What aids in establishing the events leading to a traffic crash?

Field sketches are critical tools in establishing the events leading to a traffic crash because they provide a visual representation of the crash scene. By accurately documenting the locations of vehicles, skid marks, debris, and other relevant features, field sketches help to recreate the scenario of the incident. They allow investigators to analyze relationships between different elements, such as road layout and vehicle positioning, which can clarify the dynamics of the crash.

While witnesses’ accounts can offer valuable perspectives, their recollections may be subjective or inconsistent. Vehicle conditions can provide insights into the mechanics of the crash, but they do not directly illustrate the scene. Traffic signals indicate rules of the road and can play a role in understanding the circumstances of a crash, but they lack the comprehensive visual context that a field sketch provides. Thus, field sketches serve as a vital reference that integrates various pieces of evidence into a coherent narrative of the crash events.