Accident Investigation

We've built up an unparalleled level of experience in this field which means we're expert in determining the critical factors for a given incident and can then advise on how the lessons learnt can be fed back into policy and system improvement, so that risks can be better managed for the future.

We provide our clients with specialist capabilities covering the following:

Accident Data and Databases

TRL holds some of the most extensive and detailed accident databases in the world covering accident causation factors, vehicle deformation and resultant injuries. Through the application of complex analyses to these datasets we can inform local and national government decision-making on where best to apply resources from a sound evidential base.

Attending Incident Scenes and Rapid Response

TRL is set to respond rapidly and effectively to incidents, securing evidence and ensuring specific site data is captured for examination. Our rapid response team has been established to provide advice and expertise for major transport-related incidents. This service includes the deployment of skilled investigators to the scene of incidents throughout the UK and overseas.

Our incident response team has the back-up of dedicated laser scanning capabilities specialising in providing police and investigation agencies with incident recording and scene data preservation on a 24 hour call-out basis.

The UK's  On The Spot (OTS) accident data collection project was an in-depth accident research project. Teams from TRL and Loughborough University were contracted by the Department for Transport to investigate police-reported traffic accidents minutes after they occurred to gather all the perishable information possible. Over 3000 crashes involving all road users and all injury severities have been examined. The OTS database provides a unique insight into the prevailing factors that have been seen to cause crashes and the associated human injuries and vehicle and infrastructure damage that have been witnessed by the crash investigation teams.  

Video and CCTV Analysis

TRL has experts who analyse CCTV and video footage to identify vehicles and provide speed assessments for vehicles involved in serious crimes or incidents. Projects range from identifying vehicles caught from afar on CCTV to close analysis of traffic behaviour and understanding of accidents in roadworks.

Forensic Examinations

We assist police forces across the UK in undertaking forensic examinations of vehicles and their components to investigate why accidents happen, down to the minute detail. Projects include forensic investigation of wreckage from major train crashes and component examination of vehicles involved in serious road accidents.

3D Laser Scanning and Modelling

State-of-the-art laser scanning equipment, computer modelling and reconstruction technologies are applied by TRL to provide a new perspective in preserving and analysing complex sites and incident scenes. TRL's 3D laser imaging system is a combined hardware and software package specifically designed for the aquisition of 3D areas. Data collected by a rotating scanning laser is downloaded in real time to a laptop computer where a 3D scene can be instantly viewed. The system scans a volume of space defined by an operator, recording X, Y and Z co-ordinates representing the surfaces of features and objects in the field of the scan.

Large-scale and complex incident or crash scenes can be measured and preserved in great detail, providing a key source of information for investigators. Using up-to-the-minute technologies such as laser scanning and subsequent 3D modelling for road and rail incidents means that detailed 'at-the-scene' data can be captured quickly for later analysis in greater detail. This enables our knowledge on accident causation factors to be greatly enhanced.

Full-scale Reconstruction

We are able to reconstruct accidents on our private test track and road network. This enables us to reconstruct accidents in safe, controlled environments. Our test track and road network is an asset unique to TRL. It's not only used for reconstruction but also offers our clients an unrivalled location to test out the latest developments in vehicles, environments and systems.

Why Work With Us?

Our work is wide and varied and is applied to an equally diverse range of clients. Our experts are trained to use their skills across a broad range of transport issues, so that we meet the needs of business, government and transport authorities around the world.

Our multi-disciplinary approach, linked to our independence and impartiality, means we've established an organisation that's building its reputation on the excellence of our people. At TRL we work hard to ensure that we're providing our clients with a level of reassurance and objective support that's unrivalled in the fields of transport operations, risk management and expert incident investigation.

TRL has seen rapid growth in the range of services it offers to a diverse set of clients. However, our commitment to fast, flexible, independent and expert response remains undiminished.

If you're interested in learning more about the topics covered in this section, or you can't find what you're looking for and would like to talk to someone in detail about a specific topic, please complete the enquiry form at the foot of this page - one of our experts will contact you as soon as possible.