Citation

Arnold DE. Accid. Reconstr. J. 2011; 21(5): 11-19.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Accident Reconstruction Journal)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The rapid clearance of traffic accidents is a key goal of incident management. Reducing the time required by law enforcement officers to complete on-scene investigations of crashes can help achieve this goal. As the price of high-quality digital cameras has declined, more agencies are beginning to use photogrammetry as a method for accident investigation and reconstruction. The investigative time needed for certain crash sites is reduced because taking photographs is quicker and simpler than employing other methods typically used, such as the total station survey method. In photogrammetry, pictures are taken at the site and then brought back to the office and analyzed to obtain measurements of the scene. However, the trade-off for reduced field time and road closure time is increased analysis time. Many law enforcement agencies in Virginia, including the Virginia State Police, use the total station survey method for accident investigation and reconstruction. Its main disadvantages are its relatively high cost and complexity. Because of these factors, it is often the case that only a few systems and trained operators are available. This study seeks to determine if photogrammetry is a valid tool for accident investigation and reconstruction in Virginia. The scope was limited to reviews of the literature and the state of the practice. Findings and conclusions are provided regarding the use of photogrammetry in Virginia and the United States, its advantages and disadvantages, associated legal issues, and its cost. The findings indicate that photogrammetry has great potential, especially in smaller cities and towns that are just initiating accident investigation and reconstruction. However, the advantages and disadvantages of photogrammetry, the higher cost of a total station, and the justifiable reluctance of total station users to change suggests the need for further research. The author recommends that the Virginia Department of Transportation in conjunction with the Virginia State Police undertake case studies of accident investigation and reconstruction at either mock or real crash scenes in which both total station and the most current photogrammetry methods are used and compared.