Research Papers (2009 – 2013)

Filename FINAL-PAPER-66.doc
Filesize 1.26 MB
Version 1
Date added April 25, 2014
Downloaded 10 times
Category 2012 CMRSC XXII Banff
Tags Session 7B
Author/Auteur Micky Gilbert, Tom Mueller, Jason Nirvelli

Abstract

This paper compares actual instrumented vehicle testing to real world accidents in an effort to understand what drivers’ actions are in emergency situations. Yaw mark evidence is generally visible on dry pavement when vehicle tires attain slip angles of 8-10 degrees or higher during steering maneuvers. Real world accidents, especially handling-type rollovers (as opposed to impact or other rollovers), often leave multiple tire marks on dry pavement, which can be used to plot the vehicle’s position on a diagram. The same yaw markings can also give information based on relative timing to each other and their character as to what the driver was doing with the steering wheel and/or brakes during the accident sequence. Vehicle dynamic testing produces similar markings when the vehicle is tested to its limits. In this case, however, the vehicle instrumentation can show the exact relationship between the vehicle motion (when the yaw marks are produced) and what the driver inputs were.

Micky Gilbert, Tom Mueller, Jason Nirvelli