FEASIBILITY STUDY OF IN-DEPTH ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION TEAMS

The feasibility of establishing a multidisciplinary accident investigation system in North Carolina was studied by means of interviews with hospital administrators and emergency room staff, emergency medical services personnel, chiefs of police, and automotive maintenance personnel from 18 counties in the state. They were asked to indicate the level of cooperation which their respective agencies might be able to provide in an accident investigation effort if one were undertaken. In addition, persons representing the disciplines of enforcement, engineering, medicine and law on the state level were asked to share their ideas and opinions concerning the development of an accident investigation system in North Carolina. From their responses, and other information acquired, it was determined that the establishment of a multidisciplinary accident investigation in North Carolina is feasible. Recommendations concerning the development and operation of individual teams are made. /MSA/