What role do photographs have in crash investigations?

Photographs play a crucial role in crash investigations as they serve to document the scene for visual evidence. This documentation is vital because it captures the details of the crash site, including vehicle positions, road conditions, and any relevant environmental factors. These visual records assist investigators in understanding the sequence of events leading up to and during the crash, and they provide a historical reference that supports the findings in the investigation report.

Additionally, photographs can be used in court proceedings to present factual evidence, making them an indispensable tool in clarifying the circumstances of the accident. By preserving the scene visually, photographs ensure that even as conditions change or as evidence is moved, there remains a clear record of what was observed at the time of the crash. This documentation is more than mere artistic representation or publicity; it is a foundational element of the investigative process.