Emergency Transportation Operations
photos of traffic merging onto congested highway, congestion in snowstorm, variable message sign, cargo, variable speed limit sign in a work zone, and a freeway at night
Office of Operations 21st Century Operations using 21st Century Technologies

Fatal Crash Investigation

Investigation of fatal incidents can result in delayed road openings. Existing policies may require certification of death by a medical examiner before bodies can be moved and the scene cleared. Careful planning and mutually accepted policies and procedures for fatal crash investigation, especially procedures for declaration of death, can mean increased scene clearance time and traffic flow restoration, while protecting the scene for investigation and respecting the rights of the deceased and their families.

Even technology can play a role, such as in the case of photogrammetry. Photogrammetry allows investigators to quickly document the incident scene with three-dimensional digital photography that can be reviewed in detail after the incident has been cleared.

Office of Operations