Traffic Crash Investigation Flashcards

When a driver leaves the scene of a crash involving injury or death in Florida, this is known as:

Answer: A hit-and-run offense

Leaving the scene of a crash involving injury or death is a hit-and-run offense, which is a serious felony in Florida.

What is the primary purpose of skid mark analysis at a crash scene?

Answer: Estimate pre-impact vehicle speed

Skid mark analysis allows investigators to estimate the speed of a vehicle before impact using established physics formulas.

Under Florida law, a written crash report is required when property damage exceeds:

Answer: $1,000

Florida law requires a written crash report when property damage is $1,000 or more or when injury or death occurs.

What does the term 'point of impact' mean in crash investigation?

Answer: The spot where two vehicles first contacted each other

The point of impact is the precise location where two or more vehicles (or a vehicle and an object) first made contact.

Which type of evidence at a crash scene is considered most permanent and least subject to change?

Answer: Tire marks on the roadway

Physical evidence such as tire marks on the roadway is considered more permanent and objective compared to testimonial evidence.

In Florida, if a crash results in injury, the involved driver must immediately notify:

Answer: The nearest law enforcement agency

Florida law requires that any crash involving injury or death be immediately reported to the nearest law enforcement agency.

What is a 'yaw mark' as seen during crash investigation?

Answer: A curved tire mark left when a vehicle slides sideways while turning

Yaw marks are curved tire marks produced when a vehicle slides sideways, indicating the vehicle was turning and losing lateral traction.