Evidence Collection Flashcards
7 cards from real ACTAR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Evidence Collection flashcards as text
When using total station surveying equipment at a crash scene, what datum point should ideally be used as the reference origin?
Answer: A fixed permanent feature not involved in the crash
A permanent, stable feature such as a utility pole base, monument, or building corner provides a reproducible reference for future measurements.
At a night crash scene, a reconstructionist wants to document lighting conditions at the time of the incident. Which evidence type is MOST probative for this purpose?
Answer: Streetlight maintenance records and lumen output data
Official streetlight maintenance records document operational status and light output, providing objective, verifiable evidence of illumination at the crash time.
A scuff mark left by a tire that is still rotating differs from a locked-wheel skid mark primarily in:
Answer: The direction of striations within the mark
Scuff marks from a rotating but side-slipping tire show lateral striations, while locked-wheel skids show longitudinal striations aligned with the direction of travel.
When collecting paint transfer evidence from a vehicle involved in a side-swipe collision, the reconstructionist should prioritize:
Answer: Photographing the transfer before any collection and noting layer sequence
Photographing paint transfer before collection preserves spatial context, and documenting layer sequence helps determine contact direction and vehicle identification.
Which measurement technique is BEST suited for accurately documenting the three-dimensional position of debris scatter at a large crash scene?
Answer: Total station or 3D laser scanner with GPS ground control
Total stations and 3D laser scanners provide precise XYZ coordinates for each debris item, enabling accurate reconstruction of the scatter field in three dimensions.
When a crash occurs on a highway with electronic traffic monitoring, which data source can document pre-crash vehicle speeds with the highest objectivity?
Answer: Loop detector or radar speed sensor data archived by the traffic management center
Highway traffic management systems archive loop detector and radar speed data with timestamps, providing objective speed measurements independent of human perception.
After a crash involving a commercial vehicle, which document must a reconstructionist obtain to establish pre-crash vehicle condition and maintenance history?
Answer: FMCSA inspection records and the vehicle maintenance file
FMCSA regulations require carriers to maintain inspection, repair, and maintenance records, which document brake, tire, and safety system condition prior to the crash.