Students Guide

Collision Investigation (1-D)

SPVM File # 990827-32
Camil Cyr
Collge de Maisonneuve
Adaptation: Nanouk Par
John Abbott College

Collision Investigation (1-D)

SPVM File # 990827-32
Context
You are just starting a summer job for Montreal Police (SPVM) collision investigators. You assist the investigators in order
to determine, as accurately as possible, the circumstances surrounding collisions (initial velocity of the vehicles involved,
direction vehicles were heading, etc.) in order to take action against drivers at fault under the Criminal Code (dangerous
driving causing death or other charges). The job is demanding and your help is highly appreciated.
The weather is great, its July, and you arrive at the station as your boss tells you, Hey, Rookie, hurry over to Notre-Dame
Street. There has been an accident involving two cars. There are people injured. Listening only to your courage, you rush
(although carefully) to the scene of the accident. Your job is to take photos of the vehicles as they are positioned, and take a
certain number of measurements, including the length of the skid marks and layout of the debris. You immediately draw the
following sketch of the accident and include a few common measurements.

EMBED Word.Picture.8
Your findings are as follows:
Numerous debris (broken glass, plastic, etc.) were found at a distance of 12.25 m from the cars;
The two cars stuck together and there are skid marks over 12.25 m;
There are also skid marks over a distance of 30 m before the debris;
The posted speed limit on this street is 70 km/h;
Other data: m1 = 2.674 kg, m2 = 1.100 kg.

1-D Collision Investigation (Part 1)

A hurried investigator yells out, Hey, Rookie, make yourself useful! Bring the friction block and spring scale, and take the
measurements needed to calculate the pavements coefficient of friction. Confused, but very eager, you take the heavy iron
friction block, covered with tire treads, and the spring scale.

Which parameters can be obtained by using the friction block and spring scale? It can give you the value of the Friction
between the pavement and the friction block and it also gives you the normal force.
Based on this information about the method used, find an equation that allows you to determine the pavements coefficient
of friction.
Force of Friction = (coefficient of friction)(Normal Force)
Complete the three-step cycle to get a clear picture of what we know, what we need to know, and the summary.

Three-Step Cycle
List all the revelant information you have gathered from the problem. Based on this information, state what you need to
know to solve the problem. As new information comes in, you will want to summarize and update the relevant information
you have gathered and ask new questions.
What we know

What we need to know

*Numerous debris (broken *We need to know the

glass,plastic, etc.) were
velocity of vehicle A and B
found at a distance of 12.25 before the collision
meters from the cars

Summary

*The 2 cars stuck together

and there are skid marks
over 12.25 meters
*There are also skid marks
over a distance of 30 meters
before the debris
*The posted speed limit on
this street is 70 kilometers
per hour
*The mass of the first car is
2.674 kilograms and the
mass of the second car is
1.100 kilograms
*The Force of Friction is
equal to 75.8 N and the
coefficient of Friction is equal
to 0.86
*The Normal Force is equal
to 88.2 N
List the following:
Please note: You must complete the Part 1 before proceeding to the Part 2.

1-D Collision Investigation (Part 2)

Here are the two measurements (Fv: vertical force, Fh: horizontal force) that you obtain from the friction block and spring
scale. They will enable you to determine the pavements coefficient of friction.

Fv = 88,2 N

and

Fh = 75,8 N

The investigator returns to you and says, The two drivers arent saying much. The one in the small red car was sent to the
hospital. The driver in the yellow car is still discussing what happened, but nothing is clear! Since you are always willing
to help, you answer, How can I help you, Sir? The investigators face lights up when he hears your proposition, Well,
its that, you see, we must be sure, beyond any doubt, that dangerous driving was involved the judge needs evidence.
We must gather all the necessary evidence. All Im sure of is that, based on the skid marks, the red car was at the stop when
the collision occurred. This a perfect job for an intern! Get to work! I want a full report ASAP. Knowing that this
information will enable the Crown prosecutor to decide whether the driver will be charged under Section 249 (3),
Dangerous driving causing bodily harm, of the Criminal Code, you take your role very seriously and immediately get to
work.
Considering that the accident occurred in a 70km/h zone, what do you suggest to your superior? Press charges for dangerous
driving or not? If the Crown prosecutor asked you to testify in court, how would you clearly explain to the judge and jury
the method used to determine the speed of the driver at fault?
Prepare a short report of your investigation which will include supporting facts and your recommendation.

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PBL/Students Guide - Collision Investigation (1-D) / SPVM File # 990827-32 PAGE \* MERGEFORMAT 5