Helmet usage

TRL is in the unique position of being able to conduct dynamic testing of helmet performance with our in-house helmet testing laboratory. This enables us to provide a comprehensive service covering everything from seatbelt use to the correct (or incorrect) wearing of helmets.

Vulnerable road users, such as motorcyclists, cyclists, and e-scooter riders, often rely on helmets as their primary form of head protection. At TRL, we apply rigorous forensic methodologies to assess whether a helmet was worn correctly and how effectively it performed.

Our examinations often involve a detailed inspection of the helmet’s external shell, internal liner, chin strap, and retention system. Our investigations could help establish if the helmet absorbed or dissipated impact forces as intended, and whether any contributory factors, like incorrect fastening or pre-existing damage, may have reduced its protective capacity.

Investigating seatbelt use

Seatbelts are proven to reduce the risk of serious injury or fatality, yet questions can arise regarding their use, malfunction, or effectiveness during collisions. Our forensic collision investigators combine vehicle inspections with occupant injury assessments to determine whether seatbelts were worn correctly, or at all, at the time of the incident.

Indicators such as seatbelt burn marks, pre-tensioner activation, and identifiable occupant contact points in the vehicle interior can corroborate seatbelt usage. Conversely, discrepancies in injury patterns or damage to the seatbelt mechanism may suggest improper use or complete non-use. These findings can be vital for determining contributory negligence or evaluating the severity of injuries.

Linking injuries to collision dynamics

Injury causation is rarely a matter of chance: understanding occupant kinematics and the mechanism of injury can confirm how safety devices, or the lack thereof, influenced the severity and nature of harm. Our experts cross-reference medical reports with physical evidence from the collision scene and vehicles. This forensic approach allows us to develop a clear picture of how individuals moved within the vehicle (or outside it, in the case of vulnerable road users) during the impact sequence. By matching injuries to structures within the vehicle or the environment, we can identify precisely how each injury arose.