Paul introduced to the audience the reasons for crash investigation and the causation factors relevant to the highway and environment.  Paul presented, in depth, the procedures contained within the UK Road Death Investigation Manual and Highways England Road Death Investigation Guidance.  He went on to explain the roles and responsibilities of those organisations involved in the investigation of a fatal or life threatening crashes.

 

Paul enlightened the audience on the post-crash response taking place after serious and fatal injuries are reported, forensic investigation and the UK coronial system. 

 

He focused on the valuable role and support that the Highway Engineer can play in the investigation of these crashes and covered the reason why a Highway Engineer would be involved.  

Using many examples and real life events, from both the UK and Middle East Paul discussed the main highway contributory factors common to fatal and serious crashes as well as those deficient highway assets and features that result in increased injury severity.   

 

A key part of the presentation demonstrated the  amount of highway engineering and highway maintenance related documents that need to be considered during an investigation including design standards, construction specification,  asset data, maintenance records, severe weather plans,  Codes of  Practice and manufacturers/product specification and installation. It was explained how this information is gathered efficiently by highly trained personnel and subsequently used in order to assist HM Coroner, used in legal proceedings and furthermore to assist engineers in the reduction of further casualties. 

 

Paul concluded the presentation with an overview of the Qatar National Road Safety Strategy and associated Qatar Road Safety Action Plan and how this is likely to promote Collision Investigation in Qatar in the near future. 

 

CIHT Qatar is sponsored by AECOM, Atkins, DCE, PAF, Fugro, Seero, TMS and WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff.