Accident Investigation Simulations
Glen Rock, Pennsylvania
Disclaimer: Simulations presented below
were developed based upon scene and vehicle surveys, passenger statements,
vehicle operating characteristics, and pictures from the scene. The depictions do not represent actual
lighting and weather conditions at the time of the accident.
Videos are available in wmv format and were presented at the Board meeting on 2/07/06 in Washington, D.C.,
for the Glen Rock, PA Accident Investigation.
Highway Accident Report:
Collision Between a Ford Dump Truck and
Four Passenger Cars,
Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, April 11,
2003
Vehicle Dynamics: In this accident, a dump truck descended a steep hill on a narrow street and collided with four stopped cars. According to the driver of the truck, the truck’s brakes failed as he descended the hill and he was unable to stop prior to striking the cars. After striking the cars, the truck traveled across an intersection and thru a gas station parking lot before coming to rest. The simulations shown here were used to determine the speed of the dump truck when it collided with the first stopped car. The results of the simulations indicated that the accident truck was traveling approximately 35 mph when it struck the first car. Three different views of the collision are provided.
ChaseView.wmv
(Video = 1,411K)
The first view shows a chase of the truck from the beginning of the collision until the truck comes to a stop. In the video, the truck is traveling about 35 mph when it strikes the first stopped car. The speed of the truck as it travels thru the gas station parking area is between 11 to 13 mph. (Full Speed)
DriversView.wmv
(Video = 1,407K)
The second view shows the truck driver’s potential view from the beginning of the collision until the truck comes to a stop. In the video, the truck is traveling about 35 mph when it strikes the first stopped car. The speed of the truck as it travels thru the gas station parking area is between 11 to 13 mph. (Full Speed)
FixedView.wmv (Video = 769K)
The third view shows a fixed camera view of the accident sequence. In the video, the truck is traveling about 35 mph when it strikes the first stopped car. The speed of the truck as it travels thru the gas station parking area is between 11 to 13 mph. (Full Speed)
The simulations were produced on an HVEä system using EDSMAC4. All of the programs are
trademarks of the Engineering Dynamics Corporation.