Transportation

How it works

The SkidMan can be operated by a single investigator, making it a cost-effective approach to accident investigation. It has a user-friendly seven-button keypad for programming the device, and the user is guided by prompts displayed on the screen. The SkidMan is simply positioned on the passenger seat or in the footwell of the vehicle. It can be used with or without a touch-sensitive pad fitted over the brake pedal, and measuring will begin automatically.

If the pedal pad is fitted, the SkidMan can be used to measure the reaction time of the braking system.

Complete with built-in printer, any results and graphs can be printed instantly – ideal if this is required at the scene of an accident investigation.

Data can be stored on the SkidMan (there is capacity for up to 50 tests to be stored) or can be or transferred using the SkidMan’s PC Link cable to a computer for keeping records and further analysis.

Product Demonstration

SkidCalc Program

We have also developed the SkidCalc program, which supports further analysis and reporting of results from the SkidMan.

Calculations are all based on the conventional Newton’s laws of motion formulae used in accident investigation and reconstruction techniques.

Examples of calculations which can be carried out include:

• Speeds when skidding to a stop (all or partial wheel locking)
• Speeds when skidding and impacting at speed
• Critical speed calculations
• Pedestrian speeds, times and distances
• Sight line calculations in relation to times, speeds and distances
• Momentum exchanges
• Vector calculations
• Projectile and throw calculations

All calculations use SI metric units. However, to assist in court presentations, calculated speeds are listed in metres per second and miles per hour or, if required, in kilometres per hour.

Resources