719 Fleet Safety Management

Accident Investigators

Fleet accident investigators have an important role in finding out what happened during an accident and helping prevent future incidents. Their main goal is to gather facts, analyze evidence, and provide accurate reports for insurance claims, legal matters, and company safety reviews.

Key Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• Surveying the Scene: When arriving at the accident site, the investigator must carefully examine the entire area. This includes looking at the road surface, weather conditions, skid marks, and any traffic signs or signals. They must pay attention to anything that might have contributed to the crash.
• Taking Measurements: The investigator uses measuring tools to record the exact distances between vehicles, debris, and any damage. This helps create a clear picture of the accident and supports later analysis.
• Photographing the Scene: Investigators take photos from multiple angles, capturing all vehicles, damage, debris, and road signs. Each photo must be labeled clearly, explaining what it shows and why it matters to the investigation.
• Creating a Site Sketch or Map: A detailed map of the accident scene is drawn to scale. It includes landmarks such as buildings, traffic signals, and trees to give a full view of where the accident occurred. The positions of all vehicles and debris are marked on this sketch.
• Interviewing Witnesses: Investigators speak with drivers, passengers, and anyone who saw the accident happen. Witness statements help fill in missing details and confirm what was observed at the scene.
• Reviewing Vehicle Condition: After the accident, the investigator examines the vehicles involved. This includes checking brake systems, tires, lights, and other equipment to determine if any mechanical failure played a role in the crash.
• Collecting Driver Information: The investigator gathers all driver-related data such as license status, hours of service, driver logs, and recent training records. This helps verify whether the driver was qualified and following company policies.
• Filing an Investigation Report: After gathering all evidence, the investigator writes a full report explaining how the accident happened, what caused it, and what steps may prevent similar accidents. This report supports legal action, insurance claims, and safety improvements.

Accident investigators must stay unbiased, detailed, and professional while handling sensitive information. Their work plays a big role in keeping company drivers safe and helping improve overall road safety.

See course 702 Effective Accident Investigation for more information on accident investigation procedures.

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