The MUARC-TAC Enhanced Crash Investigation Study: Using Event Data Recorders and Simulated Crash Reconstructions in the Analysis of Crash Causation

Background: Serious Injury (SI) crashes are associated with immense social, economic and personal impacts. Accordingly, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) commissioned MUARC to determine the underlying causes of 400 SI crashes. This paper describes how crash reconstruction techniques are used in the Enhanced Crash Investigation Study (ECIS) to inform a safe systems failure analysis for each case. _x000D_
_x000D_Method: Participants were drivers 18 years and older, recruited whilst inpatients at a major trauma hospital. The ECIS team inspects their crashed vehicle and critically analyses the crash environment. Event Data Recorder (EDR; i.e., black-box) data is acquired from vehicles where possible. Information collected is used to reconstruct and simulate crashes using Human Vehicle and Environment (HVE) software. _x000D_
_x000D_Results: Using two case studies, this paper describes the analytical approach whereby vehicle, scene and EDR data are integrated on a case-by-case basis to determine crash causation and assist in crash reconstruction. Inputs such as speed, reaction times or road friction are varied within the simulation to determine which factor(s) may have influenced crash severity. _x000D_
_x000D_Discussion: The paper highlights the value of using sophisticated crash reconstruction techniques to alter pre-crash characteristics to better understand the benefits of specific countermeasures. Discussion is focussed on how technical difficulties associated with crash reconstruction can be overcome._x000D_
_x000D_Implications: This paper presents a comprehensive and robust method for understanding serious injury crashes with a view of identifying relevant and effective countermeasure options._x000D_