troop/Department
Case #
Date :
Time :
Location:
Unit #1
Operator:
Unit #2
Operator:
Synopsis
Killed or Injured:
Killed:
Cause of Death:
Injured:
Type of Injuries:
Details of Investigation:
Courts and Criminal Records Check:
NCIC Check:
Accident History Check:
Physical Condition & Health History:
Alcohol Involvement:
Drug Involvement:
Carbon Monoxide Involvement:
Vehicle Damage:
Vehicle Description:
Inspection Sticker Information:
Noted Damage:
Tire Inspection:
Light Conditions:
Court Actions Taken or Contemplated:
Opinions of Investigator as to Cause and General Conclusions:
Witnesses:
Names and Addresses of Investigators and Other Officials:
Other Departments Involved:
Enclosures:
Accident Reports:
Diagram of Accident:
Reconstruction Report:
Reports from Additional Investigating Personnel:
Blood Analysis Reports:
C.A.D. Sheets:
Copy of 14-I Teletype:
Medical Report:
Driving Record(s) / Report(s):
Registration Record(s) / Report(s):
Insurance Record(s):
Inventory of Vehicles:
Recommendations:
H.O.#4
FATALCRASH SCENE CHECKLIST
Supervisor Notified: Time: ______On Scene Time: ______
Photographs Taken: Time: ______
Measurements Taken: Time: ______
Reconstructionist/Mapper Notified: Time: ______On Scene Time: ______
Who Responded: ______
District Attorney Notified: Time: ______On Scene Time: ______
Next of Kin Notified:
(1). Deceased Name: ______Time: ______
By Whom: ______Name/Relationship: ______
(2). Deceased Name: ______Time: ______
By Whom: ______Name/Relationship: ______
Medical Examiner Notified: Time: ______By Whom: ______
Responding Doctor: ______On Scene Time: ______
Funeral Home Notified: Time: ______Agency: ______
Time Released: ______
Tow Company Notified: Time on Scene: ______Company: ______
Time Impounded: ______
Vehicle Autopsy Notified: Time: ______Time/Date Conducted: ______
By Whom: ______
Operator Blood Kits: Name: ______Time: ______
Name: ______Time: ______
Name: ______Time: ______
First Report of Fatal (Teletype): Time Notified: ______
Witness Written Statements
FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION SCENE CHECKLIST
- TIME OF REPORT: ______DATE: ______
- TIME OF ACCIDENT: ______TIME ARRIVED: ______
- KILLED AND INJURED:
NAME: ______SEX: ____M ____F ~ DOB: ______
ADDRESS: ______
TYPE OF INJURIES: ______
NAME: ______SEX: ____M ____F ~ DOB: ______
ADDRESS: ______
TYPE OF INJURIES: ______
NAME: ______SEX: ____M ____F ~ DOB: ______
ADDRESS: ______
TYPE OF INJURIES: ______
NAME: ______SEX: ____M ____F ~ DOB: ______
ADDRESS: ______
TYPE OF INJURIES: ______
NAME: ______SEX: ____M ____F ~ DOB: ______
ADDRESS: ______
TYPE OF INJURIES: ______
- ALCOHOL INVOLVEMENT/DRUG INVOLVEMENT:
UNIT #1 - OPERATOR:______
UNIT #1 - PASSENGERS:______
______
UNIT #2 - OPERATOR: ______
UNIT #2 - PASSENGERS: ______
______
#4. (CONT.)
UNIT #3 - OPERATOR:______
UNIT #3 - PASSENGERS:______
______
UNIT #4 - OPERATOR:______
UNIT #4 - PASSENGERS:______
______
PEDESTRIANS: ______
______
______
- CARBON MONOXIDE INVOLVEMENT:
______
______
______
- VEHICLE INFORMATION:
UNIT # :
MAKE ______MODEL ______YEAR ______
COLOR ______REG. # ______
VIN # ______
VEHICLE MILEAGE: ______
INSPECTION STICKER # ______DATE: ______
DATE OF INSPECTION:______EXPIRATION: ______
MILEAGE AT TIME OF INSPECTION: ______
MECHANIC’S NAME: ______
INSPECTION STATION # : ______
UNIT #______: DAMAGE DESCRIBED (CLOCKWISE PATTERN)
CONTACT (EXTERNAL):______
INDUCED (EXTERNAL): ______
CONTACT (INTERNAL):______
INDUCED (INTERNAL): ______
VEHICLE MECHANICAL CONDITIONS:
UNIT # :BRAKES ______
TIRES ______
LIGHTS ______
STEERING ______
EXHAUST ______
OTHER ATTRIBUTABLE FACTORS ______
NAME OF TROOPER PERFORMING VEHICLE AUTOPSY: ______
LOCATION VEHICLE IS STORED: ______
VEHICLE INFORMATION:
UNIT # :
MAKE ______MODEL ______YEAR ______
COLOR ______REG. # ______
VIN # ______
VEHICLE MILEAGE: ______
INSPECTION STICKER # ______DATE: ______
DATE OF INSPECTION:______EXPIRATION: ______
MILEAGE AT TIME OF INSPECTION: ______
MECHANIC’S NAME: ______
INSPECTION STATION # : ______
UNIT #______: DAMAGE DESCRIBED (CLOCKWISE PATTERN)
CONTACT (EXTERNAL):______
INDUCED (EXTERNAL): ______
CONTACT (INTERNAL):______
INDUCED (INTERNAL): ______
VEHICLE MECHANICAL CONDITIONS:
UNIT # :BRAKES ______
TIRES ______
LIGHTS ______
STEERING ______
EXHAUST ______
OTHER ATTRIBUTABLE FACTORS ______
NAME OF TROOPER PERFORMING VEHICLE AUTOPSY: ______
LOCATION VEHICLE IS STORED: ______
VEHICLE INFORMATION:
UNIT # :
MAKE ______MODEL ______YEAR ______
COLOR ______REG. # ______
VIN # ______
VEHICLE MILEAGE: ______
INSPECTION STICKER # ______DATE: ______
DATE OF INSPECTION:______EXPIRATION: ______
MILEAGE AT TIME OF INSPECTION: ______
MECHANIC’S NAME: ______
INSPECTION STATION # : ______
UNIT #______: DAMAGE DESCRIBED (CLOCKWISE PATTERN)
CONTACT (EXTERNAL):______
INDUCED (EXTERNAL): ______
CONTACT (INTERNAL):______
INDUCED (INTERNAL): ______
VEHICLE MECHANICAL CONDITIONS:
UNIT # :BRAKES ______
TIRES ______
LIGHTS ______
STEERING ______
EXHAUST ______
OTHER ATTRIBUTABLE FACTORS ______
NAME OF TROOPER PERFORMING VEHICLE AUTOPSY: ______
LOCATION VEHICLE IS STORED: ______
VEHICLE INFORMATION:
UNIT # :
MAKE ______MODEL ______YEAR ______
COLOR ______REG. # ______
VIN # ______
VEHICLE MILEAGE: ______
INSPECTION STICKER # ______DATE: ______
DATE OF INSPECTION:______EXPIRATION: ______
MILEAGE AT TIME OF INSPECTION: ______
MECHANIC’S NAME: ______
INSPECTION STATION # : ______
UNIT #______: DAMAGE DESCRIBED (CLOCKWISE PATTERN)
CONTACT (EXTERNAL):______
INDUCED (EXTERNAL): ______
CONTACT (INTERNAL):______
INDUCED (INTERNAL): ______
VEHICLE MECHANICAL CONDITIONS:
UNIT # :BRAKES ______
TIRES ______
LIGHTS ______
STEERING ______
EXHAUST ______
OTHER ATTRIBUTABLE FACTORS ______
NAME OF TROOPER PERFORMING VEHICLE AUTOPSY: ______
LOCATION VEHICLE IS STORED: ______
7.TRAFFIC AND LIGHT CONDITIONS:(CIRCLE ONE)
TRAFFIC:LIGHT/ MODERATE /HEAVY
HIGHWAY: DRY / WET / SNOW / ICE / SANDED:YES ______NO ______
FREE OF POTHOLES AND OBSTRUCTIONS:YES ______NO ______
VIEW OBSTRUCTIONS: YES ______NO ______
TRAFFIC SIGNALS:YES ______NO ______
DESCRIBE: ______
SPEED LIMIT: ______MPHPOSTED: YES ______NO ______
OTHER CONTRIBUTING FACTORS: ______
______
8.WEATHER CONDITIONS:(CIRCLE ONE)
TEMPERATURE: ______CLEAR ______OVERCAST ______
RAIN _____SNOW _____FOG _____WINDY ______
DAYLIGHT ______DUSK ______DARKNESS ______
OTHER FACTORS: ______
______
9.LIGHT CONDITIONS: (CIRCLE ONE)
NATURAL ______ARTIFICIAL ______
OTHER FACTORS: ______
______
10. WITNESSES:
NAME: ______PHONE NUMBER: ______
ADDRESS: ______
NAME: ______PHONE NUMBER: ______
ADDRESS: ______
NAME: ______PHONE NUMBER: ______
ADDRESS: ______
FIRST REPORT OF FATAL CRASH
THIS FORM TO BE USED WITH LINXX 2010 FORMS. IT WILL CONFORM TO THE APPROPRIATE NUMBERED FORM.
SEND TO: MEALL0000,MEMSP0007. ATTENTION: TRAFFIC DIV-DMV
DATE: HOUR: RURAL: URBAN:
ROUTE/STREET: CITY/TOWN:
INVESTIGATING OFFICER:
NOTIFIED BY: TIME: DATE:
INVESTIGATING OFFICER: INVESTIGATING OFFICER:
OCA:
MEDICAL EXAMINER: AUTOPSY TAKEN:
RECONSTRUCTION: RECONSTRUCTIONIST:
UNIT #1 DATA
OPERATORS NAME:
ADDRESS: CITY/STATE/ZIP:
AGE: DATE OF BIRTH: OLN: LICENSE STATE:
VEHICLE YEAR: VEHICLE MAKE: VEHICLE MODEL:
LICENSE PLATE: LICENSE STATE:
MOTORCYCLE: YES NO OPERATOR HELMET: YES NO PASSENGER HELMET: YES NO
DRIVERS LICENSE STATUS: ALCOHOL TEST TAKEN:
DRIVER DRINKING: DRIVER DECEASED: WEARING SEATBELT:
DRIVER INJURIES:
DRIVER TAKEN TO:
UNIT #2 DATA
OPERATORS NAME:
ADDRESS: CITY/STATE/ZIP:
AGE: DATE OF BIRTH: OLN: LICENSE STATE:
VEHICLE YEAR: VEHICLE MAKE: VEHICLE MODEL:
LICENSE PLATE: LICENSE STATE:
MOTORCYCLE: YES NO OPERATOR HELMET: YES NO PASSENGER HELMET: YES NO
DRIVERS LICENSE STATUS: ALCOHOL TEST TAKEN:
DRIVER DRINKING: DRIVER DECEASED: WEARING SEATBELT:
DRIVER INJURIES:
DRIVER TAKEN TO:
UNIT #2 DATA
OPERATORS NAME:
ADDRESS: CITY/STATE/ZIP:
AGE: DATE OF BIRTH: OLN: LICENSE STATE:
VEHICLE YEAR: VEHICLE MAKE: VEHICLE MODEL:
LICENSE PLATE: LICENSE STATE:
MOTORCYCLE: YES NO OPERATOR HELMET: YES NO PASSENGER HELMET: YES NO
DRIVERS LICENSE STATUS: ALCOHOL TEST TAKEN:
DRIVER DRINKING: DRIVER DECEASED: WEARING SEATBELT:
DRIVER INJURIES:
DRIVER TAKEN TO:
UNIT #3 DATA
OPERATORS NAME:
ADDRESS: CITY/STATE/ZIP:
AGE: DATE OF BIRTH: OLN: LICENSE STATE:
VEHICLE YEAR: VEHICLE MAKE: VEHICLE MODEL:
LICENSE PLATE: LICENSE STATE:
MOTORCYCLE: YES NO OPERATOR HELMET: YES NO PASSENGER HELMET: YES NO
DRIVERS LICENSE STATUS: ALCOHOL TEST TAKEN:
DRIVER DRINKING: DRIVER DECEASED: WEARING SEATBELT:
DRIVER INJURIES:
DRIVER TAKEN TO:
NAME OF PERSON WITH PHYSICAL DEFECTS:
NATURE OF DEFECT:
PEDESTRIAN WHO HAD BEEN DRINKING:
NAME OF DECEASED WEARING SEATBELTS (NOT DRIVER):
NAME, ADDRESS AND DOB OF ALL DECEASED PERSONS (NOT DRIVER):
DATE & TIME OF NOTIFICATION OF NEXT OF KIN AND BY WHOM:
NAME, ADDRESS, AGE AND NATURE OF INJURY AND WHERE TAKEN IF INJURED – NOT DRIVER:
CONTRIBUTING ROAD CONDITIONS:
PRIMARY CAUSE OF ACCIDENT:
WHY & HOW ACCIDENT OCCURRED: