DEPARTMENT OF EXPERTISE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING,
ANALYSIS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND VEHICLE ASSESSMENT

• The unique methodological workplace in the field of accident analysis and forensic science in the Czech Republic.

• Preparation of expert opinions in complex cases requires research approaches entrusted to the Institute by courts and other public authorities, including the police.

R&D in following fields

Road crash analysis

• Crash documentation and analysis including development of methods for fast documentation of a road accident site (documentation of tyre marks, vehicle damage, crash site, etc.).
• Realization of own crash tests to obtain data for expert opinions – analysis of deformation behavior of the bodywork elements, quantification of vehicle damage extent, recognition of insurance frauds, Innovation of procedures for crash analysis, function of passive safety elements, etc.

Human factor in crash analysis

• Analysis of human behavior in real-world conditions: driver’s visual perception (the recognisability of various optical stimuli in real road traffic), perception-reaction time to unexpected stimuli, distribution of driver’s attention while driving.
• Interaction in road traffic: vehicle driver, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, road infrastructure.

Vehicle dynamics

• On-road vehicle testing (testing the lateral displacement, performing braking, acceleration, etc. in order to determine the input data necessary for the technical analysis of crashes).

Biomechanics

Mechanical Engineering

• Identification of the limiting conditions of technical systems and the causes of their accidents.

Economics:

• Development of methodologies (motor vehicle valuation, setting the price of a replacement vehicle during repair and others).

Main results

• Database of vehicle damage.
• An innovative methodology for analysis of pedestrian visibility in night-time conditions.
• An innovative methodology for driving in reduced visibility conditions – night-time.
• Methodology for the traffic crash scene investigation by Police of the Czech Republic.
• Expert standard No. I/2022. Valuation of road and special vehicles.

Main projects

• Standards for expert work in assessing the course and causes of traffic crashes.
• Modern methods of documentation and analysis of vehicle damage.
• Development of equipment for identification of trace elements of the brake track.
• New methodology for investigating the scene of a traffic accident as part of the activities of the Police of the Czech Republic.
• Complex physiological monitoring of the driver with regard to psychological factors affecting driving behavior.
• Strengthening legal certainty in the technical assessment of traffic crashes involving pedestrians in reduced visibility.