The capacity of gardaí to investigate the causes of fatal crashes will be dramatically improved from next January when a team of specially trained collision investigators start work.
An Garda Síochána will also shortly take possession of specialist crash investigation equipment to replace the paper, chalk and measuring tape currently used.
Using this equipment, investigating gardaí can build a three-dimensional computer simulation of the crash sequence, allowing them to watch the sequence of the collision from multiple angles and evaluations.
This simulation will take into account factors such as the weather. The type and surface of the road and the relative speeds of the vehicles involved can also be factored in.
This month the first group of gardaí will complete a 12-month UK City and Guilds validated course in crash investigation.
Head of the Traffic Corps, Assistant Commissioner Eddie Rock, said the goal is to have at least 30 trained crash investigators, or one for each of the 26 Garda divisions.
He said the new equipment and training being provided to the crash investigators would greatly enhance the ability of the force to quickly and accurately investigate the cause of a fatal crash.
Assistant Commissioner Rock said over the last 18 months the force had identified the best training course available and had then enrolled the first group of gardaí.
"It is essential to have a thorough and impartial investigation. The role of the collision investigator is crucial, they are an essential part of any process," he told Motors.
Assistant Commissioner Rock said the force was also planning to appoint up to 30 family liaison officers to work with the relatives of those killed in crashes.
"These officers will explain the processes and procedures. They are an essential part of any process. The real victims [ of a crash] are those left to grieve after their loved ones."
The new equipment will allow investigating gardaí to be far more precise in their calculations. For example, one of the pieces of equipment, an accelerometer will allow the investigating officer to drive along a road or around a bend and measure the co-efficient of friction.
This machine then assesses the maximum safe speed for the surface in the conditions, and to determine if speed was a factor.
Another piece of equipment will concentrate on examining the crush damage to a vehicle. This is particularly useful as the increasing use of anti-lock brakes means there are fewer skid marks on road surfaces near a crash for gardaí to use in their investigation.
Using a combination of new measuring tools, including laser measuring equipment, photographs, and a CAD drawing programme, investigating gardaí will be able to produce a simulation of the crash sequence.
This simulation can be looked at from different angles and elevations, allowing investigators to pinpoint the most likely catalyst for the crash.
However, Assistant Commissioner Rock stresses that for some collisions it may not be possible to identify a single cause.
"No collision investigation officer should feel obliged to arrive at a single definitive conclusion. The same collision is open to a number of equally viable conclusions," he said.
The Assistant Commissioner declined to put a figure on the overall cost of the equipment and training. Motors understands the cost of each equipment package is roughly €100,000.
An Garda Síochána has ordered six sets to be dispersed on a regional basis at Dublin, Cork, Galway, Waterford, Sligo and Westmeath, along with a specialist vehicle to carry it.
To offset some of the cost, the possibility of placing a charge on the information being passed on to third parties, such as insurers, is being examined.
The Traffic Corps has also been given funding approval for dedicated analysts to work with the crash data gathered.
