The investigation of large truck crashes can be complex and overwhelming for inexperienced or inadequately trained personnel. Past practices have shown that some truck crash investigations have been conducted inadequately, producing erroneous and incomplete information. Some reasons for this are the complex systems and advanced technology in modern trucks that are not processed at the crash scene or the follow-up reconstruction effort. The statistics of approximately 100 people killed each week across the country and vast numbers of serious injuries and 409,000 police reports of crashes involving large trucks in 2001 dictates that adequate training and procedures are used so thorough investigations are completed using all data available.

Some very important items often overlooked in truck crashes are the "OBC" on board computer system and "GPS" global positioning satellite systems used on approximately 70% of modern carriers fleet. Another feature overlooked is the "ECM" engine control modules and "ABS" anti-lock brake system modules that have been on most large trucks since the late 1990's. The "GPS" and "OBC" are used to monitor drivers, freight, positions of equipment, communications, hours of service, fuel consumption, dispatch, maintenance, driver activities and truck operation and build data reports into the trucking computer systems that are used during the normal course of business in the trucking industry and can be available to assist in crash reconstruction. "ECM" and "ABS" modules are systems built into the truck's electrical system that record and store information on the trucks operation including speed, distance brake usage and diagnostics of both engine and brake system.

Depending on type of system used and data computed, this information is invaluable to crash reconstruction efforts. Each system develops reports in multiple formats that can be deciphered for indisputable information that can prove or disprove action of the driver or vehicle involved in a crash. These systems are similar to an airplane's " black box". This article gives examples and explanations of items of importance that need to be addressed and data that may be available in these systems for use in large truck crash reconstruction.

1.Identify vehicles, both trucks and trailers - serial numbers, gross vehicle weight ratings {GVWR}, date of manufacture model numbers, company numbers, fuel tax sticker {IFTA}, DOT numbers and ICC/MC numbers.

2.Complete photos of vehicles, truck and trailer, not just damaged areas. Photos of crash scene and pavement area including skid marks. Do not attribute skid marks until it is determined if unit or units are equipped with "ABS" brakes and "ABS" is functional. Tractor could be "ABS", trailer could not have "ABS" or visa versa.

3.Equipment inspection - Severe accidents and fatalities warrant a complete inspection of units involved. If equipped with "ECM" modules and "ABS" modules this data should be retrieved for use in reconstruction. This can be done using truck manufacturers dealers or third parties in your area after the at-scene investigation to acquire printout reports for review. The most modern"OBC" systems on trucks can send this data to the trucking company computers which then can be retrieved from the trucking company. Also both hydraulic and air brake "ABS" systems have warning lights for drivers indicating proper operation."ECM" and "ABS" systems may provide data on multiple systems of the truck including speed, overspeed of governor, distance, cruise control usage, engine brake and hard braking "ABS" events, transmission usage and engine system faults. This data along with mechanical systems inspections gives complete information on the vehicles operation and maintenance factors. "ECM" and "ABS" modules are standard equipment on most large trucks.

4."OBC"and "GPS" - This technology is most important and provides a wealth of knowledge for reconstruction after the at-scene investigation. The information from these systems travels in real time from the truck to satellites, ground based towers or the internet and is transmitted to trucking company computers. This information can include driver communication, messages to truck, maintenance, monitoring freight, driver payroll, miles traveled, expences, trip reports, fuel stops, fuel consumption, idle time, truck position and status reports, driver activities, hours of service, "GPS" location, time and distance reports and pick up and deliver times. These technology advanced systems are invaluable to modern trucking companies for use in the management of their operations. These same systems should become part of the normal crash reconstruction process. These systems can be identified on the truck by the monitor and keyboard in the cab and special antenna that looks like "old type popcorn popper" that is usually mounted on back of cab or roof by wind deflector. Also trucking companies with out computers create this same type information in hard copy written documents.

5.Don't rush investigation, secure all information and analyze along with traditional reconstruction efforts to arrive at any causal factors. Trucking companies, truck drivers, injured parties, deceased victims and family members all deserve complete and accurate results from all investigations. * * *Footnote: This article was written to give insight and help enhance large truck crash investigations and is from personal experience in assisting police departments, prosecutors, working as an expert/consultant in civil litigation along with over 30 years in the trucking industry. ***Author's note:All rights reserved 2003. Contact author, permission may be granted.