Collision investigation
Information about collision investigation
Collision investigation
When notified of a fatal road collision by the Avon and Somerset Constabulary, a member of the Collision Investigation and Prevention Team (CIP) Team will investigate the incident. This fulfils the ‘Statutory Duty’ placed upon Local Authorities by the Road Traffic Act of 1988.
In order to take steps to reduce and prevent similar collisions from taking place the team will:
- Attend the scene as early as practicable liaising closely with the Area Traffic Engineer and other relevant council officers
- Consider the circumstances of the collision from information provided by the police
- Carry out a visual investigation of the scene to establish whether road layout, road condition or signage may be deemed to have been a contributory factor
- Produce a report into the incident – to include any findings, recommendations or improvements deemed necessary to prevent future incidents at that location. Engineering or education solutions are always the primary options but, if deemed necessary, law enforcement recommendations may be made.
Have You Been Involved In A Collision?
Somerset Road Safety uses data compiled by the Police to monitor collision numbers and locations, so we can recommend safety improvements. Yet some collisions appear to be going unreported. For example, cyclists often go straight to their GP or to A&E after a collision. These are collisions that will not necessarily be reported to the police and we will probably never hear about them.
So, please help us to build a more accurate picture of traffic collisions in Somerset by filling in the form below. Please note you will also need to report the collision to the Police if it results in personal injury, injury to a dog or damage to property. There are other animals where the police need to be advised if they have been involved namely any Horse, Cattle, Ass, Mule, Sheep, Pig, Goat or Dog.
Report a collision