Traffic Enforcement and Accident Investigation
Enforcement and Stops
Traffic enforcement requires lawful stops (reasonable suspicion of a violation) and a clear understanding of the violation elements. Know the difference between moving and non-moving violations, and the requirements for DUI investigations-reasonable suspicion, field sobriety tests (standardized: horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn, one-leg stand), and implied consent. Understand that field sobriety tests are voluntary in many contexts and that refusal carries administrative consequences. Know the elements of reckless driving versus careless operation.
Accident Investigation
Learn the phases: protect the scene, aid the injured, gather information, document, and clear. Understand how to measure and diagram skid marks, positions, and debris; how to identify point of impact; and how to record statements. Know the concept of contributing factors (speed, impairment, distraction, weather) and how to write a clear narrative that supports conclusions.
Traps and Rule of Thumb
Traps include confusing careless operation (a lesser standard) with reckless driving (conscious disregard), assuming a refusal to test is admissible as guilt, and failing to document scene conditions. Another trap is drawing conclusions before measurements.
Worked example: A driver strikes a parked car and flees. The investigation should document damage patterns, paint transfer, and witness statements, then match vehicle evidence. Rule of thumb: protect, aid, measure, document, then conclude-never conclude before measuring.