Accident Terms and Definitions

Tailgating
Folowing too close to another car, not alowing space for you to brake or car in front to brake. The operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property

Velocity
Speed and direction; used to describe a mode of functioning which is efficient and tightly aligned with conscious intention.

Affidavit
A written or printed declaration or statement under oath Affirm - The assertion of an appellate court that the judgment of the lower court is correct and should stand.

Triangulation
Technique for scene documentation where items of evidence are located by measuring the distance between two (2) reference points.

Elderly & Older Drivers
Drivers typically 65 or 70 years old, most states require renewal applicants to appear in person and to pass a vision test.

Pedestrian Manifestations
Those items of evidence deposited at the collision scene by the pedestrian during or following impact.

Accident
What auto insurance is designed to cover. Accidents may be considered either at fault or not at fault. If you have at fault accidents on your driving record, your rates will be higher.

Risk assessment
The determination of the probability of failure of a component or system.

Arbitration
the hearing and settlement of a dispute between opposing parties by a third party whose decision the parties have agreed to accept.

Impaired Driving
Can be alcohol or any oher substance that changes judgement while driving. Impaired driving will affect one in three Americans during their lifetimes (NHTSA 2001a).