A passenger vehicle driver was waiting for traffic to clear to make a left turn at a traffic light. As the light turned yellow, a vehicle approaching to far from the intersection to make the light appeared to begin braking. As the turning vehicle began to cross thru the intersection it suddenly collided with the approaching vehicle. The driver of the turning vehicle was ticketed for failure to yield the right of way. An analysis of the vehicle damages, position of vehicle points of rest, and review of surveillance video from neighboring properties, was used to determine the speed of vehicles at impact and the positioning, speed, and timing of the vehicles thru the intersection. Analysis of the traffic signal programming in effect at the time indicated the approaching vehicle to have received an earlier yellow light phase attributable to approaching from a higher speed limit zone than the turning vehicle.
A reconstruction of the accident resulted in the factual basis of determining the approaching vehicle was speeding and entered the intersection under a red light. Supported by the surveillance video, the turning vehicle had already entered the intersection, properly waited for the light to change, and proceeded with the expectation of right of way. The reconstruction resulted in the ticket being dismissed without further legal proceedings between the parties.
This case, as many others, indicate the importance of early documentation of an accident scene and thorough consideration of the many factors involved prior to reaching early conclusions.
