When is EDR data useful?

Seatbelt determination EDR data can assist with cases where it is important to determine if a seatbelt was being worn at the time of a collision. Historically, this type of investigation involves a physical examination of the seatbelt to identify the presence of the tell-tale signs of seatbelt wear, or to help a biomechanics investigation…

An airbag has exploded inside a car on the drivers' side

Event Data Recorders

by Victoria Eyers What is an Event Data Recorder (EDR)? An EDR is a function of a vehicle’s Airbag Control Module (ACM), which is otherwise known as the Restraint Control Module (RCM). The ACM constantly receives data from various sensors around the car. This allows the module to decide whether the vehicle is experiencing an…

Motorsports and leisure sports incidents

Beyond the glitz of Formula One, many thousands of motorsports enthusiasts participate in events around the country every year in a wide variety of disciplines; be it on two, three or four wheels. Sadly the well-known phrase “Motor Racing can be Dangerous” becomes a reality for some participants, officials, and spectators. It is important that…

close up of horses hooves running on asphalt

Equine collision investigation

Victoria Eyers describes an investigation into a road traffic collision involving horses. In 2015, on the A3 in Surrey, a multi-stage, multi-vehicle collision occurred involving two escaped horses and resulting in fatal injuries to both animals. The passenger of a minicab involved in the collision also received catastrophic injuries. TRL’s expert Victoria Eyers was instructed…

Different approaches to supporting victims: how collision investigators work across industries to provide answers

An unexpected knock on the door by an unfamiliar face wearing a police uniform is the unfortunate reality many people face when someone they know has been the victim of a road crash. Having been through the initial shock, many people are often thrust into a process that involves the police, the courts, and the…

Reflecting on the historic pioneering approaches of TRL

As the 25th anniversary approaches of the fatal collision involving Diana, Princess of Wales and Dodi Al Fayed, our expert Iwan Parry reflects on TRL’s role in the investigation and the pioneering approach which not only provided much needed answers but also advanced collision investigation methodologies as a whole.