Background Information

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of the Institute is to promote the free and open exchange of knowledge between those involved in the field of investigating road traffic accidents, and through this, enhance expertise. As a registered charity, the Institute provides a forum for communication, education, representation and regulation in the field of traffic accident investigation. The Institute is committed to promoting a professional approach to traffic accident investigation by encouraging honesty and integrity among investigators. This is enforced through a disciplinary procedure, administered by a Discipline Panel; in order to ensure the highest levels of professionalism among the membership. The Institute aims to represent the interests of the profession in a collective way by arranging field days, lectures, seminars and other educational forums.

HISTORY

Founded in 1988, its membership includes forensic scientists, academics, specialist police officers, consultant investigators, engineers, vehicle assessors, lawyers, doctors and others. The overseas membership has representatives from across the world. A Council of Management governs the Institute. There are ten Members of Council each elected for a period of three years, and with one third of the Members to be elected each year. In addition there are three Appointed Officers of Council: Chairman, General Secretary, and Treasurer. The Editor of the Institute Journal is also an ex-officio officer of Council.

RESEARCH

The Institute is committed to encouraging and, where possible, assisting with research programmes in connection with vehicles and roads. In addition to many local projects, the Institute funded a national research project by the Transport Research Laboratory on the Comparison of Skidding Resistance Measurement Devices. This was the first occasion that research of this nature had been conducted.

CONFERENCES

An Institute Conference is held biennially. Traditionally a 2-day weekend event, it attracts high quality speakers from the UK and overseas. Delegates normally include a relatively high proportion of overseas members.

THE INSTITUTE JOURNAL

The Institute Journal, ‘IMPACT’, is published at 4-monthly intervals. Comprising material, submitted both from within the membership and from external sources, it provides technical articles, case studies, news and reviews - and serves to provide a major source of information for those involved in the investigation and reconstruction of road traffic accidents. The Editor always welcomes articles, views and opinions. For those entering the profession, care is taken to ensure that 'IMPACT' also includes the fundamental principles and calculations of accident investigation. IMPACT is free to members and may be purchased by non-members.

THE INSTITUTE NEWSLETTER

The Institute's Newsletter 'CONTACT' is distributed to all members every 2 months, and provides a less formal arena of communication. ‘CONTACT’ aims to keep the membership informed of details of forthcoming events, seminars, area meetings and test days etc., together with news of matters discussed and agreed at Council meetings. ‘Letters to the Editor’ and short articles are always welcome