Accident Investigation Flashcards
7 cards from real CHP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Accident Investigation flashcards as text
When a traffic collision results in a fatality, which agency must a CHP officer notify as soon as practicable?
Answer: The county coroner or medical examiner
California law requires notification of the county coroner or medical examiner when a traffic collision results in death so they can assume jurisdiction over the decedent.
Under what circumstances does the CHP typically activate its Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT)?
Answer: For serious injury or fatal collisions requiring advanced reconstruction expertise
MAIT is a specialized unit activated for serious injury and fatal collisions where advanced accident reconstruction techniques and expertise are required.
A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) is called to a fatal collision scene. What is the DRE's primary function?
Answer: To evaluate a driver for drug impairment using a 12-step protocol
A DRE uses a structured 12-step evaluation protocol to determine whether a driver is impaired by drugs and, if so, which category of drug is involved.
An Event Data Recorder (EDR) is recovered from a vehicle in a fatal collision. What information can it typically provide?
Answer: Pre-crash vehicle speed, brake application, throttle position, and seatbelt status in seconds before impact
EDRs typically record vehicle dynamics data such as speed, braking, throttle input, and seatbelt status in the 3–5 seconds immediately preceding a crash.
In a multi-vehicle chain reaction collision (Vehicle A strikes B, then B strikes C), how should the officer document the 'primary collision'?
Answer: Identify the first collision in the sequence (A striking B) as the primary collision, with subsequent impacts as secondary
The primary collision is the first impact in the sequence that initiated the chain reaction, and it drives the fault determination and overall report structure.
Which special requirement applies to school bus collision investigations under California law?
Answer: CHP must investigate any school bus collision and the DMV must be notified
California law specifically requires CHP to investigate all school bus collisions and mandates DMV notification, regardless of severity or location.
A collision involves a vehicle transporting hazardous materials that has resulted in a spill. What is the investigating officer's first priority?
Answer: Establishing a safety perimeter and calling for hazmat response before conducting investigation
Hazmat spills create life-safety hazards that take absolute priority — establishing a perimeter and securing hazmat response must occur before any investigation activities begin.