IRTE

IRTE
Launches
CrashLab2
India's First Mobile Collision Analysis & Research Laboratory

Out of the estimated 1.4 million serous road accidents/collisions occurring annually in India, hardly 0.4 million are recorded. Further, only a minimal percentage of these collisions are scientifically investigated, in the absence of which, the real causes and consequences are never known. Therefore remedial measures as well as punishment for the violators are also arbitrary. On account of various political and socio-economic conditions, generally, the larger vehicles are often labeled the culprit in cases of vehicle-to-vehicle crashes. Where there is a pedestrian or a cyclist involved, generally the motor vehicle is blamed. The law and order police, who do not have adequate knowledge of dynamics of motion, vehicle design, basic motor vehicle laws, right of way etc, investigate the collisions. Results of such investigations therefore become hypothetical.

Road safety can only be improved when we understand the causes and consequences of road accidents/collisions so as to work out remedial measures.

After a collision occurs it is important to obtain and record all the physical evidence and information relating to the collision before any such evidence is destroyed/ tampered with or lost due to the traffic and other external variables.

Evidence collection includes measurement and description of tyre marks and debris, location of post collision position of vehicles and victims as well as damage to the vehicles etc and street furniture. It is also important to record road and weather conditions, condition and operation of traffic control devices and street lights etc.

The platform for the CrashLab2 is a Chevrolet Tavera Diesel MUV, which has been exclusively customized and equipped with the latest technological innovations to enable recording of the necessary evidence form the collision scene.

Subsequent evidence such as measurement of gradients and road cambers, full vehicle examination as well as analysis of injuries is also required.

Other information which need not form a part of the collision investigation by such a laboratory would be that of witness statements, documents evaluation etc which are collected by the investigating officer of the police

IRTE has taken the initiative to set up the Second Mobile Accident Investigation & Road Safety Reconnaissance Laboratory, with a vision to revolutionize scientific collision investigation in the country and to support the police and other investigating authorities in determining the actual causes and consequences of such collisions.

CrashLab is a technological innovation of the IRTE in-house research wing. This mobile laboratory has been customized and produced by Messrs Integra.

CrashLab2 has been designed in a manner to be a multipurpose vehicle and also to conduct the following in addition to collision investigation:

CrashLab2 features a high resolution digital video and still camera with high optical zoom mounted on remote controlled pan & tilt device on an electro-pneumatic retractable mast, which can be elevated to a height of over 12ft. to take critical shots of the collision form a strategically high view angle. A pair of high intensity spotlamps in synchronism with the camera enables quality images/video recordings even during dusk/night operation. CrashLab2 also features Light from Laser device for speed measurement and digital motion video and still recording.

CrashLab2 is also designed to use the latest Global Positioning System (GPS), the instrumentation of which has already been incorporated in the features of the CrashLab2 for ascertaining the true location of the collision scene. It also features the latest software that can process intricate data to reconstruct collisions using analysis software's such as 'PC Crash' and 'Via Net', which help in simulation of collision as well as their analysis. The images documented by CrashLab2 can be uploaded directly to the Police Control Room or IRTE through the internet.

CrashLab2 has assorted gauges, scales compass, tools and aids for measuring parameters such as tyre tread depths, ambient temperature & humidity, direction, reflectivity, luminosity, linear parameters, time, elevation and speed as well as a breath alcohol.
The objective of developing this multi featured CrashLab2 is to support the enforcement and accident investigation agencies in investigating collisions in the most scientific manner. Only through such a methodology can the true causes and consequences of collisions be known. Knowledge of such information can help authorities take proper remedial measures. This is the beginning of infrastructure development in the area of collision investigation towards road safety management.

Highlights at a glance
1. Long range operation durability.
2. On board high capacity self- reliant auxiliary power supply system.
3. Electronic on-board auxiliary power recharging system.
4. All front seating on moving mode for crew endurance and safety.
5. High capacity twin air-conditioning for equipment compliance and crew endurance & efficiency.
6. Alldigital photography, still and video capture and recording.
7. Recording on Hard Disk, DVD, DV-Tape or SD Card memory.
8. Halogen powered Night illumination system at 12 feet from ground for night/dusk photography.
9. Automated electro-pneumatic roof mounted retractable scan system with wired and wireless remote control.
10. 360 degrees panning + servo tilt capability.
11. High zoom, high resolution digital image capture.
12. Large flip down LCD monitor.
13. Latest LightFama-517/DV laser based speed digital video and digital still documentation system.
14. Spot video printing of digital images/digital video frames on monochrome printer. (Option)
15. Breath Alcohol test and print.