Citation

Melcher D, Armstrong J. Collision 2007; 2(2): 82-90.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Collision Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Although the reconstruction of accidents in normal daylight roadway conditions is routine for most accident reconstructionists, specialized understanding and analysis are required for reconstructing pedestrian collisions occurring in nighttime environments. This paper synthesizes the knowledge base and methodology that can be used by practitioners investigating and reconstructing these collisions. Basic collision reconstruction techniques, when combined with knowledge derived from transportation safety studies, can help investigators numerically and qualitatively understand the events leading up to nighttime pedestrian collisions. Road and traffic control factors, vehicle factors, driver factors, and pedestrian factors are all considered, especially factors related to sight distance obstructions, glare and complexity of the environment, pedestrian clothing and contrast, and driver expectancy.