Analysis of Fluid Evidence on Various Vehicle Components

Abstract

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Determining occupant kinematics in a vehicle crash is essential when understanding injury mechanisms and assessing restraint performance. Identifying contact marks is key to the process. This study was conducted to assess the ability to photodocument the various fluids on different vehicle interior component types and colors with and without the use of ultraviolet (UV) lights.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">Biological (blood, saliva, sweat and skin), consumable and chemical fluids were applied to vehicle interior components, such as seatbelt webbing, seat and airbag fabrics, roof liner and leather steering wheel. The samples were photodocumented with natural light and UV light (365 nm) exposure immediately after surface application and again 14 days later.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">The review of the photos indicated that fabric type and color were important factors. The fluids deposits were better visualized on non-porous than porous materials. For example, blood was better documented on curtain airbags than side or driver airbags. Blood and chemical fluids were more difficult to document on black than beige seatbelt webbing, while skin showed better on black webbing. Biological fluids were better detected with UV light. The visual presentation did not change substantially between initial and follow-up documentation with and without UV light. Fluids and components with luminescent properties were also factors.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">This study provides a photodocumentation summary of biological and other fluids on vehicle interior components. In conclusion, UV light exposure was helpful in highlighting some fluid deposits during crash investigation. While UV illumination provided additional insight, further investigation is necessary to discriminate and differentiate fluids present.</div></div>