Collision Analysis and Reconstruction (CAR Unit)
Committed to investigating serious and complex motor vehicle collisions in an effort to understand the events of the collision, to determine causation, and to provide justice for victims and their families by using modern investigative techniques and an impartial evidence-based approach.
The New Hampshire State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit, or CAR Unit, was created out of a necessity to better understand and investigate complex and serious motor vehicle collisions throughout the State of New Hampshire, and to provide justice for victims and their families.
The CAR Unit is comprised of Troopers with advanced and specialized training and is located within the Special Investigations Unit, as part of the Investigative Services Bureau of the State Police. To be assigned to this Unit, Troopers must complete 240 hours of specialized training in advanced crash reconstruction. CAR Unit members have the opportunity to continue their training with additional advanced courses in specific areas of crash reconstruction, including Pedestrian and Bicycle Crashes, Motorcycle Crash Reconstruction, Occupant Kinematics in Crashes, Post Crash Vehicle Inspections, Crash Data Retrieval, Drone Mapping, Human Factors in Traffic Crash Reconstruction and Crash Reconstruction from Video Analysis.
As a result of this specialized skill set, the CAR Unit is tasked with investigating the most serious and complex motor vehicle collisions that occur within the state to determine the events of the collision, the cause of the collision, and if a crime has been committed. Through the use of advanced forensic investigative and diagraming techniques, including Robotic Total Stations, Drones, and scene photography, Troopers create detailed diagrams of the crash scene and document relevant roadway evidence that is crucial in determining how the collision occurred. Troopers within this Unit are also involved in investigating external factors of the crash including operator impairment and distraction.
The CAR Unit is one of the most active Units within the New Hampshire State Police and is actively involved in approximately 60 investigations annually as either the primary investigating Unit or in support of local agencies throughout the State.
