Accident Investigation and
Reconstruction
By Ir. Abdul Rahman Baharuddin
Forensic Engineering Division
Road Branch Public Works Department
Accident investigation and reconstruction is the scientific process of
investigating, analysing, and drawing conclusions about the causes and events
during a vehicle collision. In this field, extensive investigations are conducted
to identify the causes and contributing factors in different types of collisions,
including the role of the drivers, vehicles, the roadway and the environment.
Findings from the investigations are used not only during a representation as an
expert witness in a trial but they are also useful in developing recommendations
for safer roads and highways, as well as improving safety aspects of motor
vehicle design.
In view of the wide scope involved in investigative works, this article presents
in general terms the tasks and procedures undertaken by investigators in
conducting accident crash investigations and reconstruction. However, focus is
given to the investigation of the infrastructural aspects of concern and interest
to the Road Branch of the Public Works Department Malaysia (PWD Malaysia).
T
oday, Malaysia records over half a million
road crashes per year. Accident data from
the Malaysian Royal Police showed that the
country registered a death rate of about 22.6
deaths per 100,000 population. Based on the
estimated population of 30 million Malaysians,
about 7,000 to 8,000 people are killed on the road
every year and accidents involving motorcyclists
accounted for slightly over 60% of those killed.
Globally, the average death rate per 100,000
population among developed nations is around 9.3
and the rate for low-income and middle-income
countries is about 24.1 and 18.4 respectively.
Despite some gains made from efforts to reduce
road crashes, the fatality rate on Malaysian roads
is considered to be very high as it is close to the
average rate among low-income nations.
Economically, losses due to vehicular
accidents in Malaysia are estimated to be more
than RM10 billion per annum. This includes lost
wages, legal and medical expenses, funeral
Guardrail enters vehicle
Overturned car
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