Determining Initial Speed in Automotive Accident Reconstruction: A Method Based on Energy Expenditure on Vehicle Elastic Elements

• Published in: Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies Vol. 15; pp. 2894 - 2905
• Main Authors: OSORKHUU, Ganjargal, BAYASGALAN, Bayarsaikhan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies 2024
• Subjects: Shock absorber; Traffic accident; Vehicle collision
• DOI: 10.11175/easts.15.2894

To determine the initial speed in automotive accident reconstruction, a variety of data sources including in-vehicle event data recorders (EDRs), traffic cameras, GPS data, computer simulations, photogrammetry, radar detectors, and LIDAR are utilized. Although it is recommended to use accurate methods, traditional methods such as skid marks analysis, crush analysis, witness statements, speedometer analysis, speedometer cable examination, photogrammetry, and speed and distance calculations are still commonly used in Mongolia. This is due to the insufficient development of the intelligent transport system, the age of the vehicles involved in accidents, and a lack of support for modern technology. This research aims to determine the energy spent in transition during the collision of vehicles and to propose a method for determining the initial speed during the collision by calculating the energy spent in the elastic elements of the vehicle when it crosses an obstacle.