Analyzing the scene of a vehicle – pedestrian/cyclist collision

Watch above: When a crash happens police are charged with the task of determining what happened. Wendy Winiewski tells us the job is intense and involves intricate technical training.

SASKATOON – As of Oct. 31, there have been 82 collisions between vehicles and pedestrians or cyclists in Saskatoon. Determining who is at fault and how it all happened is a process which can take months for investigators.

The Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM) in Jacksonville, Fla. offers specialized training including scene analysis and determining the collision impact on pedestrians and cyclists attributed to shape and design of a vehicle. Thursday concluded day four of the five day training with IPTM in Saskatoon.

The learning was taken outside the classroom Thursday morning at Prairieland Park where a mannequin, named Skippy, was the subject. An older model pickup truck was used to demonstrate a collision scenario with Skippy. Members were then able to analyze specifics such as skid marks, distance of trajectory, and impact on the dummy.

“There’s a lot of math involved because you’re trying to determine the speed of the vehicle based on how far the pedestrian or cyclist is thrown,” said Cpl. Doug Green. Green has been with the RCMP for more than 30 years and has had to describe collision scenarios to many families.

“When they understand the dynamics of the crash and why and how their loved one is deceased or injured, they have a much better understanding of how it happened,” which brings peace of mind and closure according to Green.

Skippy was propped up in the parking lot for three collisions and positioned on a bike for two. Members measured various distances, recorded all the data and will plug it into formulas to determine the speed of the vehicle at the time of the collision. Once speed has been determined, if limits have been breached, charges will be laid.

This training opportunity is a first for members of the Saskatoon Police Service. RCMP as well as police from Prince Albert, Moose Jaw and Regina also took part.