ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Year Published: 1957

Creator: Police Science Productions.

Description: Dating to 1957, "Accident Investigation" is a police / law enforcement training film that was released by Police Science Productions. The film teaches proper techniques for accident investigations and reports. Interestingly, it includes information about DUI, which at the time was not uniformly enforced as a crime. 0:00 Main titles. 0:53 – Friday, September 20th, is an ordinary day for most people, but not for all... 1:22 – At 6:53 a.m., Frank Whitmore and his family are still asleep, unaware that this will be a day they will never forget. 2:43 – The narrator reveals that Frank Whitmore is destined to kill someone on this day. 2:55 – Seventeen blocks away, the Johnson family begins their morning, not knowing young Anne Johnson will die before the day’s end. 3:17 – Jack Daly, a college student, and Janet King, a schoolteacher, are introduced as others whose lives will also be affected by the events of this day. 4:00 – Law enforcement officers are introduced, tasked with investigating and responding to the day’s upcoming tragedies. 5:07 – Unit 61 is dispatched to a traffic accident at 4th Avenue and Saxon Street. 5:50 – The officer arrives at the accident scene, assessing the chaos and bringing order. 6:18 – Quick observation reveals the probable cause: a right-of-way violation. 7:00 – The officer checks for injuries, obtains licenses, and ensures both drivers remain at the scene. 8:27 – With safety measures established, the investigation begins, and witnesses are interviewed separately to prevent disputes . 10:03 – Miss King claims she was hit after entering the intersection. 10:26 – The officer confirms her story against physical evidence, then moves to question the second driver, Jack Daly. 11:00 – Daly insists he stopped at the intersection, but evidence suggests otherwise. 12:03 – Skid marks indicate Daly’s brakes were applied too late, proving he didn’t stop as claimed. 12:39 – The officer photographs and marks the skid lines with chalk to preserve evidence. 13:17 – The officer identifies potential witnesses and interviews them. 15:00 – A witness confirms seeing Daly speeding before striking Miss King’s car. 16:03 – The officer helps the witness clarify distance and speed estimates. 16:48 – Skid marks are measured, showing 64 feet—evidence of excessive speed. 17:42 – The witness adds that Daly appeared to be kissing the girl beside him just before the crash, confirming distraction as a factor. 18:10 – The narrative transitions to nightfall, where new events unfold that will change lives. 19:05 – Frank Whitmore, after drinking, calls his wife to say he’ll be late. 20:11 Whitmore decides to drive after “one for the road.” 21:09 – Behavior of intoxicated drivers—rigid posture, tunnel vision, and over-gripping the wheel. 23:14 – A serious accident occurs; police and ambulances are dispatched 23:39 – The responding officer drives carefully, aware that multiple emergency vehicles are en route. 24:05 – Upon arrival, officers lay flares, control crowds, and give first aid without moving victims unnecessarily. 25:47 – Officers investigate; Whitmore’s unsteady behavior raises suspicion of intoxication. 27:08 – Detecting alcohol odor, the officer questions Whitmore about his drinking. 27:36 – Whitmore claims to have had only a couple of beers and agrees to a sobriety test. 28:12 – Field sobriety tests begin: balance, finger-to-nose, straight-line walking, and eye-light response. 29:34 – Whitmore fails the tests; officers document his performance and photograph him for evidence. 31:29 – The final eye test confirms slowed pupil reaction, proving intoxication. 31:49 – Officers learn Anne Johnson was killed instantly; her parents are hospitalized. 32:09 – Whitmore is arrested for felony manslaughter. 33:07 – For most, Friday, September 20th will be forgotten, but for Frank Whitmore and those affected, it will never be erased. 33:20 – The End.

Online Copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpRzWqV2Kto

Metadata Source:YouTube