THE NECESSITY TO INVESTIGATE THE RECONSTRUCT BUS ACCIDENTS, TECHNIQUES TO BE USED, AND INTERPRETATION OF ACCIDENT INFORMATION

The number of serious bus accidents which have recently occurred in South Africa (one of which resulted in 58 deaths) has brought passenger bus safety to the public's attention. This paper shows that South Africa's statistics in this regard are a source of great concern. The importance of investigating and reconstructing bus accidents is emphasised. Information to be gathered from the road (accident scene), vehicles, occupants and/or eye witnesses, and the equipment necessary to carry out this task effectively, are discussed. The paper also explains how the approach and departure paths of the vehicles involved, the point of impact/area of impact and speeds of accident vehicles can be determined. By means of a case study, it is demonstrated how an actual bus accident is investigated and reconstructed. It is recommended that bus companies obtain the services of accident investigators who, in the case of serious accidents, should proceed to the scene immediately and collect the necessary information. If necessary, a professional accident reconstructionist should also be involved. (a) For the record of the covering entry of this conference, please see IRRD abstract no 868510.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Pagination: p. 367-78

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00729034
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: ARRB
  • ISBN: 0-86856-989-5
  • Files: ITRD, ATRI
  • Created Date: Dec 12 1996 12:00AM