Citation

Haight WR. Collision 2011; 6(1): 82-94.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Collision Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The growing inclusion of crash data retrieval (CDR) systems in vehicles presents many challenges and opportunities for accident reconstruction specialists. When crash data retrieval systems first began being installed on vehicles, there was a school of thought that held that the data from these systems would completely replace more traditional methods of accident reconstruction. Others insisted that CDR data could only be used to verify findings from long-established methods. This article discusses the optimal use of CDR data in accident reconstruction that takes into account the specific situation of the accident. Two examples are provided to illustrate the circumstances under which CDR data can be used. Since CDR data now has a long history of general reliability and the limitations of the data are understood, reconstructionists can use their best judgment in including it as a major part of their analysis, or as a supplement. A situationally complete accident analysis may include one or more parameters from a fully vetted CDR report as an important part of the analysis rather than simply as a supplement.