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Road Traffic Accident Investigation Conference 2007
 The 1st Annual Road Traffic Accident Investigation Conference was recently held by the Road Traffic Management Corporation [RTMC]. The Conference was held from Monday to Wednesday, 1st to 3rd October at the Emperors Palace, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
Purpose of the Conference
- To create a forum where the stakeholders in road traffic accident investigations and reconstruction can meet in South Africa, share expertise and experience and be informed about the developments regarding the latest technology available in this field.
- The exhibition is designed to showcase developments regarding road traffic accident investigation and reconstruction as well as the latest technology in conducting such investigations and reconstruction to all operators in this field.
Objectives of the Conference
- Create public and media awareness regarding road traffic accident investigation and reconstruction and the necessity of accident investigations and reconstruction;
- Share South African and international experiences regarding road traffic accident investigation and reconstruction;
- Showcase the latest technologies and getting together manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, buyers, exhibitors and participants;
- Building and improving relationships with new and existing suppliers through one-on-one relationship marketing;
The themes of the conference papers were selected to stimulate debate and motivate policy decision makers, South African Police Services, Traffic Authorities, private organizations, transport planners and transport engineers to view the provision of accident investigation and reconstruction as an integral part of transport safety industry.
The event extended over a period of 3 days with various presentations, speeches from keynote speakers and extensive networking being undertaken during this time. The event was held under the patronage of Minster Jeff Radebe, Minster of Transport.
The Event Brochure details the different speakers and topics scrutinized:
The 1st day saw the presentation of a “real” crash simulation, with the full effect right from the actual crash, through the entire process of medical assistance, traffic control, Incident Management Protocol, on scene investigation and finally the removal of the deceased and clearing of the crash scene and re-opening of the road being displayed just as the events of a real life crash scene would occur.
The simulation was an excellent event, serving well to display the correct procedures and professional, seamless and co-coordinated completion of tasks by the various role players at such a scene. This event was filmed and a training and educational video created.
The event also saw the Seatbelt Convincer being used to highlight the importance and effect of the use of seatbelts. The Skidmonster was also in attendance and likewise, allowed those willing participants to experience fist hand the “out of control” feeling and spark an interest in them to learn just how to control their vehicles correctly.
According to investigator Craig Proctor –Parker, perhaps one of the most interesting and relevant yet unofficial topics to arise was the somewhat in-depth and intense opinions and conversations informally held on the issue of accreditation for the field of traffic accident investigation and reconstruction in South Africa. It was agreed by most that some accreditation is needed, with various levels of accreditation and that the establishment of such a body needs to be done by and independent facilitator so as to ensure the fair, correct and appropriate implementation.
Organizers and attendees have agreed that the event was a huge success. It has also been proposed by the majority of the attendees that this event should be staged on an annual basis and should progress to be an even more comprehensive event, covering all issues relating to Traffic Accident Investigation and Reconstruction, which in itself is an extremely diverse field.
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