Video-analysis via freeware to obtain the impact speed in a vehicle- pedestrian collision

Abstract

This is a propose to apply Tracker -a freeware, robust and cross-plataform software- as a tool to analyze video recordings of forensic interest, particularly in vehicle crash investigations. For this, we studied a videotape that shows a pedestrian hit by a car. The victim was thrown after rolling on the car-hood and car- windshield. Each analysis stage is shown until obtaining the impact speed of the vehicle: ~ 54 km / hr. We contrast this information with a virtual model and with five theoretical equations. A high concordance between the calculated figures and the measured datum was obtained. With the daily increase of video recordings and the popularization of the means to observe them, this software represents an adequate tool to calculate physical parameters, as it allows the contrast and the development of theories in particular forensic cases