Learn the three categories of accidents, three levels of accident investigation, and basic accident definitions. Introduction and definitions.
Accident prevention and management: Accident prevention begins with the driver during the first stages of hiring. Explore procedures for interviewing, screening, and conducting background checks on driver applicants; driver incentive programs, disciplinary policies and procedures; fatigue and hours of service regulations; company training programs; as well as the role of fleet maintenance in accident prevention.
Managing the police and media: Understand the need to develop relationships with law enforcement organizations, as well as the benefits of a good media relations policy.
Reading and interpreting police accident reports: All states have an accident report form, but very few if any have the identical reporting procedures. Investigate and understand the coding and notations on accident reports.
Data collection at the accident scene: Develop necessary tools to utilize based on the depth of the investigation required; recording evidence and identifying primary vs. secondary evidence; proper photographic documentation of the scene.
Locating and interviewing witnesses: Learn basic questions to ask all witnesses and occupants of involved vehicles and to utilize an accident reporting kit.
Speed estimates: Determine vehicle speed from tire marks, critical speeds of curves, combined speeds, skip and gap skids, drag factors, and test skid procedures.
