SOLIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY

Five (5) Levels of Activity in Accident Investigation. In the investigation of traffic accidents, the police
are guided by the following stages or levels of investigation.

1. Reporting. This stage involves basic data collection to identify and classify a motor vehicle,
traffic and persons, property and planned movements involved.
2. At-scene Investigation. This level involves all action taken by the investigator at the scene of the
crime or accident.
3. Technical preparation. This involves delayed traffic accident data collection and organization for
study and interpretation.
4. Professional Reconstruction. This last level usually involves final analysis on the causes of
accident which are bases for the prevention of similar accidents.

STEPS TO BE TAKEN BY THE POLICE DURING TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Like any other forms of police investigations, the traffic investigators follow chronological steps
in responding and investigating traffic-related accidents to ensure gathering of thorough information.

1. STEP ONE. Upon Learning of the Accident.

a) ASK FIRST. When did the accident happen? Exactly where was it? How bad was it? Did you see
the accident happened? and Where can you be reached?
b) DECIDE WHETHER TO GO TO THE SCENE. Will scene have been cleared by the time arrival? Is it
in investigator’s area? and Should headquarters be informed or consulted?
c) THEN FIND OUT, IF NECESSARY: Is traffic blocked? Has ambulance been called? Has wrencher
been called, and Was fire apparatus called?

2. STEP TWO. Start for the Scene. With two-way radio, you can do two things while on the way.

a. CHOOSE BEST APPROACH. Consider: Time; possible traffic jams; possible route of driver
involved; and probable situation at scene.
b. DRIVE SAFELY. Get there safely; if you get involved in accident yourself, then other units must
be used.
c. BE ALERT FOR CARS LEAVING THE SCENE. As possible witnesses or hit and run drivers; and
record registration numbers of any likely looking vehicles.
d. GET EQUIPMENT REAY FOR USE. So far as practical on the way.
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COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY

e. NOTE HAZARDS TO APPROACHING TRAFFIC. Drop helper to direct traffic if necessary; and look
for physical evidence. Have it guarded until it can be examined, collected or located.

3. STEP THREE. Upon arrival at the Accident Scene.

a. Select parking place carefully: Is it safe? Will it block traffic? And Can headlight illuminate
scene?
b. CARE FOR INJURED: Stop arterial bleeding; call for help if necessary; help injured from cars
safely; protect injured from exposure; and ask for emergency assistance from bystanders from
anywhere.
c. LOOK FOR BYSTANDERS AND OTHERS.: Look for drivers; Look for possible witnesses; look for
volunteers who will help you; and get them under control.
d. HAVE EMERGENCIES UNDER CONTROL: Have spilled gasoline guarded; look for fire and
electrical hazards’ put out flares; ask helper to direct traffic; keep bystanders off roadway; and
request help from headquarters if needed.
e. LOCATE DRIVERS: Consider possibility of hit and run accident; and need to alert headquarters.
f. Measure location of short lives evidences.
g. Arrange for clearing roadway.
h. Delay removal of vehicles except to aid injured.

4. STEP FOUR. When Emergency is Under Control.

a. PRELIMINARY QUESTIONING OF DRIVERS: Who was driving each vehicle? Note unpremeditated
statement; and look for signs of nervousness, confusion and intoxication.
b. GATHER CLUES FOR IDENTIFYING HIT AND RUN CARS: Question other witnesses especially
bystanders in hurry to go; and if needed, get signed statement at once from why who may be
hard to find later.
c. EXAMINE DRIVER’S CONDITIONS: Get specimen for chemical test; and question about trip plan
for possible fatigue.
d. QUESTION DRIVERS CAREFULLY: Check license and record data from it; verify and identify
address; check registration and record data; verify ownership and correct address, and Get step
by step account of what driver saw and did.
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COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY

e. POSITION AND CONDITION OF VEHICLES: Note lights and light switches; note gear position and
tires; mark position of vehicles if it must be removed; and look for unusual thing inside the
vehicles.
f. Form preliminary opinion as to how accident occurs.
g. PHOTOGRAPHY. Photograph skid mark and location of vehicles; and mark skid mark location for
late measurement.
h. Record place to which injured persons or damage vehicles were or will be taken.

5. STEP FIVE. After getting Short-live Evidence.

a. GET ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE. Make test skids; decide whether proof of violation is sufficient for
arrest; if so, make arrest or issue citation; get additional formal statements, from witnesses
remaining at the scene; and have road clear if traffic is obstructed.
b. SUGGESTION TO DRIVERS, IF NECESSARY: How much accidents can be avoided in the future;
and tell drivers what reports they must make and dismiss them.
c. APPROACH THE SCENE BY PATH OF EACH TRAFFIC UNIT INVOLVED. Look for: View
obstructions; traffic control devices, etc.; probable points of perception; and road surface
conditions.

6. Step Six. After Leaving the scene:

a. Get medical report on injured persons from doctor or hospital.

b. Question drivers or witnesses: At hospital or home if not adequately questioned; and take needed
additional statements.
c. C. Notify: Relatives of dead or injured; and/or Owner of vehicles.
d. Have specimens analyzed if were taken for chemical or laboratory test.
e. Have photograph developed; get prints if needed for report.
f. Complete the report of the accident: Have copies made if necessary; file report and copies; and
complete factual data on investigation report if not completed at Scene.
g. Decide whether analysis of accident is warranted by the time available for making it.
h. Reconstruction of the accident: Estimate speeds of vehicles involved; draw scale diagram; analyze
angle of collision; get technical help if necessary; and summarize opinions.
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COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY

i. Present case summary to a lawyer.

j. Complete report or investigation.
k. Submit to superior for approval.
l. Inform other Agencies or departments of any condition at the scene which needs attention for
safety.

7. Step Seven. If Case Goes to Court:

a. Find out what the prosecutor wants further to develop evidence

b. Return to the Scene if necessary for the following: Additional photographs of general scene and
long-lived evidence; measure for scale diagram for use in court; and Locate additional witnesses
and review their testimony.
a. C. Locate also, if necessary: Relatives and friends who confirm activities before the accident;
technicians who developed pictures, made chemical tests, etc.; and expert who can help.
c. Have enlargement made of any photo needed in court.
d. Enlarge scale diagram made for court use.
e. Pre-trial conference with prosecution witnesses to review testimony.
f. Insure that subpoenas are issued.
g. Testify in court.
h. Organize papers and file permanently, if necessary, for future reference.
i. Insure that the disposition of case is recorded in drivers' record and other reports.

K. The Traffic Accident Report. In the preparation of the traffic accident investigation report, the officer
of the case must consider the following:

1. Uniform traffic Accident Reporting System.

2. Preparation of Traffic Accident Report:
a. By a competent, bonafide traffic accident investigator.
b. b Requirements for an investigator in the submission of report such as evidence gathered,
diagrams, sketches as well as Sworn statements of witnesses.
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COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY

c. C. Traffic Accident Investigation Report will be accomplished in five (5) Copies for: The Court or
Prosecutor's Office; TRAFCOM (TMG) or Traffic Division; the Investigator; the Insurance company
of Party-involved #1; and the Insurance Co. of Party-involved #2.

Sample of Traffic Accident Investigation Report Form

Attached is an example of the standard traffic accident investigation report form used to facilitate
speedy investigation of accidents. The form is designed for an expeditious investigation because it is filled-
up mostly by checking the corresponding boxes that describe the accident.

However, additional paper is usually used by traffic accident investigators to prepare the on-the-
spot sketch of the accident scene.

HEADING

Office Head: File No.____

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REPORT

I. WHERE:
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(Near/Km post no.) (Near Intersection/Landmark)
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(Hwy/St/Rd) (Mun/City) (Prov)

II. WHEN:
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(Day of Week) (Date) (Time)
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COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY

III. WHAT:

Vehicle vs.

1. Another vehicle 5. Bicycle 9. Anima-drawn vehicle

2. Pedestrian 6. Scooter 10. Fixed object
3. Animal 7. Railroad train 11. Non-collision (fell, overturned, etc.)
4. Motorcycle 8. Push cart

TYPE OF ACCIDENT:

1. FATAL 2. NON-FATAL 3. PROPERTY DAMAGE

IV. HOW:

1. Head-on 4. Sideswipe-direction
2. Rear-end 5. Sideswipe-opposite direction
3. Angle 6. Others (specify) Number of lanes----------------------------

V. WHO

Vehicle
Number of vehicles involved

Vehicle 1 Vehicle 2

TYPE:
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Make and Model

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Plt. No. Decal No.
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Classification & Place of issue
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Driven by
---------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
Address
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Occupation
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Driver’s Lic. No.
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Nationality
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Age
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Sex & Status
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Driving Experience
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Vehicle owner
---------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
Address
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Reg. Cert No. & File No.
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Estimate damage
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 SOLIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY

SAMPLE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT FORM