Publication

Executive summary - Crash investigation has been established for some time as a method for gaining an understanding of the causes and consequences of crashes. In-depth accident investigations aim to reveal detailed and factual information from an independent perspective on what happens in a crash. This information is useful to all the stakeholders in the public and private sector including vehicle manufacturers; road and enforcement authorities; insurance and certification bodies; as well as legislators and policymakers. These investigations are conducted by trained experts from multiple disciplines to collect as much useful information as possible, to be of maximum benefit in answering current research questions and any that may arise in the future. DaCoTA Work Package 2 (WP2) was tasked with building a functioning Pan-European In-Depth Accident Investigation Network. WP2 formulated a common methodology for research accident investigation and identifying and training new research teams across Europe. The main goal for WP2 was to harmonize in-depth crash investigation protocols and, at an EU level, identify and train crash investigation teams who will prepare for investigations according to these harmonized protocols. The in-depth accident investigation process first requires investigators to make observations and gather information before going on to analyse the information to understand what happened and why. The methodology therefore covers both the collection of data and case analyses. Data collection involves a wide range of activities such as making notes, measurements, interviewing people, collecting injury details from hospitals, taking photographs and possibly making video recordings. Case analysis includes identifying and coding how and why events such as collisions between road users or injuries to road users occurred, and more specific analyses are involved, for example, to calculate vehicle speeds. The Pan-European In-depth Accident Investigation Network (the “Network”) is made up of 22 investigating teams who are all based in 19 different European countries. A number of the teams now have the arrangements and infrastructure in place to continue investigations after the end of DaCoTA, which was very promising for the future of in-depth data collection in Europe. A training package was created and delivered by the DaCoTA partners to facilitate the training of investigation teams. One of the tools provided to the Pan-European In-depth Accident Investigation Network teams is the DaCoTA crash investigation system. The DaCoTA crash investigation system is composed of two components, the database web application and the online manual. The database web application has been developed in order to securely store in-depth accident data in a harmonized way; analyse and filter the accidents collected; facilitate the secure exchange of the data collected and the analysis results among the partners involved. In the database, there is a direct link between each variable and the online manual in order to get more information about the variable, how to measure it in the field and how to code it in the database. The online manual has been developed with the aims of providing a location for the DaCoTA in-depth road accident investigation methodology and informing the scope, characteristics and practical requirements of the methodology. Beside the information about the variables the online manual provides an overview of the DaCoTA methodology, information on secure and safe data collection in the field and forms and documents for data collection. A Europe-wide in-depth pilot study was conducted. This was the first time that 22 partners from 19 European countries collaborated on such a scale. Every team in the network investigated five accident cases and inputted the data on these cases into the database. The review process that followed was divided into two parts: a case review performed by the core experienced teams and a questionnaire to collect feedback from the teams after using the system. In total, 99 cases were investigated and 77 were entered into the database. On-scene investigations made up the majority of cases entered (46) while a smaller number of cases where investigated retrospectively (31). The results of this Pilot Study were used to further refine and improve the data collection methodology and make recommendations for future in depth investigation activities. In conclusion, a comprehensive in-depth accident investigation methodology has been developed and tested as part of a full system ready for Europe-wide implementation. The participation and successful entry of cases by most of the team members is very encouraging for a future expanded network, especially after the feedback from this exercise was incorporated into the system. Beyond this project, a vision for the whole network has developed with the following: Common methodology (achieved), Investigating team network (achieved), Key operational requirements (achieved), Business model (still pending), Up to date research objectives (on-going). Once the business model is in place this will enable the continued collection of in-depth data that can answer key research questions for all stakeholders and help Europe maintain a lead in road transport safety.