LEGAL ASPECTS OF SKIDMARKS IN TRAFFIC CASES

Skidmarks have numerous uses as evidence to establish circumstances in cases involving vehicles and traffic accidents. Evidence of skidmarks has been admitted to establish vehicle speeds, the position of vehicles in improper lanes, the use of brakes, points of impact, and other factors which contribute to the reconstruction of events in accidents. Rules governing the qualifications and testimony of both expert and lay witnesses are outlined. Court decisions on the use of pictures and diagrams of skidmarks to aid witness descriptions are explored, as well as rulings on skidmark photographs and official charts of distances. Finally, it is stressed that the police officer who investigates accident scenes must accurately measure and record skidmarks in order to provide the best basis for their use as impartial evidence and proof. /SNI/

• Corporate Authors:

  Northwestern University, Evanston

  Traffic Institute, 405 Church Street
  Evanston, IL  United States  60208
• Authors:
  • Rifas, R A
• Publication Date: 1970

Media Info

• Pagination: 26 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Evidence; Expert evidence; Legal factors; Motor vehicles; Reconstruction; Skids; Speed; Traffic crashes; Traffic speed
• Old TRIS Terms: Expert testimony
• Subject Areas: Highways; Law; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00141754
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Criminal Justice Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: Report 1027
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 4 1977 12:00AM