FLHSMV Traffic Crash Investigation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a driver leaves the scene of a crash involving injury or death in Florida, this is known as:
- A minor traffic infraction
- A hit-and-run offense (Correct answer)
- Reckless abandonment
- Negligent departure
Correct 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.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of skid mark analysis at a crash scene?
- Determine vehicle color
- Estimate pre-impact vehicle speed (Correct answer)
- Identify the vehicle owner
- Assess road quality
Correct answer: Estimate pre-impact vehicle speed
Skid mark analysis allows investigators to estimate the speed of a vehicle before impact using established physics formulas.
Question 3: Under Florida law, a written crash report is required when property damage exceeds:
- $250
- $500
- $1,000 (Correct answer)
- $2,500
Correct answer: $1,000
Florida law requires a written crash report when property damage is $1,000 or more or when injury or death occurs.
Question 4: What does the term 'point of impact' mean in crash investigation?
- The location where a vehicle came to rest
- The spot where two vehicles first contacted each other (Correct answer)
- The area where debris is found
- The position of the traffic control device
Correct 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.
Question 5: Which type of evidence at a crash scene is considered most permanent and least subject to change?
- Witness statements
- Tire marks on the roadway (Correct answer)
- Driver admissions
- Traffic camera footage
Correct 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.
Question 6: In Florida, if a crash results in injury, the involved driver must immediately notify:
- Their insurance company only
- The nearest law enforcement agency (Correct answer)
- The Florida DMV online portal
- A licensed crash reconstructionist
Correct 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.
Question 7: What is a 'yaw mark' as seen during crash investigation?
- A tire mark made during hard braking with wheels locked
- A curved tire mark left when a vehicle slides sideways while turning (Correct answer)
- A mark left by an airbag deployment
- A paint transfer mark between vehicles
Correct 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.
FLHSMV Traffic Crash Investigation 2
When a driver leaves the scene of a crash involving injury or death in Florida, this is known as: