This article examines the police procedure for investigating fatal road accidents and the impact this can have on highways authority staff. The Road Death Investigation Manual (RDIM) was published in 2000 to standardise police procedure. It provided guidance on the road condition and the role of highway authorities. The authority should be able to show that it took reasonable measures to ensure the safety of road users, taking into account the character of the road and its past accident record. In a road death investigation the authority and the police tend not to work closely together, causing tension and lack of understanding. At the first stage of establishing facts, low level information about the site may be required, but if this is not available more formal interviewing may take place. If witness statements are not provided voluntarily, personnel might be arrested. The police employ specialists to help in collating evidence and the quality of records will be examined: if any fraud is discovered, further charges could be brought. A criminal investigation can involve police raids to seize information and computers: these procedures can be very stressful for staff. It is in everyone's interest to ensure that all highways staff have appropriate training and equipment, and that records, job descriptions and insurance are maintained properly.
Samenvatting