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BTEC APPLIED SCIENCE: UNIT 11 - Learning Aim B
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UNIT 11 - Learning Aim B
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Matthew HowardUnit 11: Forensic Traffic Collison Investigation
B: Explore how science is used in the road traffic collision investigation process
I am a trainee traffic collision investigator at the highway's agency based in South Mims. My
supervisor has asked me to produce a report into the scientific principles involved in the road
traffic collision investigations you have been involved with. This report will be given to future
new trainees as part of their induction.
Factors affecting reaction time:
There are various things that can slow down a driver's reaction time. Reaction time is the
amount of time between when a driver first becomes aware of a hazard and when they actually
apply the brakes. Significant variables include things like the outside temperature, alcohol,
drugs, and fatigue. A driver's reaction time may be slowed by all of these circumstances, which
may cause a collision.
How science is used in a road traffic investigation:
The use of science in investigating the causes of road traffic collisions is critical in helping to
determine liability and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. By analysing
physical evidence, reconstructing the collision, and examining human behavior, investigators
can gain a better understanding of what happened and take steps to prevent similar incidents
from occurring in the future. Science is often used to establish what the truth is, this is because
science uses facts to determine a specific cause for a road traffic collsion.The science in an
investigation provides a systematic and evidence-based approach to understand the road traffic
incident. Hypotheses are created using science before the final cause of a collision is found out.
Evidence is then gathered to establish which hypothesis is true.
Reaction time is one of the most important scientific factors that is used to conclude the cause
of a road traffic collision. Thie science behind the reaction time of a person is factual, and the
effects of different substances has been significantly researched so the reaction time in every
situation like under the influence of drugs is available to help with an investigation.
Investigators may use physics equations like newtons laws of motion (v= u + a t) to find out the
velocity of the vehicle at the time of the collision and to calculate the amount of force that both
the vehicle and passengers sustained. Physics equations like momentum (p= m v) and the
coefficient of friction (a= μ x g) are also used to figure out aspects of an investigation like the
momentum of a vehicle and the relationship between the wheels on the vehicle and the
surface of the road.
In our investigation it was stated that the sun was in the womans eyes which is why they hit the
cyclist. However, through the use of science it was found out that the sun was located behind
, the driver which shows that she was lying. These scientific equations were also used to figure
out the speed of the vehicles that were involved in the collision.
Overall, the science of a road traffic collision provides accurate results as well as an objective
approach to understanding what happened in a collision coupled with reducing the severity of
future road traffic collisions.
Environmental conditions:
Environmental conditions can significantly affect reaction time in a road traffic collision.
Adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, or snow can reduce visibility and make it more
difficult to react to hazards on the road. Slippery roads can also increase stopping distance,
making it harder to avoid collisions. Other environmental factors that could affect the reaction
time of a driver are trees blocking the road.
Visibility:
Adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, or snow can reduce visibility and make it
harder for drivers to see hazards on the road. Poor lighting conditions, such as driving at night
or in poorly lit areas, can reduce visibility and make it harder for drivers to see hazards on the
road. Obstructions on the road, such as trees, buildings, or other vehicles, can block a driver's
view and make it harder to perceive hazards on the road. Dirty or damaged windshields can
also reduce visibility and make it harder to see hazards on the road.
Alcohol:
Alcohol can significantly affect reaction time in a road traffic collision. When a person consumes
alcohol, it slows down the functioning of the central nervous system, including the brain, which
can impair a person's ability to think, reason, and react quickly. This can make it difficult for a
person to make appropriate decisions while driving, such as recognizing hazards, judging
distances, and responding to traffic signals.
Drugs:
Drugs, both legal and illegal, can significantly affect reaction time in a road traffic collision. Like
alcohol, drugs can impair a person's ability to think, reason, and react quickly, making it difficult
for them to make appropriate decisions while driving. The specific effects of drugs on reaction
time can vary depending on the type of drug, the dosage, and how the drug is consumed. For
example, drugs that depress the central nervous system, such as opioids, can slow down
reaction times and impair coordination. Stimulants, such as cocaine, can increase reaction
times but can also impair judgment and increase risk-taking behavior.
Alertness:
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