Traffic Crash Investigations PDF

12 Traffic Crash Investigations Lesson 1: Introduction to Traffic Crash Management / 455 Lesson 2: Assess a Traffic Crash Scene / 457 Lesson 3: Secure a Traffic Crash Scene / 460 Lesson 4: Injuries at a Traffic Crash Scene / 464 Lesson 5: Gather Traffic Crash Information / 466 Lesson 6: Gather Traff...

12 Traffic Crash Investigations Lesson 1: Introduction to Traffic Crash Management / 455 Lesson 2: Assess a Traffic Crash Scene / 457 Lesson 3: Secure a Traffic Crash Scene / 460 Lesson 4: Injuries at a Traffic Crash Scene / 464 Lesson 5: Gather Traffic Crash Information / 466 Lesson 6: Gather Traffic Crash Evidence / 469 Lesson 7: Driver Information Exchange / 477 Lesson 8: Issue a Traffic Citation / 479 Lesson 9: Clear the Traffic Crash Scene / 481 Lesson 10: Complete a Traffic Crash Report / 482 Lesson 11: Manage Unique Traffic Crashes / 488 12 Lesson 1: Introduction to Traffic Crash Management Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know the basic steps of traffic crash management and how to safely approach a traffic crash scene. Law enforcement officers conduct traffic crash investigations using a systematic approach, similar to the approach they use when responding to a robbery, battery, or homicide. This approach includes responding to, assessing, and protecting the scene; gathering and evaluating information and evidence; returning the scene to the normal condition; taking appropriate enforcement action; and documenting the crash. Traffic Crash Laws A traffic crash is a collision involving one or more vehicles in motion causing property damage, personal injury, serious bodily injury, or death. A traffic crash is often the result of an unintentional non-criminal act. When someone crashes a vehicle to cause damage or injury intentionally, the incident is not a crash but a crime, such as aggravated battery or murder. The majority of traffic crashes do not involve criminal activity; however, treat each traffic crash as a potential crime scene until you determine the crash did not result from a criminal act. Understanding Florida traffic laws will help you make these determinations as well as manage a crash scene within the law. You will also need to be able to defend these decisions in court by associating the corresponding Florida law to the facts of the incident. Chapter 316, F.S., State Uniform Traffic Control is the statutory chapter that governs traffic crash investigations in Florida. ; LE1201.1. Describe the role of Florida law for investigating a traffic crash 10 Steps to Managing a Crash Scene and Investigation You must react quickly to a traffic crash incident and immediately begin to manage the scene. Although you may find yourself performing several steps at one time and some steps may occur in a different order, these 10 basic steps should occur during a traffic crash investigation. Step 1: Approach the traffic crash scene safely. Step 2: Assess the scene of the crash. Step 3: Secure a safe environment at the crash scene. Step 4: Provide first aid to injured people, if necessary. Step 5: Gather traffic crash information. Chapter 12 Traffic Crash Investigations / 455 Step 6: Investigate to determine how and why the crash occurred. Step 7: Complete driver exchange of information. Step 8: Take enforcement action. Step 9: Return the scene to normal as quickly as possible, if appropriate. Step 10: Document the crash. ; LE1201.2. List the 10 steps for managing a crash investigation Step 1: Approach the Traffic Crash Safely After getting a call from dispatch for a traffic crash, drive immediately and safely to the scene. Safety is a critical component when responding to the scene of a crash. Follow sound driving principles and use lights and sirens following your agency policies and statutory requirements. Get as much information as possible from dispatch regarding the traffic crash location, such as street names, addresses, or mile marker numbers, as well as vehicle descriptions, roadblocks and other relevant information. The information you gather from dispatch will enable you to have a plan for managing the crash scene once you arrive. Make parking decisions quickly based on the nature of the traffic scene. ; LE1201.3. Describe how to approach a traffic crash scene 456 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 12 Lesson 2: Assess a Traffic Crash Scene Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to assess a traffic crash scene and its jurisdiction, respond if there is a fire or hazardous materials, and when to request additional resources. Step 2: Assess the Scene of the Crash Your initial response will include a quick assessment to decide if you need to request additional assistance. As you approach, analyze the scene from a distance to identify the extent of the traffic crash, the number of involved vehicles, and the risk for fire or hazardous materials. If there appears to be a need for additional resources, have them dispatched. You can always cancel them if you determine at a later point they are no longer necessary. Locate All Involved Vehicles or People Locating all involved vehicles, people, and damaged property will identify the parameters of the total traffic crash scene. Determine vehicle paths by examining evidence left on the road and surrounding property, such as skid marks, and damaged road signs, landscaping, or buildings. Thoroughly, yet quickly, scan the entire scene. Keep in mind that there may be vehicles or people involved in the traffic crash that have left the scene or are not immediately visible during your initial assessment. For example, vehicles or people projected over embankments or shrubs, or into gullies or waterways may not be immediately visible. ; LE1202.1. Describe how to locate all vehicles and people involved in a traffic crash Manage Any Fires Look for dangers and hazards at the crash scene such as the potential for fire, or downed power lines or wires. This can be difficult to identify immediately, as crash damage can block recognition of a fire, and poor weather and darkness can conceal downed power lines. A small fire may be minor enough to immediately manage with the fire extinguisher in your vehicle. If necessary, request assistance from the fire department. In the event of a vehicle fire, decide how to evacuate everyone on the scene to a safe location. When selecting a safe location, consider the amount of traffic, the weather and wind direction, and the buildings in the area affected by the crash. Be aware of the location of crash debris, such as small pieces of metal and glass, which can pose additional threats to both vehicles and pedestrians. Use verbal commands and gestures to direct everyone at the scene away from the fire and toward the designated safe location. If the scene is large in scope and contains many people, use your vehicle’s public address (PA) system to direct them away from the scene. ; LE1202.2. Describe how to manage fire hazards at the scene Chapter 12 Traffic Crash Investigations / 457 Identify Hazardous Materials Dispatch might send you to a traffic crash scene involving a vehicle carrying hazardous material, which can pose a significant danger. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a hazardous material (hazmat) as any substance or material that, when released, may cause harm, serious injury, or death to humans or animals, or harm the environment. Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) threats include both industrial and weaponized chemical hazards. Industrial chemical hazards occur when hazardous materials are released due to accidents. Some examples include accidents involving tankers or semitrailers, railroad cars, gasoline stations, and manufacturing plants. Before approaching the scene, look for hazardous conditions, such as fluids on the ground, clouds of gas or smoke, or people lying injured on the road. Use binoculars to determine if the vehicle’s contents are hazardous by locating a placard on the back or side of the vehicle. The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) identifies hazardous materials, outlines basic actions for first responders, recommends areas of protective action, and gives responders an initial safety plan. Refer to the ERG to verify the contents of the vehicle and the recommended minimum evacuation distances in all directions. It is available in print, online, or as a mobile app. The ERG is composed of color-coded sections. The white section includes the introduction, instructions, guidance, and placards. The yellow and blue sections identify material, while the orange section lists response guidelines related to potential hazards, public safety, and emergency response. Finally, the green section contains information on evacuation details for certain materials. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has established the United Nations/North American (UN/NA) four-digit numbering system to identify hazardous materials. You may be able to identify a material using the ERG by finding any one of the following: the four-digit number on the placard or orange panel on the container the name of the material on the shipping papers or packaging the number of the material on the shipping papers or packaging If you suspect the presence of hazardous materials, direct people on the scene to evacuate toward an upwind location. Enter the crash scene using extreme caution. Chapter 14 contains more information about hazmat incidents and using the ERG. ; LE1202.3. Describe how to respond to a traffic crash scene involving hazardous materials Manage Additional Resources Traffic crash scenes may require special arrangements for: directing traffic, establishing and maintaining roadblocks obtaining medical assistance completing searches taking photographs, measuring tire marks, processing evidence 458 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 making an arrest towing oversized, hazardous, or commercial vehicle traffic completing paperwork Additional resources may include: the traffic homicide investigative unit of your agency, the county sheriff’s office, or the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) the fire department or hazmat team DOT FHP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement local or state traffic engineering crime scene investigators Contact dispatch to arrange for additional resources and relay any unusual details, hazards, dangers, or medical issues relevant to the scene. A backup unit will generally follow the instructions of the primary unit and help with whatever the primary unit needs. ; LE1202.4. Recognize the need for additional resources at a traffic crash Determine Jurisdiction The first harmful event, or the first event during a traffic crash that caused injury or property damage, will determine the jurisdiction of the scene. The first harmful event determines the time, place, and type of crash. Evidence of the first harmful event may be crash debris, fixed property damage, broken glass, gouge marks, or scrape marks. Should the first harmful event occur outside of your jurisdiction, stay at the crash scene to protect the public and the scene until the proper agency arrives. You might be able to assist with the investigation or provide help with traffic control, depending on your agency’s policies. Some agencies may have policies governing how to investigate a crash with multijurisdictional boundaries. When you are unable to determine the jurisdiction of the traffic crash scene, remain on the scene. Contact FHP, as they have statewide jurisdiction, or refer to your agency policies and procedures. If the crash scene involves a traffic homicide or serious bodily injury, call dispatch and wait for a traffic homicide investigator. If a crash is suspected to be the result of a criminal act involving homicide or serious bodily injury, do not move the vehicles or any items within the scene until after the traffic homicide investigator assesses the scene and documents the evidence, or until otherwise directed. ; LE1202.5. Determine the jurisdiction of the traffic crash Chapter 12 Traffic Crash Investigations / 459 12 Lesson 3: Secure a Traffic Crash Scene Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to safely secure a traffic crash scene considering vehicle position, reflective clothing, warning devices, traffic diversion, and property and evidence protection. Step 3: Secure a Safe Environment at the Crash Scene Traffic crash scenes attract drivers’ attention and can cause staring or “rubbernecking.” This slows traffic flow and can become a hazard since drivers tend to focus more on the crash and less on driving around the scene. Many secondary crashes happen because of distracted drivers. Nighttime crash scenes compound this hazard because visibility is limited. People who struggle with driving at night find it difficult to adjust from the bright lights around a crash scene. Emergency vehicle lights, heavy traffic, or movement on and off the road can reduce visibility. Traffic conditions, weather conditions, buildings, signs, and terrain can also influence a driver’s ability to see the road and any vehicles on it. Based upon your immediate assessment, securing the scene will require quick thinking and swift action. Decide where to park your patrol vehicle, what reflective clothing to wear, and which warning devices to use to divert traffic and protect the scene. Position Your Vehicle The primary tool for controlling traffic is your vehicle, as it warns motorists of the crash scene. Position your vehicle to protect the scene, prevent additional crashes, and redirect the flow of traffic. Park your vehicle in a safe location visible to oncoming traffic, away from hazards, and to avoid damaging any evidence. Turn on your patrol vehicle’s emergency lights as a caution or alert. Adjust the headlights to low beam so you do not blind drivers approaching from the opposite direction. Keep your emergency lights on throughout the traffic crash management process. ; LE1203.1. Describe how to position your vehicle at a crash scene Personal Safety It is extremely important, while directing traffic or investigating a crash scene, that you remain visible to oncoming traffic. Wear a reflective vest over your uniform; however, be sure you still have access to your gun belt. A flashlight with a wand attachment and reflective gloves will increase your visibility. Work facing oncoming traffic whenever possible. This will enable you to see hazardous situations that might develop. ; LE1203.2. Recognize the importance of wearing reflective clothing 460 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 Relocating Crash Vehicles to a Safe Location If circumstances allow, move vehicles out of the roadway to prevent accidents, encourage traffic flow, and create room for emergency vehicles to access the crash site. There are exceptions to this rule: a traffic crash with injuries or fatalities the vehicles are too disabled to move the crash scene is a crime scene that will need processing Before allowing drivers to relocate their vehicles, get their driver’s licenses and direct them where to move the vehicles, or to where you want to continue processing the incident. Follow your agency policies and procedures for relocating the vehicle of a traumatized or incapacitated driver. You may need to mark the final rest points of all four tires with chalk or whatever your agency uses. ; LE1203.3. Describe when to relocate crash vehicles Position Warning Devices Your agency may use outside resources, such as the public works department, to provide additional warning devices. Warning devices for alerting and directing motorists include: barricades flares or fuses message boards signs traffic cones, reflective triangles Based on multiple crash scene factors, decide what type of warning devices to use, how many will be required, and how to position them to prevent further damage or injury. Consider the following factors: the extent of the scene or the size of the area that needs protection—Determine the distance between the first harmful event and the final resting place of vehicles and debris. The final resting place, or final rest, is the point when all movement resulting from the crash comes to a halt. the number of traffic lanes—Consider how quickly drivers can react to the traffic disturbance and change lanes. the normal speed of travel on the road—Place the warning devices farther away from the scene the faster the traffic is moving. If you requested backup, position one of the officers at the first warning device. environmental conditions—Consider how warning devices appear to oncoming traffic in rain or fog. Flares or fuses can serve as effective warning devices at night, are visible during the day, and are easily stored in the trunk of your patrol vehicle. Before placing flares, make sure there are no flammable items, liquids, chemicals, or hazardous materials within the crash scene. If there is the chance of a hazmat Chapter 12 Traffic Crash Investigations / 461 situation, use the ERG to determine a safe distance away from the scene to place a flare or fuse. Be aware of drought conditions and keep flares or fuses away from dry grass on the side of the road, or any other combustible material that could cause a wildfire. ; LE1203.4. Describe how to position warning devices Divert Traffic Figure 12-1 is an example of a traffic crash scene involving two disabled vehicles on a two-lane road. The officer parked the patrol vehicle in the road to block oncoming traffic from the crash scene and placed flares or cones in front of, alongside of, and behind the involved vehicles. Generally, law enforcement agencies in Florida use this type of placement method, as it draws the attention of drivers to the cones or flares, and directs them to drive around the scene. An alternative placement method involves parking the patrol vehicle near the scene with the emergency lights activated on the road. This serves not only as a physical barrier to protect the scene, but as a warning device for rerouting other road users when flares and cones are not available. If there is no safe way to protect the scene from traffic using barricades, flares or fuses, signs, or traffic cones, then create a roadblock. The roadblock can prevent injury or damage to motorists and protect the crash scene. When setting up a roadblock, try to avoid redirecting traffic through residential areas, schools, and playgrounds. Immediately inform dispatch of the roadblock and redirection of traffic. Your agency will relay the information to the appropriate resources and other affected jurisdictions. Be sure to inform dispatch how long you think it will take to clear the scene and reopen the road. It is your responsibility to direct traffic around the crash scene until the road is completely clear. ; Figure 12-1: Traffic cones or flares LE1203.5. Describe how to divert traffic around a crash scene Protect Personal Property and Evidence In addition to protecting the traffic crash scene for officer, traffic, and scene safety, you must protect personal property. If a traffic crash exposes driver or passenger property, such as phones, purses, wallets, or anything that was in their vehicles, take a moment to return them to the motorist or secure them in a vehicle. Should any of the involved vehicles require a tow, document on the tow receipt any personal property remaining in a crash vehicle. 462 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 A traffic crash scene can become a crime scene, so it is important to use the crime scene processing techniques covered in Chapter 9. If a crash is suspected to be the result of a criminal act involving homicide or serious bodily injury, do not touch or move anything except those who are injured. If you cannot move them, then move only those things surrounding them that could be hazardous or life-threatening. Vehicles used in the commission of a crime and involved in a traffic crash that results in death or serious bodily injury must be preserved for further investigation. Do not move these vehicles until after an investigator assesses the scene and documents the evidence, or until otherwise directed. If the crash includes serious bodily injury or a homicide, request a traffic homicide investigator to process the scene. ; LE1203.6. Recognize the importance of protecting personal property at a crash scene Chapter 12 Traffic Crash Investigations / 463 12 Lesson 4: Injuries at a Traffic Crash Scene Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know the main types of traffic crash injuries and ensure that EMS arrives on the scene. Think About This You are responding to a traffic crash and notice the driver appears to need medical attention. EMS has not arrived yet. What is your course of action? Step 4: Provide First Aid to Injured People Traffic Crash Injuries A traffic crash may involve people with injuries ranging from nonvisible to severe or fatal trauma. Your first-aid training should prepare you for responding to trauma-related issues associated with a traffic crash. Traffic crash injuries are classified into six legal categories that you will use in your incident report: 1. none—no injury 2. possible injury—any injury reported or claimed that is not a fatal injury, suspected serious injury, or suspected minor injury. Examples include momentary loss of consciousness, claim of injury, limping, or complaint of pain or nausea. A possible injury is reported by the individual or is indicated by their behavior, but no wound or injury is readily evident. 3. non-incapacitating injury—a non-disabling injury, such as a laceration, scrape, or bruise 4. incapacitating injury—a serious bodily injury other than fatal resulting in one or more of the following:  severe laceration resulting in exposure of underlying tissues/muscles/organs or significant loss of blood  broken or distorted extremity (arm or leg)  crush injuries  suspected skull, chest, or abdominal injury other than bruises or minor lacerations  significant burns (second- and third-degree burns over 10% or more of the body)  unconsciousness when taken from the crash scene 464 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1  paralysis  A serious bodily injury is “an injury to a person, including the driver, which consists of a physical condition that creates a substantial risk of death, serious personal disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ.” 5. fatal injury—an injury resulting in an individual’s death within a 30-day period after the traffic crash accident 6. non-traffic fatal injury—a fatality that is unrelated to the traffic crash accident, such as a heart attack, natural causes, suicide, or homicide. ; LE1204.1. Describe the main types of traffic crash injuries EMS at a Traffic Crash Scene During the initial call reporting the traffic crash, dispatch will ask the caller if there are any injured people on the scene. If there are, dispatch will send Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to the scene. If you arrive first, locate all of the people involved in the crash. If the scene involves injured people, determine the extent of the injuries. Remember your first-aid training and determine if you can move them immediately to a safe location and provide first aid until EMS arrives. If you cannot move them, try to remove any hazards surrounding them, and provide first aid in place. If EMS is not present when you arrive, you are responsible for making sure EMS is on the way to the scene by contacting dispatch. ; LE1204.2. Describe how to manage injured people at the crash scene Chapter 12 Traffic Crash Investigations / 465 12 Lesson 5: Gather Traffic Crash Information Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to gather information from people at a traffic crash scene. Think About This You begin interviewing one of the drivers from the scene of a crash. At first, it seems like the driver was alone in the vehicle, but then he mentions that his kids were there at the time of the crash. You ask him where his kids are now and he says their mother picked them up after the crash so they could go home right away. What should you have done first to get this information earlier? Step 5: Gather Traffic Crash Information After you secure the traffic crash scene, aid the injured, and protect any evidence or personal property, you should begin gathering information related to the traffic crash from people on the scene. It is common for those involved in a crash to be emotionally upset, regardless of the severity of the crash. Your role is to remain calm and empathetic to the crash victims while managing the scene and investigating the crash. Remember to practice the three roles of a law enforcement officer—supporter, stabilizer, and enforcer—that you learned in Chapter 1. Obtain Driver’s Information After determining which driver(s) and vehicle(s) were involved in the crash, ask them to provide their driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and proof of insurance. Injuries or other special circumstances may prevent the driver from providing this information immediately. However, according to the Florida Statutes, a driver involved in a crash resulting in injury or death, or damage to another vehicle or property, if able, must provide this specific information to you at the scene. You must document this information in your traffic crash report and verify it in DAVID, FCIC/NCIC, and other appropriate databases. Ask the driver if there were any passengers in the vehicle, whether or not you see passengers present at the scene. This ensures that you know, and don’t assume, how many people were in the vehicle at the time of the crash. ; LE1205.1. Identify the information to collect at a crash scene Interview People on the Scene Before interviewing people at the crash scene, you must make the distinction between the drivers involved, those who witnessed the crash, those who may have heard, but not seen, the crash, and those who are providing information based on the final location of the vehicles. 466 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 Witnesses are not legally obligated to give any information or provide a statement about a traffic crash. Sometimes, witness accounts are all a traffic crash investigator can rely on when determining how the crash occurred. Passenger statements are voluntary, and the information they provide is important. However, if a driver involved in a traffic crash is unable to give a report or a statement about the crash, Florida law requires passengers to make a statement on behalf of the driver. Separate drivers from witnesses to prevent them from influencing each other’s statements or recollections. Do not allow drivers to discuss what happened with anyone on the scene, including other drivers and witnesses. Witnesses may occasionally be hard to separate, especially if the crash scene involves injured family members. Locate safe places for the drivers, passengers, nonmotorists, and witnesses to stand or sit while you are interviewing others. A safe location may be: away from oncoming traffic protected from environmental conditions out of the path of emergency vehicles at the scene When deciding the order of interviews, be mindful of independent witnesses who choose to be on the scene because of their good intention to help. They usually provide more accurate and reliable information about the traffic crash. Be courteous and don’t detain them at the scene any longer than is necessary to collect their statements and information. To help witnesses recall specific events and details of the crash, try to interview them close to where they were at the time of the crash. Some witnesses may have had a better vantage point of the crash than others. Even if there are no passengers immediately identifiable, you need to make sure that you aren’t missing a passenger for any reason. When interviewing a passenger, determine the passenger’s relationship to the driver to identify any potential biases in their statements. Verify the drivers’ and each witness’ ability to understand your request for a statement about the traffic crash. It is best to ask open-ended questions, as described in Chapter 4, when conducting interviews. Ask questions that will clarify what happened and resolve any discrepancies between witnesses’ statements. Ask questions such as, “Can you give me information about the crash?” and “Can you tell me how this person was hurt?” During each interview, record the interviewee’s contact information, such as name, current street address, and phone number, for your report and in case you need to follow up on the interview later. If EMS will transport an injured person to a hospital, get that person’s contact information and conduct a follow-up interview. First responders, such as EMS or fire department personnel, may also have valuable information concerning the post-crash events. For example, people involved in the crash may have made spontaneous statements about the crash in their presence. Document in your report any indications of impairment caused by injury, dementia, intellectual disability, intoxication, medication, or any other cause that may affect the drivers’ or witnesses’ comprehension or memory. Some traffic crash situations such as DUIs, hit-and-runs, or serious bodily injury investigations may require you to take written or recorded statements. These can be useful when investigating a traffic crash, such as confirming other witnesses’ testimonies at the scene or for prosecuting drivers in court. Written or Chapter 12 Traffic Crash Investigations / 467 recorded statements also help collect more accurate information by prompting involved people to record their information immediately after the crash. Having witnesses write statements about what they saw and heard will help you obtain valuable information. Witnesses who write their own statements will free you up to perform other on-scene tasks. ; LE1205.2. Recognize the importance of interviewing and obtaining statements at the crash scene People manage their emotions differently, so remember to practice empathy when gathering information from anyone involved in or witness to the crash. 468 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 12 Lesson 6: Gather Traffic Crash Evidence Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to determine why and how a traffic crash occurred by gathering evidence at the scene. Step 6: Investigate to Determine How and Why a Traffic Crash Occurred Phases of a Traffic Crash The three phases of a traffic crash are pre-collision, at-collision, and post-collision. Knowledge of each phase will help you determine how and why the crash occurred, and how the vehicle reached its final resting place after the crash. Phase 1—the pre-collision phase begins when the driver becomes aware of a danger or hazard. The point of perception occurs when the driver becomes aware of a danger or hazard. Reaction time is the length of time between the point of perception and the beginning of the evasive action. Evasive action is any action the driver takes to alter the speed or direction of a vehicle or to avoid danger or hazard, such as applying the brakes, turning the steering wheel, or moving the vehicle out of the way. The point of no escape is the point in time when the crash is inevitable, regardless of the evasive action taken. Phase 2—the at-collision phase begins with the time of the initial impact or contact. Encroachment occurs when vehicles, property, or people begin to enter the same space at the same time and make contact, and where the first injury or damage may occur. The driver may still be able to take evasive action to reduce the severity of the crash. Maximum engagement is the point at which the vehicles, property, or people crush together to the greatest extent. Phase 3—the post-collision phase (disengagement) begins when the vehicles, property, or people separate, either naturally or from post-crash intervention by a person. A second impact can occur in chain reaction collisions or when one vehicle glances off another into the path of a third vehicle or object. ; LE1206.1. Describe the three phases of a traffic crash Chapter 12 Traffic Crash Investigations / 469 Vehicle Dynamics During a Traffic Crash Basic physics states that an object in motion continues to remain in motion until acted upon by an external force. Vehicle dynamics refers to vehicle movement during and after a collision. It can help you determine how and why the crash occurred and the area of collision. The area of collision (AOC) is the location of the first harmful event, or the first damage-producing event in the traffic crash. The AOC indicates the area where the collision occurred, assists you in determining the direction a vehicle was traveling, and the probable location of the debris field. The point of impact is the place where a moving vehicle or object struck another vehicle, another object, or the road. Struck or moved objects in the path of the vehicle may alter the vehicle dynamics and help determine the AOC by showing the path a vehicle followed either before or after the crash. Look for objects or items at the scene moved from their original location and inconsistent with the original direction of the vehicles or with the direction of force. Examining these objects, the vehicle dynamics, the AOC and point of impact, may help explain damage done to all the vehicles and whether there may have been other factors involved in the crash. The following examples will illustrate vehicle dynamics in a traffic crash. The actual result will depend on the size, weight, and speed of the vehicle. Example 1—a vehicle is traveling north, striking a second vehicle traveling east. Expect the two vehicles to travel into the northeast quadrant. Example 2—a vehicle is traveling south, striking a second vehicle traveling west. Expect the two vehicles to travel into the southwest quadrant. Example 3—a vehicle is traveling south, striking a second vehicle traveling east. Expect the two vehicles to travel into the southeast quadrant. Example 4—a vehicle is traveling north, striking a second vehicle traveling west. Expect the two vehicles to travel into the northwest quadrant. ; Figure 12-2: Vehicle dynamics in a crash LE1206.2. Describe the vehicle dynamics in a traffic crash 470 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 Traffic Crash Evidence Interpreting traffic crash evidence correctly can also help determine how and why the crash occurred. The involved vehicles may have pre-existing damage from past crashes. The road may also have pre-existing damage, such as skid marks and debris from other incidents. Vehicle Evidence Pre-existing damage is any damage existing on a vehicle before the crash. It is usually identifiable as damage that does not fit the pattern of the crash and appears rusted, dirty, or weathered. Contact damage is any damage that did not exist on a vehicle before the crash. Contact damage results from the direct pressure of any object in a collision or rollover and appears as: scrape marks or striations on the body of the vehicle material rub-off, such as paint from the other vehicle (called paint transfer), rubber, or tree bark fiber transfer, such as from a person’s clothing hair or blood punctures to or imprints on a bumper, guardrail, or other fixed object Contact damage should tell you the part of the vehicle hit first by examining the direction of the damage on the vehicle and tracing the damage backwards to the first appearance of damage. Contact damage should be consistent with other physical evidence, statements from people involved, and independent witnesses. Induced damage is any damage that did not exist before the crash, but, unlike contact damage, is not visually evident at the crash scene. Induced damage often occurs as bending, breaking, crumpling, twisting, distortion, or buckling of vehicle metal. ; LE1206.3. Identify vehicle evidence found at a crash scene Road Evidence A gouge is a cut into the surface of the road where some part of the vehicle removed the road surface material. For example, a bolt on the underside of a vehicle cuts into the pavement, leaving a trench or gouge in the road at the AOC. A gouge may indicate an AOC. A scrape is a broad area of a hard surface covered with many scratches, striations, or streak marks made without great pressure by a sliding metal part. Scrapes occur between the AOC and the point of the vehicle’s final rest. Runoff is a pool or trail of fluids escaping from a vehicle because of impact. Quite often, hard impacts will make radiators, hoses, and brake lines burst. When this occurs, the liquid will run out of the vehicle onto the road. Often, these liquids will leave a trail from the AOC to the final resting place. While not pinpointing the exact location of the AOC, runoffs can provide evidence of the general location. Chapter 12 Traffic Crash Investigations / 471 Debris is loose material spread across the road due to the crash. Debris can be dirt, liquids, vehicle parts, and other materials from the involved vehicles. Identifying where debris begins on the road may help indicate the AOC. Locating vehicle parts such as bumpers, headlights, and tail light lenses can also indicate the AOC and the direction a vehicle was traveling. Vehicle parts continue to move in the direction of the force of the impact until stopped by an object or the road surface. The forces involved in collisions cause the debris from the vehicle to fall loose and in the direction of the force. Matching the damage on the vehicles to the debris found at the scene may serve as additional evidence in determining the AOC. For example, if a vehicle’s rear reflectors are red and there are yellow reflector pieces lying on the ground, you can conclude this debris did not come from this crash. Recently broken glass has sharp, well-defined edges; by contrast, glass that has been on the road for some time will have rounded edges. ; LE1206.4. Identify road evidence at a crash scene Tire Marks A surface mark is any mark created by a vehicle’s tire at a crash scene. Each type of surface mark on the road at the scene can provide specific information. Tires can create several different types of marks, depending upon: the road surface what the brakes are doing how the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating what the steering wheel is doing during the traffic crash Your task is to determine which mark came from which vehicle, and from which tire of the vehicle. A skid mark is the black mark left by a tire sliding while it is unable to rotate. Skid marks tend to be straight, although they can show some curvature due to asymmetrical braking (not all brake pads lock simultaneously) or the crown of the road. These factors can make the vehicle depart from a straight-ahead path. The tire grooves are generally visible and easy to see in a skid mark. Front tire skid marks tend to be darker than rear tire marks, as weight shifts toward the front of the vehicle when braking. The outside edges of the tire mark may be darker than the inside area. Rear tire skid marks tend to be even in appearance with no dark outside edges. When a vehicle brakes hard, tire rotation will stop before skid marks begin. The tires leave a light discoloration, or shadow mark, which is often difficult to see on the road. This discoloration, or incipient skid or impending skid mark, is the type of skid mark left by an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The incipient skid is the place you will begin to measure the skid mark. It is temporary and may be visible for only 15 to 20 minutes after the crash. 472 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 Anti-lock braking system (ABS) scuff marks are the patterns left by a vehicle with anti-lock brakes when a driver brakes hard. A scuff mark is a tire mark from a wheel that is both rotating and slipping on the road surface. The ABS prevents the wheels from locking by rapidly applying and releasing the brake while allowing the driver to remain in control of the steering. Vehicles equipped with ABS may leave faint, intermittent, visible skid marks. These marks do not resemble solid skid marks and may disappear 15 to 20 minutes after the incident. Intermittent skid marks are a series of heavy skid marks with long gaps of more than 15 feet between them, caused by a driver who rapidly applies and releases the brakes, to stop the vehicle. Skid marks made by a bouncing vehicle that just struck a pothole or bump in the road are not continuous. However, the length of the skid mark and the length of the space between them are uniform, consistent, and less than 3 feet to 4 feet apart. Skip skid marks are a series of skid marks, usually short in length with irregular intervals between them. This pattern appears on the road when a vehicle has a sudden load shift from braking hard, causing the vehicle to bounce. Skip skid marks are typically from trailer vehicles. However, a vehicle skidding on a bumpy road can also make this type of mark. Offset skid marks are skid marks that indicate a sudden change in the direction of a tire due to collision forces. They are the direct result of the movement of the vehicle by the force of collision and occur at the moment of impact. The only item of evidence pinpointing the exact AOC on the road is offset skid marks. A squeegee mark is a strip of dry pavement remaining after a vehicle skids on a wet road. The locked tire acts similarly to a window squeegee by removing water from the skid path. Due to the way these marks are made, they disappear quickly and are temporary evidence. A furrow mark is a type of trench dug by locked tires moving across a soft surface such as gravel, sand, grass, or dirt. The furrow is shallow at the beginning of the skid and deepens with a piling of the surface material in front of the tire at the place where the vehicle finally rests. A scuff or yaw mark occurs when a vehicle loses tire traction from entering a curve too fast or from oversteering. The tires continue rotating but slide sideways at the same time, leaving marks that remain on the road. Scuff or yaw marks are always curved and will show a sideways striping or striation from the side motion of the tires. The scuff or yaw marks may be evidence of the driver beginning to lose control of the vehicle. Acceleration scuff marks result from rapid acceleration from a stop, causing the tires to produce gradually fading dark tire marks. A tire print is a mark left by a tire rolling over a soft material such as sand or dirt, or rolling through a liquid on a hard surface, such as oil, which leaves an identifiable pattern matching the tread of the tire. ; LE1206.5. Describe the types of tire marks left on the road at a crash scene Photograph the Traffic Crash Scene The best way to preserve the location of evidence found at the traffic crash scene is with a combination of photographs, measurements, and sketches. Photographs serve as a true and accurate depiction of the crash scene. You can use photographs later to recall facts and discover information that you may have overlooked at the scene. Photographs also serve as evidence to prosecute traffic violators and document the extent of damage. Chapter 12 Traffic Crash Investigations / 473 Photographs of a traffic crash scene: record the scene’s physical condition supplement other documentation aid in drawing conclusions about the crash can assist a traffic homicide investigator in reconstructing the crash Photograph the crash scene immediately after the emergency is under control, but before someone can disturb the evidence or alter the scene. Record the date, time, and person taking the photographs. Photograph all relevant evidence and damage from several angles. For the involved vehicles, photograph all the corners, sides, approach paths, and the AOC. Your agency policies and the severity of injuries determine how you will photograph evidence in a crash investigation. Figure 12-4: Photographing all four sides ; Figure 12-3: Photographing from the four corners Figure 12-5: Photographing from approaching paths LE1206.6. Describe what to photograph at a crash scene 474 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 Measure the Traffic Crash Scene After photographing the traffic crash scene, take measurements to document distances, locations, and the length of tire marks and roadway evidence. Use crash scene measurements to precisely locate significant objects in the crash, to document the events of the crash accurately, and to later ensure accurate testimony in court. When taking measurements at the crash scene, be aware of safety issues for people on the scene. Instruments to measure evidence include, but are not limited to: rolling measuring wheels fiberglass and steel measuring tapes of various lengths laser measuring devices Measure the temporary evidence first: the AOC gouges and scratches scuff marks debris of any type squeegee marks vehicle parts tire marks liquids or runoff skid marks any item damaged or struck as a result of the crash tire prints the final resting positions of vehicles and bodies Measure more permanent evidence as soon as practical: road dimensions locations of traffic-control devices sight distances distances between landmarks grade or slope ; LE1206.7. Describe how to measure the location of evidence at a crash scene Measure Skid Marks If a crash is suspected to be the result of a criminal act involving homicide or serious bodily injury, after photographing the crash scene and taking measurements of other evidence, a traffic homicide investigator uses mathematical formulas to calculate the possible speed a vehicle was traveling when the skid occurred. The procedures for measuring skid marks include determining how many wheels were skidding and matching each skid mark to a specific wheel. Chapter 12 Traffic Crash Investigations / 475 Investigators use the following abbreviations to identify which tire made a specific mark on the road: LF—left front RF—right front LR—left rear RR—right rear To measure skid marks, locate the beginning, the end, and all gaps made by each wheel and mark using an agency-approved method. Photograph the skid marks again after making your marks. In the case of an offset skid mark, measure the skid in two parts, recording the two lengths separately. 1. Record and label the distance from the beginning of the skid to the beginning of the offset. 2. Record and label the distance from the beginning of the offset to the end of the skid. 3. Measure each surface mark separately when the marks cross multiple surfaces, such as the road, sidewalk, landscaping, or lawn. Common mistakes that affect accurate measurements include: identifying the wrong type of surface where the skid marks were made incorrectly identifying the beginning of a skid mark including gaps when measuring the skid ; LE1206.8. Describe how to measure skid marks Field Sketch the Traffic Crash Scene Record the locations and lengths of all skid marks and other evidence at the crash scene in a field sketch. A field sketch is a rough drawing of the scene. The sketch uses simple symbols to indicate the details of the crash. Use whatever symbols you choose, but use them consistently. This sketch will help document information concerning the crash and help recreate the crash scene diagram later. The amount of detail on the sketch will depend on the seriousness of the crash, the amount of evidence, or the information collected. The sketch should include only significant factual and observable items. When drawing a field sketch, clearly indicate all relevant evidence and measurements in the sketch. The field sketch should be consistent with any photographs taken and may be used as evidence in court along with the final sketch. The field sketch may also be used to complete the crash diagram later. ; LE1206.9. Describe how to draw a field sketch of a crash scene 476 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 12 Lesson 7: Driver Information Exchange Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to facilitate a driver information exchange and complete the appropriate form at a traffic crash scene. Step 7: Complete Driver Exchange of Information You, or the drivers, must complete a driver’s exchange of information form at all traffic crashes. Explain to the drivers involved in the crash that state law requires them to complete the form and then exchange the completed forms with each other. Exchanging driver information is important, not only because the law requires it, but because it also provides insurance companies with the necessary information to process claims for damage. If the officer completes the crash report, the exchange of information is still included as part of the report and the officer is responsible for providing the drivers with this information. The officer is also responsible for submitting the report within 10 days if it meets the criteria outlined in chapter 316, F.S. If the officer is not present, Florida law requires drivers to exchange information and report that information to DHSMV within 10 days of the traffic crash incident. Whether you determine the traffic crash incident does or does not require a written report, use the HSMV 90011S: Driver Report of Traffic Crash (Self Report) Driver Exchange of Information form ; LE1207.1. Recognize the role of the driver information exchange at a crash scene Show the drivers what fields to complete and where to sign, as each agency may have a different version of the form. The driver of each vehicle must provide the following information: name current street address driver’s license or learner’s permit number registration number of the vehicle they are driving insurance information Instruct them to print legibly using a black ballpoint pen. Each driver should sign and date their completed form before exchanging the form with the other driver involved in the traffic crash. If you do not use the Chapter 12 Traffic Crash Investigations / 477 HSMV 90011S as a driver exchange of information, provide each driver or nonmotorist with the other party’s driver and vehicle information. You may come across a driver who cannot adequately read or complete the form due to language or physical limitations. Practice empathy and patience. Provide reasonable accommodation by gathering the required information, completing the form for the driver, and instructing the driver to sign and date it. This helps to make sure that the information provided is valid and accurate. Drivers can also complete the form online on the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. ; LE1207.2. Describe how to complete the Driver Report of Traffic Crash (Self Report) or Driver Exchange of Information form, HSMV 90011S 478 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 12 Lesson 8: Issue a Traffic Citation Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to identify traffic violations and issue citations based upon evidence found at the scene. Step 8: Take Enforcement Action All of the evidence found on the crash scene, when viewed as a whole, should provide an accurate location of the AOC and point to how and why the crash occurred. Compare your observations of the vehicle and road evidence, and statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses, for consistency and validation of the events. Include any contributing factors, such as the conditions of the road, lighting, and weather. Contributing factors also include distracted driving, such as looking at a cell phone, eating, or grooming. Once you determine how and why a crash occurred, identify any violations, and issue citations. ; LE1208.1. Determine whether to issue a citation based upon evidence at the scene Traffic Violations Three types of traffic violations usually associated with traffic crash situations are: 1. contributing traffic violation—this violation is a direct cause or contribution to the traffic crash itself, such as a vehicle running a red light and striking another vehicle. These types of violations include, but are not limited to:  driving too fast for the conditions  violating a traffic control device  violating the right-of-way  running a red light  driving left of center  running a stop sign  making an improper U-turn  driving carelessly  making an improper pass  texting while driving  having defective equipment 2. non-contributing traffic violation—this violation has no direct bearing on the cause of the traffic crash; you discover it during the investigation. Examples include an expired license plate, driver’s license violations, lack of insurance, or seat belt violations. 3. non-traffic violation—this violation is a criminal offense discovered during the traffic crash investigation. An example would be a quantity of cocaine discovered while taking inventory of one of the wrecked vehicles, or an outstanding warrant on a driver. Chapter 12 Traffic Crash Investigations / 479 Surprisingly, vehicle defects cause few traffic crashes. In most crashes, at least one driver commits one or more contributing traffic violations. Most are the result of driver error. In a two-vehicle crash, both drivers may have committed violations. In addition to uncovering the primary violation, you are responsible for detecting other violations drivers may have committed and taking the appropriate law enforcement action. ; LE1208.2. Describe the main types of violations associated with a traffic crash Traffic Citations For each traffic violation, issue a UTC, identify the specific violations, and note the relevant statute. Indicate on the citation information related to court location and scheduling. Anyone you cite for a violation that requires a mandatory hearing must sign and accept that the citation indicates a promise to appear. For example, some violations that require mandatory hearings are a crash that causes death or serious bodily injury. For all other infractions that do not require a hearing, certify that you issued a UTC to the person cited when their signature is not required, as prima facie evidence (sufficient evidence to establish a fact or raise a presumption unless someone disproves or rebuts). ; LE1208.3. Describe when to certify a citation 480 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 12 Lesson 9: Clear the Traffic Crash Scene Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to safely clear a traffic crash scene of debris and vehicles. Step 9: Return the Scene to Normal as Quickly as Possible, if Appropriate Officers have an additional responsibility at a traffic crash scene, which includes returning the scene to the same condition it was before the crash, if possible. This can be as simple as removing hazards and debris from the road. Florida law requires drivers of operable crash vehicles to move their vehicles off the road. If a vehicle is immovable, request a tow truck to remove both the vehicle and any associated debris from the road. If part of the crash assistance involves a hazardous materials incident, follow agency policies, or call in the hazmat team. If hazardous materials are not involved, the scene may need a cleanup team to remove debris, or follow agency policies. ; LE1209.1. Describe how to remove vehicles and debris from the crash scene Before leaving the scene, scan the area and make sure you have retrieved and stored all equipment (for example, tape measure, blanket, flashlight, cones, barricades, and identifying markers) in your vehicle. Finally, verify that the road is safe for normal traffic flow before removing any traffic redirection equipment. Contact the appropriate agency to repair or replace any traffic control signs or devices. Make sure that you have taken all necessary law enforcement actions, such as: verified that all forms have been completed and copies distributed to the appropriate people issued all appropriate citations returned all personal documents (for example, driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance) to their owners If a safety risk still remains on the scene or you make an arrest, stay at the scene until the danger no longer exists or until you make other arrangements for scene safety. ; LE1209.2. Describe how to terminate a crash scene Chapter 12 Traffic Crash Investigations / 481 12 Lesson 10: Complete a Traffic Crash Report Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to correctly complete the appropriate traffic crash report forms to document the traffic crash. Think About This You are dispatched to a two-vehicle crash and, upon arrival, one vehicle has to be towed. What type of report has to be completed? Step 10: Document the Crash Florida Traffic Crash Report Forms DHSMV creates and publishes the Florida Traffic Crash Report forms and the Instructions for Completing the Florida Uniform Traffic Crash Report Forms. These forms and the instruction manual are available from the DHSMV website. DHSMV is the official records custodian for completed crash reports and is responsible for all applicable records retention requirements. It publishes two basic forms related to traffic crashes: HSMV 90011S—functions as a Driver Report of Traffic Crash (Self Report) or a Driver Exchange of Information HSMV 90010S—Florida Traffic Crash Report, which functions as a Long Form, a Short Form, or an Update Form HSMV 90010S—Long Form You have a duty to investigate and submit a Long Form for traffic crashes that meet any of the following criteria: The crash resulted in the death of, the personal injury to, or any indication of complaints of pain or discomfort by, any of the people involved in the crash. A driver left the scene that involved damage to attended vehicles or property. 482 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 A driver drove while under the influence. A vehicle was rendered inoperable to a degree that required a wrecker to remove it from the crash scene. A commercial motor vehicle was involved. Your agency may have additional criteria that will require you to submit a Long Form for a traffic crash. ; LE12010.1. Determine when to complete a Florida Traffic Crash Report HSMV 90010S—Long Form Before completing the form, assemble all the information related to the crash: validated identification information of the involved drivers verified vehicle registration verified license plate number verified VIN verified proof of insurance information gathered from drivers, passengers, nonmotorists, and witnesses evidence collected, including any measurements, and your field sketch road and environmental conditions EMS run or call number and department DOT/Motor Carrier (MC) number for commercial motor vehicles The Long Form includes several sections that you will need to complete as thoroughly and accurately as possible using the crash manual. Event section—crash report fields or characteristics section. Vehicle section—vehicle information, characteristics, events, and consequences of the motor vehicle involved in the traffic crash. Person section—person data elements, characteristics, actions, and consequences to the people involved in the crash. Narrative section—a description of all key events in the crash, including the pre-collision, at-collision, and post-collision phases. The investigating agency report number and the eight digit HSMV crash report number must be identical to all other report pages. Provide a narrative of events. The narrative needs to match the diagram on the Diagram page. Diagram section—illustration of the traffic crash scene with all key events in the crash, including the pre-collision, at-collision, and post-collision phases. The diagram needs to match the narrative. ; LE12010.2. Describe how to complete the Florida Traffic Crash Report HSMV 90010S—Long Form Chapter 12 Traffic Crash Investigations / 483 Driver Re-examination or Medical Review You may question the driving ability of a driver who caused or contributed to the cause of a traffic crash. If you believe that a driver has a physical or mental impairment, indicate that on the Person page of the Long Form by checking “Recommend Driver Re-exam.” You have three ways to explain why you recommend the driver for re-examination: Explain the request in a separate standalone paragraph on the Narrative section of the Florida Traffic Crash Report HSMV 90010S—Long Form. Attach a completed Medical Reporting Form, HSMV Form 72190, to the Florida Traffic Crash Report HSMV 90010S—Long Form. Request a “Report Driver for Medical Review” in DAVID. This is the preferred method for requesting a re-examination or medical review of a driver in addition to requesting on the Long Form. To finalize the report form, check the “Long Form” box in the upper-left corner. Complete the entire form following the guidelines in the manual. Number the pages beginning with “page 1 of ___.” Submit the form to DHSMV within 10 days of completing the investigation. Keep a copy with your agency and provide a copy to each driver. ; LE12010.3. Describe how to request a re-examination or medical review of a driver involved in a crash Diagram Section Use the Diagram section to illustrate how the traffic crash occurred. The diagram is the finished product showing what occurred during the crash. It should be able to stand alone and match the description in the Narrative section. Carefully prepare a drawing of your field sketch and notes using diagraming software or a traffic crash template. The template or software will help make diagramming easier and more accurate. If drawing by hand, the template is the primary tool for completing a professional-looking crash diagram. Both the software and the template provide a number of scales of measure, angles, curves, straight edges, cutouts, and symbols to help you diagram the scene. The most common symbols are cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles, pedestrians, signs, traffic signals and lights, buildings, camera directions, and directional arrows. Diagram the crash scene using the bird’s-eye view, that is, depicting a scene as if looking down from an altitude or distance, just as when sketching a crime scene. Include only relevant items so the diagram will not be cluttered and will be easy to read and understand. Position the center of the diagram template on the page to correspond with the approximate center of the AOC. Draw the road, including all lanes, turn lanes, bike lanes, and the median. Label the road names. Insert the vehicles, pedestrians, and any other information from your field sketch. Each vehicle should have a directional arrow on it to indicate the front of the vehicle and the direction of travel. Label each vehicle with a number in a circle that corresponds to the assigned vehicle number in your report. Show the directional movement of the vehicles before the crash, by drawing solid directional arrows behind the vehicles to indicate where they were coming from as they approached the AOC. To draw the vehicle movement after impact to the place of final rest, use dashes for the directional arrow. 484 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 Figure 12-6: Counting number of lanes If using the template and if the crash scene has debris or there is extensive damage to the vehicles or to property, freehand draw the vehicle damage, debris, or other details. Use the suggested symbols for freehand drawings provided with the template. The final diagram should be professionally prepared with all appropriate entries, measurements, a legend of symbols, and a “not to scale” notation. At a minimum, document the following information in the diagram: location of traffic crash (road names) road markings and width of each lane north directional arrow placed upward or to the right when looking at the page any physical evidence on the road (such as skid marks, ruts, holes, standing water, vehicle debris) each vehicle’s position pre-collision, at-collision, and post-collision where the vehicle was located at final rest on your arrival at the scene, even if the vehicle was moved measurements of skid mark length and road dimensions If any people were ejected from the car or if any pedestrians were hurt, mark where they came to final rest, including the distance they traveled. ; LE12010.4. Describe how to complete the diagram page of the Florida Traffic Crash Report HSMV 90010S—Long Form Chapter 12 Traffic Crash Investigations / 485 HSMV 90010S—Short Form Use the Short Form to report other types of traffic crashes that do not require the Long Form. Check the box marked “Short Form” in the upper-left corner. Complete the report with the exception of the narrative or diagram: Event section—crash report fields or characteristics section Vehicle section—vehicle information, characteristics, events, and consequences of the motor vehicle involved in the traffic crash Person section—person data elements, characteristics, actions, and consequences to the people involved in the crash Remember to provide your signature in the Narrative section even though you are not completing the Narrative section. Number the pages beginning with “page 1 of ___”. Submit the form to DHSMV within 10 days of completing the investigation. Keep a copy with your agency and provide a copy to each driver. ; LE12010.5. Describe how to complete the Florida Traffic Crash Report HSMV 90010S—Short Form HSMV 90010S—Update Form You must update all open traffic crash investigations every 30 days until you close the investigation. Use the Update Form to update information previously recorded on the original traffic crash report using the Long or Short Form. Check the box marked “Update Form” in the upper-left corner. Complete only the appropriate updates, upgrades, or continuing information. Indicate in the Narrative section the updates you made to the report. Examples of new or updated information may include blood-alcohol content (BAC) results, insurance information, any injury status change, hit-and-run follow-up information, or corrections to the original report. Continue the page numbering from the initial report. For example, if the initial report is six pages long, the Update Form begins with page seven. Keep a copy of the Update Form with your agency and provide a copy to each driver. ; LE12010.6. Describe how to complete the Florida Traffic Crash Report HSMV 90010S—Update Form Common Errors Traffic crash report forms are fairly easy to complete; however, officers sometimes make errors, or fail to provide adequate or correct information regarding: intersection type or junction type vehicle-towed indicator first harmful event motor vehicle in transport Florida driver’s license check posted speed limit 486 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 ejection airbag deployment time that the scene was cleared time on scene and time dispatch matching code identifier and code description number for each identifier appropriate box for type of form current addresses; using the address on the driver’s license as current instead of asking the driver(s) for a current address crash date when there is a difference between the crash date and date of report military time as opposed to the 12-hour clock system HSMV Crash Report Number in the proper box or Narrative/Diagram page location of the crash number of road lanes (only travel lanes are counted; turn lanes do not apply) required endorsement for the vehicle operated by the drivers test results for blood-alcohol content (BAC). If you do not know the test results for BAC when you complete the report, enter “pending.” update of BAC testing information when results become known update of the agency case number after the system goes down and then becomes operational ; LE12010.7. List common errors in completing the Florida Traffic Crash Report forms Chapter 12 Traffic Crash Investigations / 487 12 Lesson 11: Manage Unique Traffic Crashes Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will be able to manage traffic crashes that shift from a civil to a criminal investigation and crashes with unique circumstances. Not all traffic crash situations are alike. Some crash scenes may involve unattended vehicles, property damage, or a single moving vehicle or may occur in a gated or private community. Other crash scenes can be the result of a criminal activity, such as a hit-and-run or a DUI driver, or may be part of a different criminal act. Traffic crashes that result in serious bodily injuries or a fatality will challenge your skills and may demand additional law enforcement actions. Shifting From Civil to Criminal Traffic Crash Investigation Initially, you will conduct most crash investigations as a civil investigation. A driver has a statutory duty to make a report and provide information to the officer making the crash report. This information will become part of your civil investigation. At some point in the civil investigation, you may find evidence that could shift to a criminal investigation. You must separate the civil crash investigation from the criminal crash investigation by specifically telling the driver that the civil crash investigation is complete and a criminal crash investigation is beginning. You cannot include any information the driver provided during the civil investigation portion in the criminal investigation portion. You cannot use a driver’s statement from the civil portion of the investigation admitting they drove one of the vehicles, except if there is other evidence that places the driver behind the wheel while committing the crime. Be sure to follow procedural justice when using observations made during the civil investigation. For example, noting odors, balance issues, and slurred speech would be used to support the reasonable suspicion of impairment that led to the criminal investigation. The same statutory duty that requires drivers to provide information during a civil investigation of a traffic crash also prohibits that information from becoming self-incriminating if the civil investigation becomes a criminal investigation. The driver has a legal crash privilege that lets them provide information about the crash to law enforcement without worrying that it will be used against them in a criminal case. You cannot use any driver statements given during the civil investigation portion as evidence in a criminal trial. When you tell the driver that your investigation is changing from a civil to a criminal one, their crash privilege ends. This is known as changing hats. If the driver is no longer free to leave because you are detaining 488 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 them, you must read them their Miranda rights. Questions you asked during the civil investigation that support criminal charges, you must ask again, allowing you to use the new answers as evidence in the criminal investigation. The changing hats rule applies not only to DUI offenses but to any crime revealed during a traffic crash investigation, such as illegal drug possession. ; LE12011.1. Describe how to shift from a non-criminal to a criminal crash investigation Hit-and-Run Vehicle Crash If one of the vehicles involved in a crash leaves the scene, consider this a hit-and-run; based on the elements, this may be a misdemeanor or a felony. If there are witnesses, ask them to describe the fleeing vehicle, the driver, or both. Contact dispatch to initiate a BOLO, if necessary. The following are useful tools to follow up on a hit-and-run investigation: written statements from all witnesses and the victim a description of vehicle damage or unique identifiers the direction the vehicle fled in the BOLO the time that passed between when the hit-and-run driver fled the scene and the officer arrived on the scene license plate information provided by victims or witnesses video if the incident occurred at a video-equipped intersection. Also carefully scan the immediate area to see if there is closed-circuit video on area buildings or businesses. Witnesses may have video of the event on their phones; you may be able to procure that video from them according to your agency policy. debris from the hit-and-run vehicle to help determine the vehicle make and model If the vehicle has remained on the scene and the driver has fled, carefully look for clues of the driver’s presence such as left-behind wallets, purses, purchase receipts, and DNA from airbag deployment. Crash privilege does not apply to hit-and-run suspects. They are not protected under this rule. As a result, you will read Miranda rights to the suspect before you start an interview. ; LE12011.2. Describe how to locate the driver of a hit-and-run incident Traffic Crash Involving Unattended Vehicle or Property Dispatch may send you to the scene of a crash that involves an unattended or parked vehicle damaged during a traffic crash. You should identify the owner of the vehicle and notify them of the damage. Give the license plate number to dispatch, which should be able to provide the owner’s contact information. A traffic crash can also damage roadside property, such as a billboard, fence, or mailbox. Notify the owner of the damaged property by attempting to contact them directly. If the owner is not readily obvious, a witness or neighbor may be able to provide the owner’s name and contact information. If attempts to locate the property owner fail, leave your contact or driver exchange information on the damaged property, on Chapter 12 Traffic Crash Investigations / 489 the door, or send a registered letter to the owner. Dispatch should be able to search property tax or utility records for owner information. ; LE12011.3. Describe how to notify the owner of an unattended vehicle or property damaged from a crash Single-Vehicle Crash Sometimes, when you arrive at the scene of a single-vehicle crash, the driver is outside of the vehicle. Often there is a wheel witness who can establish what happened and identify that the person standing at the scene is the same person who got out from behind the wheel of the vehicle after the crash. When no witness is present, you may have sufficient evidence to prove that the person behind the wheel during the crash is the person outside the vehicle. You may also see evidence inside the vehicle, such as interior damage or skin and blood on deployed airbags that is consistent with that person’s injuries. Searching the vehicle interior is legal under the Carroll doctrine, which gives you permission to search any part of a crash vehicle if probable cause indicates that the vehicle contains evidence of a crime. After providing dispatch with vehicle information, if the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, contact the owner to determine who was driving it. Once you identify the driver, interview them to compare any driver injuries with evidence found in the vehicle, such as bruising from a deployed airbag or a seat belt. If you cannot locate the driver of a crashed vehicle involved in a felony, consider using a canine team to track the driver’s scent from the seat of the vehicle to a potential suspect. ; LE12011.4. Explain how to identify the driver of a single-vehicle crash Traffic Crash Involving a Fatality or Serious Bodily Injury If a traffic crash results in life-threatening injuries or death, protect the scene as you would a crime scene. Do not move any vehicles or objects within the scene. Do not disturb anything inside the vehicle. Maintain scene integrity by immediately securing the area and following the protocols for a crime scene, as described in Chapter 9. Notify your supervisor and request a traffic homicide investigator as dictated by your agency policies and procedures. Sometimes, when the traffic crash involves a death, the crash itself may not be the cause. These situations can be difficult to determine during the initial investigation. However, investigate all crashes involving deaths in the same manner until you discover that an intentional act or a significant medical event caused the traffic crash. An example of an intentional act could be suicide or vehicular homicide. If a significant medical event preceded or contributed to the crash, investigate the scene as a traffic crash until the medical examiner provides a cause of death that is unrelated to the crash. ; LE12011.5. Explain how to manage a traffic crash involving a fatality or serious bodily injury Driver Impairment as the Cause of the Crash Be alert to evidence and indicators of driver impairment from drugs, alcohol, drowsiness, or health problems. If the crash investigation reveals that the driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, end the civil investigation, and exercise the crash report privilege to begin a DUI criminal investigation. ; LE12011.6. Explain how to manage an impaired driver at a crash scene 490 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1