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TRL is therefore developing a series of “off the shelf” training courses specifically designed for particular hot topics in the industry. One of these topics covers the implications for highway authorities and fleet operators regarding the Road Death Investigation Manual. Launched in 2001 by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), the Road Death Investigation Manual is used widely by UK forces. It has standardised the way in which the UK police investigate road traffic deaths, treating it from the outset as a criminal investigation into an unlawful killing until proved otherwise. The Manual co-ordinates the examination of all vehicular, human and environmental aspects of the crash. Since its introduction, police have investigated crashes more thoroughly and professionally than ever before and its concept has attracted worldwide interest. Along with the forensic collision investigation aspects, it sets out investigative standards and an investigative model so that all aspects leading up to the collision can be investigated thoroughly. By using and following this model, police are able to form a full picture of all circumstances surrounding a death, including driver’s background, CCTV, house-to-house enquiries, employer’s paperwork and other peripheral circumstances. The road death investigative model covers three areas of the incident, from pre-scene issues, through to the scene itself and, finally, post-scene considerations. It covers every aspect of an investigation and, if followed in its logical sequence, most investigative avenues will be covered and the investigation should have clear, definable and sound outcomes.
What will become apparent to all users of the Manual is the use of civil litigation against forces that do not follow procedures in line with the “Statement of Investigative Standard”. If the police investigate professionally, then the factors that cause such death and injury can be fed back into road safety initiatives, which can only lead to a reduction of such incidents. Concerns over road death investigations in industry, and TRL’s involvement in the development of aspects of the Manual has led to the development of training courses for those who may find themselves involved in an investigation on either side. The first of these events was successfully held in London in May. “See you in Court” covered the Manual's implications for local and national highway authorities and was attended by over 70 representatives from across the UK including local authorities, consultants and the police. Feedback was extremely positive and the event highlighted a number of gaps in knowledge and procedure in many highway authorities where further training could be of use. TRL will be running a number of similar training events this year. The implications for organisations with employees who drive as part of their work vary. For those with truly effective, well-documented risk management processes in place, there is little to fear, although the process can still be very disruptive. However, what has become apparent is that fleet operators are now more at risk than ever before of being investigated in line with the Manual and its principles. TRL will be addressing this issue by holding a one day conference specifically aimed at fleet operators and transport managers on 5 October. The day will give fleet operators an understanding of the implications of the Road Death Investigation Manual, what the police will do when investigating fleet operators and how those operators can mitigate against the risk of investigation and prosecution. |
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