Determining the Speed of two cars before their collision

[j1249]

Im completely lost and wanted to know how i can start this. There were two cars that got into a collision and hooked bumpers. How can i determine what the speed of the cars was before they hit each other. All i no is that i can measure the skid marks, but like what else? I have to like write a procedure. Just some general help would be great. Thanks a lot for your help!

 

[ideasrule]

Are you supposed to come up with pragmatic methods that you can actually use? Skid marks are crucial, as are scuff marks and gouge marks. Inspections of the road surface (to determine friction), interviews of witnesses, and inspections of vehicular damage also contribute to speed estimates.

Vehicular accident investigation (this is what you should google for) is an entire discipline that's in no way simple or straightforward.

 

[kerimek]

As a scientist, the first step in determining the speed of the two cars before their collision would be to gather all available data and information related to the event. This could include the location of the collision, the type of vehicles involved, any eyewitness accounts, and any other physical evidence at the scene.

One of the most important pieces of information in determining the speed of the cars would be the length of the skid marks left by each vehicle. This can provide an estimate of the deceleration rate of the cars before the collision. From there, using principles of physics and motion, it is possible to calculate the initial speed of the cars before they hit each other.

Other factors that could be taken into consideration include the angle and direction of impact, the weight and size of the vehicles, and any other environmental factors that may have played a role in the collision.

A procedure for determining the speed of the cars before the collision could involve the following steps:

1. Measure the length of the skid marks left by each vehicle and record the distance.

2. Using the collected data, calculate the deceleration rate of each vehicle by dividing the distance by the time it took for the vehicle to come to a stop.

3. Determine the initial speed of each vehicle before the collision by using the deceleration rate and principles of motion.

4. Take into consideration any other factors that may have affected the speed of the cars, such as the angle and direction of impact, and make adjustments to the calculated speeds if necessary.

5. Once the initial speeds of the cars have been determined, compare them to the posted speed limit in the area or any other relevant speed regulations.

It is important to note that this is a general procedure and may need to be modified depending on the specific details and circumstances of the collision. It is also important to consult with other experts and professionals, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to ensure accuracy in the determination of the speed of the cars before the collision.