Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of these actions should officers NOT perform when handling a crash on a busy roadway?
Which of these actions should officers NOT perform when handling a crash on a busy roadway?
When dealing with a fatality at a crash scene, which of the following actions is NOT a responsibility of an officer?
When dealing with a fatality at a crash scene, which of the following actions is NOT a responsibility of an officer?
In the event of a crash involving spilled oil on the roadway, which of the following actions must the officer prioritize?
In the event of a crash involving spilled oil on the roadway, which of the following actions must the officer prioritize?
According to the provided information, what is the primary objective when clearing traffic lanes after a crash?
According to the provided information, what is the primary objective when clearing traffic lanes after a crash?
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Which of the following tasks is NOT a responsibility of an officer at a crash scene involving injured individuals?
Which of the following tasks is NOT a responsibility of an officer at a crash scene involving injured individuals?
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What is used as a reference for the point of impact when a crash occurs at an intersection?
What is used as a reference for the point of impact when a crash occurs at an intersection?
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How should the crossing serial number be indicated in a crash report if it is relevant?
How should the crossing serial number be indicated in a crash report if it is relevant?
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What is a critical action to take when surveying a crash scene?
What is a critical action to take when surveying a crash scene?
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What should not be allowed to happen during a confrontation between drivers after the initial interview?
What should not be allowed to happen during a confrontation between drivers after the initial interview?
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What is the responsibility of the officer regarding the crash scene after clearing it?
What is the responsibility of the officer regarding the crash scene after clearing it?
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Study Notes
Crash Investigation and Traffic Enforcement
- The purpose of these procedures is to provide guidelines for investigating motor vehicle crashes.
- Bexar County Sheriff's Office investigates all types of crashes involving motor vehicles, following current state crash report guidelines.
- Crash investigations serve three purposes: developing crash prevention programs, determining if violations of law occurred, and helping those involved exercise their civil rights.
Definitions
- Street or Highway: The entire width between boundary lines of any publicly maintained highway open to vehicular travel, including bridges. Newly constructed, unopened roads are not considered highways.
- Roadway: The part of a highway improved or designed for vehicular travel, excluding berms or shoulders. If a highway has multiple roadways, the term applies to each one individually, not all together.
- Motor Vehicle: Self-propelled vehicles, those with electric power from trolley wires, trailers, etc. towed by motor vehicles, and other non-rail vehicles, but objects like coasters or sleds are not included. The load of the motor vehicle is also considered part of it. Aviation is explicitly excluded.
- Crash: An unintended event causing damage or injury.
- Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash: A crash involving a moving motor vehicle resulting in death, injury, or property damage, and occurring on public roads. Examples are persons falling from vehicles, objects falling causing harm, carbon monoxide poisoning when moving, and impacts causing property damage.
Steps in Crash Investigation
- Respond to the scene quickly and safely, observing traffic laws.
- If another crash is encountered, notify the dispatcher and proceed to the original call if appropriate.
- Ensure traffic lanes are cleared in areas with high traffic.
- Park properly, considering emergency vehicle routes.
- Take care of injured people, calling for necessary assistance, until transportation to the hospital or treatment is possible.
- If trapped people are present, call the fire department. In either case, render first aid with help from others if available.
- Protect the scene and property of involved parties, securing identification or contacting next of kin, and handling money or valuable items properly.
- Notify Supervisor if fatality or serious accident occurs.
Locating Drivers
- Identify drivers involved, obtaining licenses or identification.
- Isolate and observe drivers.
Additional Procedures
- Secure the scene, protecting it for medical examiners and investigators; taking photos.
- Clear the crash scene, releasing drivers and providing assistance if needed.
- Ensure that wrecked vehicles are removed from the scene and debris is cleared from the roadway.
- If necessary, involve wrecker services.
- Take steps to protect properties for injured parties or estates.
- Prepare official reports and maintain all field notes related to investigations.
- Conduct interviews with drivers and witnesses, focusing on crash circumstances, and obtain their versions of how the crash happened.
- Establish the exact point of impact, using braking marks, debris, eyewitness accounts, and driver agreement.
- Assess and record measurements, noting factors like widths of streets, points of impact, skid marks, and other pertinent information.
- Collect details about vehicles and witnesses, obtaining names, addresses, and contact information.
- Check scene for any damage or defects that might have contributed to the crash.
- Interview parties, gather their versions of the accident, and be careful that the confrontation doesn't escalate.
- Determine if any violations occurred, and act accordingly.
Hit and Run Crashes
- Investigate hit-and-run crashes similarly to other crashes, focusing on specific steps.
- Broadcast location, description of vehicles, and contact information for witnesses if available.
- If offender is apprehended, determine what offense was committed, e.g., fleeing the scene, failure to assist.
- If possible, pursue the hit-and-run vehicle.
- Collect incident details and descriptions.
- If abandoned, impound the vehicle.
- Alert concerned parties (i.e., next of kin) after incident and/or the authorities
- Follow procedures for obtaining the necessary information from other witnesses/victims and/or reporting officers.
Private Property Crashes
- Private property crashes include those not occurring on public roads, but must result in property damage, injury, or death.
- Investigate such crashes using the standard vehicle crash report procedures.
Crashes Involving Sheriff's Vehicles
- Crashes involving Sheriff's vehicles follow the normal procedure, but a field supervisor is required for photography and handling evidence of the incident.
- If the involved vehicle is damaged to the point of becoming inoperable, a supervisor handles all equipment and other aspects of the scene.
Citations Concerning Crashes
- Officers have to follow procedures when issuing citations and should attach official reports to the citations.
- Citations may be issued for reasons such as fleeing the scene of a crash or other offenses related to the accident.
Uniform Traffic Enforcement
- All officers should maintain consistent standards for handling infractions and ensuring uniform approaches to incidents.
Random Stopping of Motorists
- Officers can only stop motorists with probable cause of a traffic violation, or suspicion of a criminal offense, or other justified criteria.
- Standardized checks (like driver's licenses) are acceptable reasons for stops.
Speeding Over the Posted Speed Limit
- Officers may issue citations for drivers exceeding posted speed limits.
- Verbal or written warnings may be given in appropriate circumstances.
- Citations for speeding should only be given if there is clear evidence.
- Accurate measurement of speed must be confirmed.
Juvenile Driver Traffic Offenses
- Juveniles over 14 but under 17 that break certain traffic laws can face citations for infractions.
- If a juvenile is accused of a crime involving driving a car under the influence, a specific report is created as it may be referred to Juvenile Court, and parents/guardians would be notified automatically.
Radar Operation
- Radar is operated according to established principles.
- Supervisors assign and monitor locations based on traffic conditions, concerns, and citizen complaints.
- Improper operation of the equipment, from concealed areas or hazardous environments, is prohibited.
Booking Violators
- Traffic violators are expected to pay citations and appear in court to address the charges; custodial arrests are not recommended.
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Description
This quiz covers the guidelines and definitions related to investigating motor vehicle crashes as provided by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Understand the terms and processes involved in crash investigations, including the purpose and legal implications of such inquiries.
