Practice Test Geeks(CHP) California Highway Patrol Practice Test
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Accident Investigation Flashcards

7 cards from real CHP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Accident Investigation flashcards as text

  1. What is the primary purpose of measuring skid marks at a collision scene?

    Answer: To estimate the vehicle's pre-braking speed

    Skid mark length is used with the drag factor in the speed formula to estimate how fast the vehicle was traveling before braking began.

  2. Which physical evidence is most critical for determining the point of impact (POI) in a collision?

    Answer: Debris field, fluid deposits, and gouge marks on the roadway

    Debris, fluids, and gouge marks typically fall at or near the point of impact and are the primary indicators used to locate the POI.

  3. In California, what form does the CHP use to document a traffic collision?

    Answer: CHP 555

    The CHP 555 (Traffic Collision Report) is the standard form used to document all traffic collisions investigated by the California Highway Patrol.

  4. How do yaw marks differ from skid marks at a collision scene?

    Answer: Yaw marks are curved marks from a rotating vehicle while skid marks are typically straight from locked wheels

    Yaw marks have a curved pattern caused by a vehicle sliding sideways, while skid marks are typically straight parallel lines from locked braking wheels.

  5. When photographing a traffic collision scene, what should be documented FIRST?

    Answer: Wide-angle overview shots establishing the overall scene

    Overview photographs should be taken first to establish the general scene before any evidence is moved, then progress to mid-range and close-up photos.

  6. What does the coefficient of friction (drag factor) represent in accident reconstruction?

    Answer: The resistance between tires and road surface used to calculate braking speed

    The drag factor measures road surface friction and is used with skid mark length in the speed formula to calculate a vehicle's pre-braking speed.

  7. When is it appropriate for a CHP officer to move vehicles before completing measurements at a collision scene?

    Answer: Only when vehicles pose an immediate safety hazard and after positions are marked and documented

    Vehicles should only be moved before full documentation when they pose an immediate safety hazard, and even then, their positions must be marked and documented first.