CompuServe Messages

Vernon, The use of computer graphics for accident reconstruction is still a pretty controversial subject. Sometimes it is best used to refute testimony than to uphold it. For instance, if the defendant claims he was driving at 30 mph at the time of collision, it would be fairly easy to discount that by running the numbers through Dynamic Motion Module. If DMM showed the vehicles much closer than actually happened, it is likely that the defendant was moving faster than 30 mph. Dynamic Motion Module is as accurate as programs of this nature can be. There are always some factors that cannot be accounted for, such as the amount of oil on the surface of an asphalt road due to the abnormally hot sun. Also, DMM would be best used with data acquired from the experts, such as engineers and state patrol personnel. In any case, DMM should easily be more effective than traditional means, such as chalkboards, or slides. Plus, a printout of the file would show its accuracy and would stand as accurate based on the factors considered. The bottom line is, DMM should reduce the work and increase the accuracy of these simulations. Brent