Which of the following is NOT one of the three basic elements involved in any crash?

In traffic crash investigation, the three basic elements involved in any crash are often identified as people, vehicles, and roadway. The reasoning behind this classification stems from the fact that these three components interact to create the conditions for a crash to occur.

People encompass the drivers, passengers, and any other individuals involved in the crash, including their behaviors and interactions. Vehicles are the motorized machines that are involved, and they can have various characteristics that might influence crash dynamics, such as size, weight, and design. Roadway refers to the physical environment where the crash occurs, including the characteristics of the road, traffic control devices, and conditions that may affect visibility or traction.

Weather, while it can significantly influence driving conditions and may contribute to crash dynamics, is not considered one of the foundational elements in the basic framework of crash analysis. It is seen more as a contributing factor rather than a core element necessary for defining the components of any crash. Therefore, recognizing this distinction helps in focusing on the primary factors that are present in every incident.