Of course, there is also time pressure during a traffic accident investigation on the freeway, explains Gerhard Buse, who organized the exercise on the A 544. "We want a full closure to be lifted as quickly as possible. But care must not suffer as a result." The First Chief Superintendent of Police is head of the Broichweiden freeway police station.
What is important when the police are recording an accident?
With good forensics, the kinetic energy of the people involved in the accident can be clearly determined, including the point at which an impact occurred. Irrefutable impressions from different directions should be captured on camera, preferably with photos and a video sequence. Objective evidence is becoming increasingly meaningful. Do personal observations, interviews and measures no longer play a role? Yes, they are still very important. The emergency services can get a good picture of the situation by skilfully questioning witnesses. They gather a wealth of impressions and can determine the driving ability of those involved, as far as the circumstances allow.
In hit-and-run accidents, the person responsible is often still concealed at the scene of the accident. Why is that?
It's a bit like arsonists. They often blend in with the crowd that is watching curiously. Perpetrators are known to be drawn back to the scene of the crime.
In the event of a serious accident, saving lives takes priority. How do you work with the fire department?
In principle, very well. It makes sense for the police to appoint someone to maintain contact with the fire department. A safe distance must be maintained during rescue operations. This is also for our own protection.
How long did it take to prepare for the exercise?
A few weeks. It was great fun, even though the organization ran parallel to my daily work. You don't do something like this every day. The idea of doing the whole thing on the highway paid off. It was a great setting and very realistic. In any case, the multipliers were pretty enthusiastic.