Staging Collisions: Can Physical Evidence Determine Intent of Parties Involved?
R. Scott King, BSME, Principal Automotive / Mechanical Engineer A good friend of my consistently preached at educational seminars across the country that “Collision reconstruction is application of the laws…
Seatback Strength
John R. Yannaccone, P.E., Sr. Mechanical Engineer In 1966, the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act established a set of safety standards for motor vehicles and established the National…
Pedestrian Injuries in “Backover Events”
R. Scott King, BSME, Principal Automotive / Mechanical Engineer The automotive and vehicle safety industries call them "Backover Events": the accidental, unintended reverse (or backing) maneuver, often resulting in injuries…
Trailer Separation Mayhem
John R. Yannaccone, P.E., Sr. Mechanical Engineer Case Synopsis: A heavy duty equipment hauler was delivering a large piece of equipment to an industrial plant. After the equipment was off-loaded,…
Coffee Brewer Water Supply Line Failure
John R. Yannaccone, PE, Senior Mechanical Engineer Case Synopsis: Upon opening for business following a long holiday weekend, a building maintenance person discovered water leaking into the lobby of the…
Event Data Recording Developments in Recreation Vehicles
R. Scott King, BSME, Principal Automotive/Mechanical Engineer Event data recorders (EDRs) in passenger vehicles and commercial trucks have been in use for nearly 20 years. During that time, they have…
Counterfeit Car Seat
John R. Yannaccone, P.E., Senior Mechanical Engineer What do wallets, purses, jewelry, and child car seats have in common? All are on a list of counterfeit items available for purchase.…
Tractor-Trailer Sustains Severe Fire Damage
R. Scott King, BSME, Principal Automotive / Mechanical Engineer :::: A commercial tractor-trailer sustained severe fire damage during an overnight stay in a parking area of a heavily traveled interstate.…
Sprinkler Piping Installation – Code NFPA 16D Violation
James J. Shields, P.E., Mechanical Engineer :::: Case Synopsis – A housing development company began a large multi-dwelling housing construction project at a site in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The development company…