Robert C. Peckham, P.E.
                   
 
 
VEHICULAR ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION

            As a mechanical engineer/accident reconstruction expert, I have worked on cases involving automobiles (tiny to very large), motorcycles of various types and sizes, trucks (pickup, van, conventional and cabover with single and multiple trailers, mixers), busses, various farm equipment, construction and mining equipment (scraper, dozer, large trucks (to 120 tons), forklifts, earth drills, scissors lifts, scaffolding, etc.), and railroad accidents.

            In addition to the common time, speed, distance and vehicle dynamics reconstruction cases, I have been involved in vehicular cases involving powertrains (internal engine components, turbochargers, transmissions, etc.), suspension systems and components (axles, brakes, wheels and tires, springs, steering components, etc.), liquid and gaseous fuel storage and delivery systems, accessory systems, and interior components. I have worked on a number of accidents involving modified vehicles (lift kits, large diameter and wide wheels, "oversize" tires, etc.)

            I have worked on many pedestrian/vehicle cases. My work on pedestrian cases has usually involved vehicle impact velocity and subsequent pedestrian motions based on throw off distance and injury pattern as reported and described in the SAE/STAPP and AAAM literature.

            I read the literature concerning vehicle crash testing and driver expectations and performance in emergency situations (i.e., perception/ reaction and analysis times). My involvement in automobile racing has given me a unique perspective on textbook/handbook/literature "expected" driver response compared to the actual response of experienced, and inexperienced, race drivers. This is particularly important now that a growing percentage of accidents involve vehicles with ABS brakes and "stability control" systems. Many cars and trucks now continuously record many operational parameters (speed, braking, seat belt use, etc.) which may be downloadable after an accident.

            Our library includes many books, papers, and compendiums from organizations such as DOT/NHTSA, SAE, SAE/STAPP, ASME, etc.. Our library also contains many NCAP MVSS compliance test reports.

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