What is defined as a crash investigation?

A crash investigation is fundamentally focused on understanding the event leading up to and following a traffic collision. This involves an in-depth examination of various contributing factors such as the actions of drivers, mechanical failures, environmental conditions, and other situational variables that might have influenced the crash. The aim of an investigation is to gather comprehensive evidence and insights that can help determine how and why the crash occurred, which can then inform improvements in safety and enforcement.

In contrast, a detailed survey of vehicle safety might assess individual vehicles but does not directly delve into the specifics of a particular crash. While witness testimonies are valuable, they represent a part of the broader investigation rather than the entirety of it. A preliminary assessment of road conditions provides useful context but does not encompass the thorough analysis required for a full crash investigation, which looks at all relevant factors together to better understand the incident.