West Yorkshire’s Forensic Collision Investigation team improves road safety
West Yorkshire’s vision to end all road deaths and serious injuries by 2040 is being bolstered, through the work of the region’s forensic team.
28th September 2023
West Yorkshire’s Forensic Collision Investigation team improves road safety
West Yorkshire’s vision to end all road deaths and serious injuries by 2040 is being bolstered, through the work of the region’s forensic team.
Hosted by West Yorkshire Police, the Forensic Collision Investigation team is a collaboration between West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and Humberside police forces.
The team of experts investigate fatal and life-threatening collisions across Yorkshire and the Humber.
Using cutting-edge technology, the team meticulously examine collision scenes and the vehicles involved to determine the factors contributing to the incident. This information is used by the police to build a picture of the series of events leading up to the collision.
The forensics are paired with the wider evidence and presented to the courts to make a judgement on the cause, and where needed, bring offenders to justice.
The findings are also used to identify ways to prevent future collisions and make roads safer for all.
Recent advances include documenting collision scenes with 3D laser scanners, and calculating vehicle speeds from CCTV, as well as an in-house training centre to support further development.
This work was the focus of a visit yesterday (27/09) by West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime and chair of the Vision Zero board, Alison Lowe OBE.
Vision Zero is West Yorkshire’s road safety aim to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2040.
Speaking at the visit, Deputy Mayor Lowe said:
“No death or serious injury is acceptable on our roads.
“Utilising the latest innovations and drawing upon immense skill, the forensics team are providing us with clearer picture of the causes of road traffic collisions.
“These findings, paired with the tireless work of partners from across the region, can help us to make informed decisions on how we can make our roads safer for all.”
Neil Denison, Regional Director of Scientific Support Yorkshire and the Humber, said:
“I am proud to lead our teams of specialists delivering a comprehensive Forensic Service to the public in our region.
“Our new Forensic Collision Investigation Training Centre supports our collaborative approach which ensures both value for money and a Forensic Service to West Yorkshire communities which is unparalleled.”