Although the first 48 hours can be critical to obtaining evidence
and interviewing witnesses, extensive research may cover days or months
and exhaustive footwork may be necessary to run down information on
debris, paint chips and blood. Aerial photographs are a tool
often used in courtrooms to show an entire crash scene, and traffic
homicide investigators can be called as expert witnesses.
Cpl. Mark WeberWeber, one of six FHP traffic homicide investigators who probe fatal crashes in unincorporated parts of the county, stresses the use of seat belts, motorcycle helmets and designated drivers, citing "unnecessary deaths" in a majority of fatal crashes where victims would have survived if wearing a seat belt.
Lack of attention also can lead to catastrophe. There is a provision on FHP crash reports to indicate distracted driving caused by cell phones, changing the radio, or a dog jumping in the car, Weber said. Driving while sending text messages also has been observed. "People just don't want to take responsibility for their actions," Weber said discussing the ramifications of erratic driving and reckless vehicle operation.
Excerpted from Ocala.com.
