The Traffic Accident Reconstruction Origin -ARnews-

Tolerances in AR calculations

Chris Borelli (sdl@ids.net)
Tue, 5 Aug 1997 08:53:00 -0400 (EDT)

As a reconstructionist, I am often asked to review and critique another
experts report and comment on its validity. It is a job that I do not like
to do because every reconstruction can be challenged. However, I am a firm
believer in using reasonable tolerances of input variables, or at least
knowing how altering each variable will affect your final calculated result.

The most common "problem" I have with other reconstructions is the use of
a single value, example: approach angle= 331 degrees. This is a value that
usually cannot be accurately determined and should be ranged from 320-340
degrees. I feel that even coefficient of friction ranges should be used. At
a VC2000 training class, there were several similar Ford Crown Vics and
Chevy Caprices available for skid tests across the same surface, with
different drivers. However, the measured coefficient of friction results
varied more than you would expect (I do not have the actual results).

Just a reminder to cover all of the possible variable ranges.


Chris Borelli
sdl@ids.net

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