News and Events
29th Annual Special Problems in Traffic Crash Reconstruction
PSFM Co-Sponsors NAPARS 25th Anniversary Combined Conference
PSFM was invited by NAPARS to participate as a co-sponsor of their 25th Anniversary Combined Conference held at the Grand Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland, during the week of October 5-9, 2009. During the conference, it was the responsibility of PSFM to provide a one hour presentation on forensic mapping and to map the crash site and crash results.
Our first task was handled by PSFM’s newest affiliated member, Dave Brown, P.E., who presented a one-hour segment on the use of aerial photographs to supplement forensic mapping data and in some cases, due to difficult locations, replace the mapping process with just a few measurements. His presentation also covered the ‘how-to’ scale an aerial photograph using pixels, size and align a photograph and then bring it into a CAD diagram. The only compliant heard on his presentation was it was too short. It has also been suggested that he give a more in-depth presentation on this topic at some future gathering.
On the day of the scheduled ‘BIG’ crash, PSFM’s mapping team (Jim Moore, Ron Jack, Dennis Payne, Dave Brown, Arnie Wheat and new auxiliary member, Joyce Veppert) arrived early at the track, set up and began mapping the airport taxiway where the crash would occur. We had a beautiful day with moderate winds so after setting up, we documented a lot more of the geometry than necessary, but we were having fun and because we could. This turned out to be a plus, because the actual crash occurred further away than originally expected. After documenting the crash site, the data recorder was downloaded (via blue tooth) and then we set up for the crash.
During lull in the activity, Dave Brown found a pilot who agreed to do a fly over and take aerial photos of the track for a reasonable amount. Since we had a quorum of the BOD present, a quick meeting was held and it was agreed that PSFM would cover the expense of the aerial photos. When the pilot arrived, he determined that it was too windy to attempt the low altitude fly over for photos. Dave was in hopes of using the local aerial photo and the scene diagram in his presentation. Oh well, it was a good thought and we tried.
Next came the ‘BIG’ crash. Wade Bartlett, driving a relic of an 18-wheeler at about 35 mph, crashed front left corner into the front right corner of an older Chevy Sierra pickup entering his path of travel at approximately 2 mph and at an angle of approximately 30 degrees +/-. Wade had to chase the pickup down to hit it and once done, the results were spectacular. Post-crash, the 18-wheeler got into a grassy area and I’m sure created a few tense seconds for Wade. The team documented the resultant tire marks, gouge marks, tire furrows and final rest positions of the units. It was interesting to see all the ‘experts’ at work.
The pre- and post-crash data was combined and the data and diagram were provided to various presenters for their evaluation and respective presentations.
Special thanks go to Ron Jack, for agreeing to drive down from Maine with his mapping equipment and to Dennis Payne, for his recertification program using a power-point presentation that he has been developing over the past year.
And a big thank you goes to NAPARS and its affiliate organizations for allowing PSFM to participate in their 2009 Annual Combined Conference. Hopefully, PSFM will be involved in future conferences…….we had fun at this one.
PSFM is a co-sponsor of the October 5-9, 2009, NAPARS - 25th Anniversary Conference, in Ocean City, Maryland. PSFM is responsible for mapping the various crashes and preparing CAD workups for each. click here
PSFM's re-certification class and test will also be held during the conference - date, time and location will be posted and announced on the first day of the conference.
April 23, 2007
The annual general meeting of PSFM was held at IPTM’s Special Problems 2007 in Jacksonville, FL. At the conclusion of the meeting, a Forensic Mapping Recertification class was held for all interested members. Our own Dennis Payne reviewed proper forensic mapping principles and at the conclusion of the class, a test was administered. Those passing the test were issued a FM recertification certificate from PSFM.
Another chance at this update course is planned for Special Problems 2008. This course is also designed to be offered at various reconstruction seminars and association meetings throughout the year. Any group interested in hosting the class at their conference should contact a member of the PSFM board.
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