Use of digital data in investigations of road traffic accidents / Benutzung digitaler Umgebungsdaten in der Unfallanalyse

This case presentation reveals how “big data” was used in the reconstruction of a car-bicycle accident at a signalized intersection. Data analysis revealed that the car approached the accident intersection at high... [ view full abstract ]

This case presentation reveals how “big data” was used in the reconstruction of a car-bicycle accident at a signalized intersection. Data analysis revealed that the car approached the accident intersection at high speed and negated red light, and gave insight in driving behavior over the last kilometers before the crash.

(Police also used the data to check the statement of witnesses.)

By combining data from the car and data from a telephone, the suspect driver could be linked to the car.

(Increasing the crime scene perimeter enabled investigators to determine additional environmental data.)

Integrated analysis of data from several sources was used to assess the culpability of the suspect driver.

The accident scene was recorded by a forensic investigator. The vehicle, the bicycle and the cellphones of both the suspect driver and the victim were confiscated.Diagnostic equipment and the Bosch CDR-tool were used, and... [ view full abstract ]

The accident scene was recorded by a forensic investigator. The vehicle, the bicycle and the cellphones of both the suspect driver and the victim were confiscated.

Diagnostic equipment and the Bosch CDR-tool were used, and didn't reveal any relevant data.

The road authority was requested to hand over the traffic controllers' detector logging. This data was analysed for the car's speed and for the traffic light status on the car's approach.

The Bluetooth MAC-address from the car's multimedia system was captured, and matched against registrations from Bluetooth capturing stations in the surrounding area. This enabled the calculation of average speeds of the car in the minutes before the accident. In addition, this revealed the instances where the car crossed a signalized intersection. Detector data from these intersection were then used to show approach speed and possible red light negation at these intersections.