In this module students will study many of the concepts involved in the investigation of vehicle accidents. Motor vehicle collision investigation and the road traffic act in the main will be used as a teaching tool, but case examples will identify transferable skills to other types of accident investigation. The procedures of officers attending reportable road traffic accidents and the relevant offences will be addressed.

The importance of both mechanical failure and the contributions of individuals will be outlined along with the mathematical reconstruction of collisions. Mathematical/physical concepts such as the three laws of motion; in particular the conservation of momentum, will be utilised to establish such information as the speed of a vehicle or vehicles prior to road traffic accidents.

Online materials and exercises will support the theoretical principles of the techniques, illustrating the collection and processing of data.

Exam 1 - This will require students to utilise mathematical reconstruction techniques, and the ability to appropriately interpret and evaluate the information these provide. This will require students to utilise the ability to appropriately interpret and evaluate the information provide by scene relevant information. (learning outcomes 1-2)

Exam 2 - This will require students to utilise the ability to appropriately interpret and evaluate the information provide by scene relevant information. Scenario based questions will encourage judgement of techniques used based on the limitations of the available techniques, and case specific information. (learning outcomes 2-3)

Several short formative activities will be used to provide feedback towards the class tests. These may include scenarios, short reports or calculations, which may be submitted for feedback on interpretation and communication of collision scenes.

Interactive lectures (13 x 2h) will explain scientific concepts and investigative techniques.
Face to face tutorials/demonstrations (12 x 1h) will also be used to provide additional support with regards to the collision investigation calculations and investigative techniques, applying these to fictitious scenarios.
Formative practical (1 x 3h) will involve applying the techniques to a fictitious scenario.

Blackboard support will be utilised, this being largely tutorial based activities, and will include the previously mentioned formative activities.


The remaining 179 hours of independent study will involve directed reading, revision and production of formative activities.

1. UNDERSTAND THE THEORY AND PRINCIPLES THAT UNDERPIN INVESTIGATION OF VEHICLE ACCIDENTS, INCLUDING USING MATHEMATICAL EQUATIONS TO ESTABLISH SPEEDS OF VEHICLE(S) PRIOR TO COLLISIONS.

Application, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning

2. MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS ON CHOICE OF INVESTIGATIVE TECHNIQUES BASED ON CASE INFORMATION, BASING SUCH JUDGMENTS ON THE LIMITATIONS OF THE AVAILABLE TECHNIQUES.
Application, Problem Solving

3. INTERPRET, EVALUATE AND COMMUNICATE FINDINGS FROM THE INVESTIGATION OF COLLISION SCENARIOS.

Application, Problem Solving, Communication

Appropriately equipped lecture and tutorial rooms equipped with facilities for PowerPoint and other visual presentations such as OHP, White board.

Cordoned area of carpark to set up practical scenarios. Surveying equipment may also be needed for demonstrations.

Module handbook, access to library and to computers with www and distributed learning access.

Van Kirk, C. (2000) Vehicular Accident Investigation and Reconstruction. CRC press.

College of Policing (2019) Investigating road deaths [Internet]. https://www.app.college.police.uk/app-content/road-policing-2/investigating-road-deaths/

Beafort-Moore, D. (2009) Crime Scene Management (Blackstone’s Practical Policing). Blackstone Press.

Vehicle collisions are a common occurrence, and their effective investigation involves a range of forensic techniques and investigative processes. The more serious collisions are managed by a Lead Investigating Officer who is responsible for appropriately resourcing the scene and the resulting investigation. The module will initially focus on the roles of the collision investigator and vehicle examiner who are responsible for the collection and preservation of evidence and the reconstruction of the collision. Methods which assist in establishing what factors contributed to the collision, whether they be human, mechanical or environmental, will allow greater understanding of how and why collisions occur. The role of the lead investigating officer will be examined, along with others key roles involved in the investigation of the Collison and the policy decisions made during the investigation.