This video on demand takes a fascinating look into both the science of crash reconstruction and the relationship to those who claim to have witnessed a collision. People in general – and jurors in particular – give great weight to testimony from anyone who witnessed a significant collision and can offer firsthand details regarding the event. Too often the eyewitness may not be providing law enforcement or jurors with the best information available.
We will explore issues surrounding the testimony offered by eyewitnesses, including how and what we actually see (vision), versus how that information is stored by the brain and later recalled or stated as fact in a statement.
The instructor will examine an actual case study of an opposite direction head-on crash that was seen by two eyewitnesses who contradicted each other in their sworn statements and in their court testimony. You will have an opportunity to be an eyewitness to a similar crash, where you will see firsthand how information that is in your sight can be missed or even misremembered and recalled incorrectly.
Topics Include
- Brief history of early crash investigations that relied heavily on eyewitnesses
- How humans see (vision and eyesight), store, and recall information (memory)
- How witnesses who see the exact same event can differ in their recollection, statements and sworn testimony
- Obtaining sworn statements from eyewitnesses
- Techniques to effectively question witnesses
Audience
Law enforcement and private traffic crash investigators, claims adjusters, engineers, attorneys, safety officers, military investigative personnel, and ACTAR candidates
Course Length
2 Hours
Online Details
Online environment: Videos on Demand (VoDs) provide comprehensive, subject-specific information and must be viewed within 30 days upon registration. Once the 30-day period has ended, you may have limited access and be required to re-enroll. Additional fees may apply.
Computer requirements: You will complete the course entirely online. A dependable broadband internet connection with a Windows or Mac computer and Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download) are required.
This course is not eligible for certificate discounts.