Gulfstream Technical Accident Investigators

Updated 4/25/96

Gulfstream Technical Accident Investigators are a loose association of representatives from city, county, state government and private consulting engineers. The two common threads among its members are living in southeast Florida, and an interest in Accident Investigation. There are no regularly scheduled meetings, dues or officers.

We generally hold one training event per year with a focus on one specific topic.

1992

In 1992, in association with Indian River Community College we conducted a "crash day". Many low speed (within bumper design limits) rear end collisions were staged. This gave those attending an opportunity to witness the collision then examine the vehicles for the evidence.

The focus of the day was a T-bone collision between a 1980 Chevrolet Caprice (the bullet) and a 1978 Omni. Although everyone witnessed the collision the speed of the Caprice was blind to the class. Small working groups collected their evidence then chose an approach for a speed estimate. Each group made a presentation to the class, then the radar documented speed was revealed.

1995

In 1995, in association with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Training Bureau, we conducted a test day to develop a strategy for finding evidence of Anti Lock Braking System tiremarks on the roadway. Accident Investigators from across the area were invited to watch the marks being left, then make their subjective observations. At the end of the day we pooled our observations and made some recommendations for finding these marks at future accident scenes. The results of those tests are available in TARO.

1996

    NEW

  • A Class entitled "The g-Analyst as an AI tool" is planned for July 2nd 1996. The class will run from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Registration and reservations can be made by contacting the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Training Bureau at 407 688 3565. Ask for Rhonda Strenges

  • The 1996 test day is still in the works. It will be another "crash day". Preliminary plans call for another staged two car collision. We would also like to drop a car from a crane to simulate a frontal barrier collision. These test speeds will be blind to the class.

    In an attempt to bring the combined members resources to bear on another problem. We will conduct many minor sideswipe collisions. The question posed is: can we tell the force direction from the evidence? If so, what do we look for?

The details of the class and gathering of resources are still being worked out. If you would like to add a suggestion feel free to E-mail one of the below contacts.

For further information you can write Kerry Fleming at kerryf@flite.net or Bob Wright bwright@treco.net

Last updated 1/12/96