I recently shipped an order of Investigation Kits to a construction company in New York City and once again find myself amazed by the power of the internet to connect organizations and people. The old adage about building a better mousetrap comes to mind.

I have two investigation training programs on my web site that I feel may be of benefit to my readers and clients. From now and until the end of this year both are available to you for unlimited use. What's the catch? Let me know what you think of them.

The following is based on an article published by an organization focused on school bus collisions and safety. School buses carry a unique cargo and a high performance standard is called for; however, the concepts are equally applicable to workplace incidents or collisions.

1. Accountability. Drivers should understand they will be held accountable for every incident, including "minor" accidents, scratches, and bus yard "dings." Driver accountability is pivotal to school bus safety.
2. Human nature. Drivers sometimes have surprising definitions of what constitutes a "minor accident". Permitting the driver involved at the scene to determine whether an accident is worthy of investigation (i.e., "I just clipped the mirror of a parked car, that's all - it's minor.") is a dangerous practice. No matter how "minor" it sounds, an investigation is called for.
3. Identifying at-risk drivers. A minor accident can reveal a potentially major safety problem with a driver.
4. Identifying training gaps, equipment problems, or other operational deficiencies. Even a minor accident can reveal an important training gap, equipment problem, or operational deficiency.
5. Identifying patterns. Charted over time, even minor accidents can reveal important patterns and safety problems.
6. Consistency. Consistent and thorough investigation of all accidents protects supervisors, managers, and safety staff from charges of having a double standard depending on who the driver is.
7. Unpredictable exposure to litigation. Student injuries arising from school bus accidents are uniquely susceptible to litigation and even "minor" damage can lead to a lawsuit. The safest approach is to assume the worst and investigate and document every accident as though it was going to wind up in court.
8. Practice! Documenting an accident scene is not simple. To be competent in techniques such as photography, interviewing, and measuring, there is no substitute for periodic hands-on practice. If fender-benders are investigated professionally and consistently, the designated accident responders will gain confidence and be better prepared to handle a major accident.

Accident Management, Documentation, and Investigation
c 2001 Pupil Transportation Safety Institute