Road Traffic Accident Investigator
What is the work like?
As a road traffic accident investigator, or collision investigator, you would be responsible for carrying out detailed examinations of accidents, and piecing together events leading up to an accident to try and work out why it happened. You would normally work in traffic units for the police force or on behalf of insurance companies and legal firms.
Your duties would involve:
- working with the police to gather witness statements
- examining vehicles and the accident scene
- checking tachograph information on larger vehicles, like lorries or coaches
- analysing accident scene photographs
- producing scaled plans of an accident scene
- reconstructing accidents using software programs to work out contributing factors like vehicle momentum and speed.
The information you collect would be used to produce accident reports and expert witness testimonies for judicial and civil courts and tribunals.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Many of the relevant accident investigation training courses will require you to have GCSEs (A-C) in maths and physics, or equivalent qualifications. Experience in related areas, such as the emergency services could be helpful.
You could take the Professional Development Certificate in Forensic Collision Investigation run by Ai Training Services Ltd, which is approved by DeMontfort University and the Institute of Traffic Accident Investigators. The course is open to everyone and covers the maths and physics you need for the job, investigation principles and reconstruction techniques. It lasts around 32 weeks and you study by distance learning and attend a week's residential training. Contact Ai Training for more information.
You could take other courses that lead to certificates and diplomas in road traffic investigation. These are aimed at people looking to get into this type of work and are usually offered by private training providers. It is important to check that courses are approved by a recognised awarding body or institution.
The police force also employs both police officers and civilians in collision investigation. On joining the police force, you would work within a road policing department and gain a qualification on the job. See the Police Constable job profile for details about how join the police.
What further training and development can I do?
If you are going to work as an investigator in the police force, you would train towards the City & Guilds Certificate in Forensic Collision Investigation. This qualification is only available for the police and police support staff.
You could take further specialised courses, such as tachograph analysis, vehicle examination. You can find these through private training providers and organisation like the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
The Institute of Traffic Accident Investigators (ITAI) provides a continuing professional development (CPD) scheme for its members. You would be required to complete a minimum of 18 hours' CPD each year. See the ITAI website for more information.
Where can I go for more information?
Column HouseLondon Road
Shrewsbury
SY9 6NW
Tel: 08456 212066
Acorn House
Shab Hill
Birdlip
Gloucester
GL4 8JX
Tel: 01452 865010
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Traffic investigators working in the police force are paid in line with police salary scales, usually between £20,000 and £30,000 a year.
- Investigators working on a freelance or consultancy basis charge by the hour, which can range from £30 to over £100 an hour.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your hours are likely to be irregular and occasionally unsocial. If you are going to work on a self-employed or consultancy basis, you would work the hours that an assignment demands. You may be able to work part-time. If you work for the police, you could work shifts and have on-call duties.
You would work outside at the accident site when gathering information, and write up reports back in your office.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an enquiring mind and good problem-solving skills
- a methodical approach to gathering evidence
- the ability to prioritise information
- the ability to work alone
- the ability to pay very close attention to detail
- strong communication skills both spoken and written
- good numeracy and IT skills.
What opportunities are there?
As a road traffic investigator, your main job opportunities would be with road traffic investigation units in the police force. With experience, you may be able to work on a freelance or consultancy basis.
If you are self-employed, you could carry out investigations on behalf of local authorities, insurance companies and legal firms. You should contact companies and organisations directly for information about vacancies.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of work to do. According to official figures, over 30,000 people were killed or seriously injured on Britain's roads between 2006 and 2007.
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