ACTAR Evidence Documentation & Interpretation 3

Question 1

Which type of skid mark pattern is most indicative of a vehicle in a yaw (sideslip) condition?

Accepted Answer

Curved marks with striated edges showing sidewise scrubbing

Answer

Yaw marks appear as curved striations caused by the tire scrubbing sideways across the pavement, distinguishing them from straight locked-wheel skid marks.

Question 2

When documenting crash scene evidence with 3D laser scanning (LiDAR), what critical metadata must be recorded alongside the scan data?

Accepted Answer

Scanner position coordinates, date/time, atmospheric conditions, and scene reference points

Answer

Proper LiDAR documentation requires recording scanner position coordinates, date and time of capture, atmospheric conditions affecting accuracy, and reference control points for registration.

Question 3

A fluid trail leading from a crash scene to the vehicle's final rest position most reliably documents what?

Accepted Answer

The post-impact travel path of the leaking vehicle

Answer

A fluid trail begins at the point of impact where a fluid-carrying component is ruptured and traces the vehicle's movement path to its final rest position.

Question 4

In accident reconstruction evidence documentation, 'triangulation' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Locating a point by measuring distances from two known reference points

Answer

Triangulation is a surveying method that locates a point by measuring its distance from at least two established reference points, fixing its position on the diagram.

Question 5

When should scene measurements for a serious crash reconstruction ideally be taken?

Accepted Answer

As soon as possible before the scene is disturbed or altered

Answer

Measurements should be taken as soon as safely possible because evidence degrades rapidly due to traffic, weather, cleaning operations, and time.

(ACTAR) Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstructionist Practice Test

(ACTAR) Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstructionist Practice Test

ACTAR Evidence Documentation & Interpretation 3