How is it performed?

Accident reconstruction is generally performed through the use of elementary physics formulas and data gathering at the scene of the crash. Because speed is the second largest factor in car accidents, according to the Department of Transportation, many reconstructionists first determine a vehicle's pre-impact speed using the following methods: analyzing skid marks, considering drag factors, and using speed equations.

Skid marks

The first element experts often analyze is a skid mark. Skid marks occur when a vehicle brakes abruptly and leaves dark markings behind on the pavement.

Skid marks also help determine stopping distance, which can be defined as the number of feet a vehicle will travel until it comes to a comple stop once the brakes are applied.

To visualize this, consider the following situation. While traveling at 55 miles per hour, a vehicle's stopping distance is 204 feet, and while traveling at 65 miles per hour, a vehicle's stopping distance is 272 feet. Thus, an 18 percent increase in speed (55 to 65) will result in a 33 percent increase in stopping distance, according to the Department of Transportation.

More information: drag factors, yaw marks, and a speed equation.

Next: Who can perform car accident reconstruction? 

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