Case Studies

What happened: A collision occurred at a railway crossing, when the driver of a Dodge Daytona reportedly did not see the approaching train in time to stop the vehicle before the railway crossing.

Our investigation: We examined the accident site, completing a topographical map including the surrounding obstructions, such as trees, which reduced the sightline significantly below Transport Canada recommendations. Also, icy conditions on the road were reported at the time of the accident. We also timed the speed of trains at the site, and conducted a time and distance analysis.

Our conclusion: The driver could not detect the train in time to bring the vehicle to a stop safely. If the driver had reduced speed to below 30 km/h, or had the train been travelling 10 km/h slower, the accident could have been avoided.

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What happened: A car became stuck in a snowbank after trying unsuccessfully to gain access to a private road. The car was partially obstructed by a hill, and was hit by a snowmobile.

Our investigation: We were asked to perform a full accident reconstruction, including speed and sightline analyses for the snowmobile. In addition to inspecting the site, we used the police report, photographs, and witness statements to perform our reconstruction. Skid marks left by the snowmobile were shown to be 70 meters long. Therefore, we were able to estimate the vehicle's travelling speed to be 90 km/h.

Our conclusion: The snowmobile was travelling in excess of the 50 km/h speed limit for snowmobiles, as stipulated in the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act. Had the vehicle been doing the speed limit, the accident would have been avoidable.

Please note: We received this file the summer following the accident. Our site photos were taken at that time.

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What happened: Two motor boats collided shortly after midnight on an overcast night. All on board both boats sustained injuries.

Our investigation: We were retained to investigate whether the accident could have been avoided. According to witnesses, one of the boats did not have any lights on, while the second boat was using navigation lights. Even if the first boat was not using its navigation lights, there were still lights on inside the boat. We also investigated the glare of the lights on the water and its possible effect on the driver of the boat that had no lights on, but determined that this was not a factor.

Our conclusion: The collision occurred when the first boat attempted to cross ahead of the second boat, contrary to the Canadian Coast Guard's Operating Instructions. Due to the lack of lights, the second boat failed to see the first boat until it was too late.

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What happened: The driver of a northbound Pontiac Sunfire lost control and crossed over into the southbound lane. It was struck on the left side by a southbound Chevrolet van. The Sunfire spun around such that a northbound Plymouth Barracuda struck the Sunfire again on the left side. The driver and left rear passenger of the Sunfire were killed.

Our investigation: We were asked to reconstruct the accident, examine the sight lines available to all three drivers, determine the cause, estimate the vehicle pre-impact speeds, and perform an occupant seat belt usage assessment. All three vehicles were found to be in good mechanical order, and the tires were also in good condition. When Environment Canada reports were examined, it was found that thick fog was present at the time of the accident.

Our conclusion: It was determined that the fog caused the Sunfire driver to lose sight of the road. He accidentally veered onto the gravel shoulder, overcorrected, and lost control.

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