Basic Collision Scene Investigation

Basic Collision Scene Investigation Course (Level 2)

What’s included in the course fee

Course attendance
Basic Collision Investigation Manual
Drawing of two plans to scale
Day and Night photography
Presentations
Coffee/Tea and luncheons

Objectives

Attendees are prepared to be able to:

Collect and accurately record the evidence and information on the collision scene
Communicate the information in an effective manner, so that the court will be able to properly understand this information
Placed in position to identify the contributing factors relevant to the incident
Identify critical factors that should be analysed by an expert

Target Audience

This basic course is designed for:

Law enforcement officers (SAPS, Metro police, Traffic, Military)
Risk managers and risk assessors
Assessors / Loss Adjusters / Insurance companies
Legal firms, Road Accident Fund
Emergency services
Vehicle manufacturers
Road engineers / consultants

Scope of the Course

Introduction to collision investigation

Information from road
Information from vehicles
Information from people

Relevant sections of the criminal procedure act

Exhibits,
Search and seizure
Experts
Intoxicated driving

Collision scene photography

Introduction to light and photography
Cameras, functions and use
Basic photography techniques and procedures

Introduction to Expert Investigation

Vehicle (Including vehicle components and systems, brakes, steering, etc.)
Scene
Tyre marks
Lamps
Introduction to Tyre analysis
Introduction to Failure analysis

Collision scene measuring and drawing of plan

The rough sketch
Sketch plans and Plans

Investigation Procedure

Safeguard procedures
Protecting the scene and exhibits
Collection of exhibits
Packaging
Handing in for analysis

Introduction to Speed Calculations

Energy and momentum
Speed from straight skids
Speed from yaw marks

Investigation – heavy/articulated vehicles (trucks & buses)

Outcomes

Safeguard the collision scene, himself and other road users according to set safety standards
Made aware of incidents involving Dangerous Goods
Know and understand the applicable sections of the Criminal Procedure Act and the Road Traffic Act
Follow the correct procedures during the investigation of the collision scene
Follow the correct procedures during the investigation of vehicles involved
Follow the correct procedure during the arrest of the driver suspected of driving under the influence
Know and understand and convey(describe) the influencing and contributing factors in a collision situation (Tyre marks, scratches and gouges, vehicle factors, lights of vehicles, component failure, simple speed calculation, visibility, rain, sight angles, road markings, signage and other relevant factors)
Photograph the complete collision scene and exhibits during all reigning light conditions
Draw a rough sketch, sketch plan and an accurate plan of the collision scene to scale
Correct procedure to collect the relevant exhibits for further investigation
Complete the AR (correctly)
Open and Register criminal case docket
Interview witnesses and take statements
Prepare an A1 statement for the case docket
Compile a photo album, scale plan and key to photo album and plan

Prerequisites for Entry

As prerequisite to the Basic Course, the candidates must:

Be in possession of a Grade 12 certificate or equivalent certificate

This course is a prerequisite to the Advanced Collision Scene Investigation and Analysis Course (Level 3)

Course Presenters

	Konrad Walter Lötter
	Managing Director: Du Métier (PTY) Ltd.
	B.Eng.(Mech.) UP
	Konrad worked in SAPS from 1992-12-01 to 1999-07-31 as Forensic Engineer. As Managing Director, he started his own forensic engineering company in 1999, namely Du Métier (PTY) LTD. His work includes the investigation and analysis of collisions (road traffic collisions and industrial accidents).

He has been an expert witness in various criminal and civil matters. He is a member of the Forensic Engineering Standards Generating Group (SGG) at the Engineering Council of South Africa. Konrad has presented a number of courses, including SAPS Vehicle Examiners Course, Basic Collision investigation, Advanced Collision investigation, Collision Reconstruction. Over the years, Konrad provided training to a number of Provincial Traffic authorities, the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory and SAPS collision units. He also assisted the Department of Transport in road safety planning.

	Paul Nicholas Blackburn
	Director, Du Métier (PTY) Ltd.
	National Certificate: Police Administration
	Paul started his career in the South African Police Services in 1986. In 1994, he became the Commander of the Accident Unit at SAPS Pretoria Central, a position he held until 1999, before joining Du Métier (PTY) LTD in 2000.

His work includes the investigation and analysis of collisions (road traffic collisions) and fires (mechanical). He has been an expert witness in various criminal and civil matters. Paul has presented a number of courses, including Basic Collision investigation, Advanced Collision Investigation, Collision Reconstruction. Over the years, Paul provided training to a number of Provincial Traffic authorities, the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory and SAPS collision units. He also assisted the Department of Transport in road safety planning.