Vehicle Identification Numbers Research Articles

Evaluation of Run-off-Road Crashes Involving Battery-Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasing in popularity and are among the fastest-growing segments in new vehicle sales. Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are the highest-selling class of EV. BEVs use a unique frame construction (i.e., a “skateboard” chassis) with a heavy battery pack located below the occupant’s floorpan, and are heavier and have lower centers-of-gravity than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs)—factors that could affect their crashworthiness with roadside features. A crash study was performed to compare the crash conditions for BEVs to ICEVs and hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) covering the numbers of vehicles, posted speed limits, crash locations, time of day, weather conditions, crash severities, and roadside fixed objects struck. Eight state departments of transportation provided crash data spanning 5 years that included vehicle identification numbers or make, model, and year combinations, which were used to isolate BEVs from ICEVs. Crash results were reviewed and EV crash conditions were found to be similar to those of ICEV and HEV crash conditions. Moreover, the frequency of run-off-road crashes was similar for BEVs and ICEVs. Because no substantial differences were observed between the two datasets, it is recommended that impact conditions described in the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware be utilized during preliminary evaluation of roadside hardware using electric vehicles.

Forensic Investigation of Vehicle Identification Numbers and Documents at the Current Stage

Expansion of auto industry is inextricably linked to an ever growing number of vehicles. Obviously, under these circumstances it is crucial to enable utmost safety of auto market. One of the prioritized tasks of law enforcement agencies is to prevent vehicle-related crimes. Analysis of statistics indicates that vehicle theft is one of the most common offences. The purpose of this study is to look into modern ways and methods of forensic investigation of vehicle identification numbers and documents. The study focuses on auto parts and vehicle documents. This study, conducted on the basis of forensic and investigative practice and the conclusions of the forensic center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, showed that the methods of forging vehicle markings and documents are constantly being improved and modernized, which requires law enforcement officers to perform high-quality work in order to prevent, disclose and investigate these illegal acts. The study revealed that ensuring efficient performance of expert departments requires a centralized database of vehicles under investigation and their documents, swift information exchange between various expert institutions, swift exchange of information in general, as well as a possibility to receive data on vehicles directly from their manufacturers.

Rapid assessments of light-duty gasoline vehicle emissions using on-road remote sensing and machine learning

In-time and accurate assessments of on-road vehicle emissions play a central role in urban air quality and health policymaking. However, official insight is hampered by the Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) procedure conducted in the laboratory annually. It not only has a large gap to real-world situations (e.g., meteorological conditions) but also is incapable of regular supervision. Here we build a unique dataset including 103,831 light-duty gasoline vehicles, in which on-road remote sensing (ORRS) measurements are linked to the I/M records based on the vehicle identification numbers and license plates. On this basis, we develop an ensemble model framework that integrates three machining learning algorithms, including neural network (NN), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and random forest (RF). We demonstrate that this ensemble model could rapidly assess the vehicle-specific emissions (i.e., CO, HC, and NO). In particular, the model performs quite well for the passing vehicles under normal conditions (i.e., lower VSP (<18 kw/t), temperature (6–32 °C), relative humidity (<80%), and wind speed (<5 m/s)). Together with the current emission standard, we identify a large number of the ‘dirty’ (2.33%) or ‘clean’ (74.92%) vehicles in the real world. Our results show that the ORRS measurements, assisted by the machine-learning-based ensemble model developed here, can realize day-to-day supervision of on-road vehicle-specific emissions. This approach framework provides a valuable opportunity to reform the I/M procedures globally and mitigate urban air pollution deeply.

Encryption and coding system of identification markings on units and assemblies of vehicles

It was found that in addition to changing the markings on vehicles and parts of railway rolling stock, the negative trend of unlawful changes of identification markings on air and water transport began to be traced. Most often the subject of criminal encroachment is a complete forgery of identification number, with partial forgery being less often. In some cases, there is the destruction of license plates without a subsequent application of secondary identification markings (mainly on old and non-marketable vehicles). It should be noted that at the monographic level the issue of forming a comprehensive private forensic methodology for the investigation of crimes related to changes in vehicle markings has been considered very rarely. The results of the study allowed proposing to consider the improvement of international standards that establish the content and structure of vehicle identification numbers in terms of the introduction of encryption and coding systems of identification markings on units and assemblies of vehicles, including those based on magnetic tags.

Аналіз методів дослідження ідентифікаційних номерів транспортних засобів для проведення судової експертизи

The article highlights the current problems of conducting expert research in the investigation of crimes related to the destruction, forgery or replacement of vehicle number plates. On the basis of the corresponding operating normative documents and taking into account modern scientific works the analysis of practical application of methods of research of identification numbers of units of vehicles during carrying out forensic examination of complex research of vehicles is carried out. The analysis shows that most methods of research of identification marks today remain relevant and allow to carry out the corresponding procedures concerning set of various features of objects of research. The purpose of the article is to analyze the application, identify the positive aspects of the applied methods of research of vehicle identification numbers and their units and possible areas for improvement of relevant procedures during the forensic examination of a comprehensive study of vehicles. Using a systematic approach, the decomposition of existing methods of research of vehicle identification numbers and their units was carried out. It is demonstrated that the existing methods of studying the signs of destruction, forgery or replacement of license plates of vehicles, their components and units allow a thorough analysis of all the features of the objects of study (magnetic, optical, fluorescent, physical, chemical, etc.). On the basis of the physical properties of metals and the features of their interaction with various chemical substances, the message sets forth the mechanism and advantages of using the method of electrochemical etching of iron-based alloys during research to identify markings, detection relief signs and hidden welds. As a result of the conducted researches the efficiency of using this or that method was established, which allows to establish with sufficient probability the fact of intervention or forgery of the primary number. In addition, the analysis makes it possible to provide recommendations for improving existing and creating new methods for the study of vehicle identification numbers.

A Source of New Information for Vehicle Identification

The paper looks at the issue of integrating the knowledge and methods of computer electronics into forensic recovery of vehicle identification numbers (VINs). In particular, data from the tachograph control unit is suggested as an additional source of evidence for vehicle identification, i. e. VIN recovery.

Analysis of Expert Errors in Vehicle Identification Number Verification

The author examines some gnoseological and procedural errors that occur in the course of forensic verification of vehicle identification numbers (VINs). Their conclusion is that expert errors associated with this type of forensic examination arise due to its methodological and organizational characteristics. With respect to the common types of errors documented by leading researchers, VIN verification demonstrates some exceptions that help to expand our understanding of this area of forensic practice.

Undercounting of large trucks in federal and state crash databases: Extent of problem and how to improve accuracy of truck classifications

ABSTRACTObjective: Prior research suggested that single-unit trucks are undercounted when using vehicle body codes in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). This study explored the extent of the misclassification and undercounting problem for crashes in FARS and state crash databases.Methods: Truck misclassifications for fatal crashes were explored by comparing the Trucks Involved in Fatal Accidents (TIFA) database with FARS. TIFA used vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and survey information to classify large trucks. This study used VINs to improve the accuracy of large truck classifications in state crash databases from 5 states (Delaware, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Utah).Results: The vehicle body type codes resulted in a 19% undercount of single-unit trucks in FARS and a 23% undercount of single-unit trucks in state databases. Tractor-trailers were misclassified less often. Misclassifications occurred most frequently among single-unit trucks in the weight classes of 10,001–14,000 pounds.Conclusions: The amount of misclassification of large trucks is large enough to potentially affect federal and state decisions on traffic safety. Using information from VINs results in more complete and accurate counts of large trucks involved in crashes. The National Transportation Safety Board recommended actions to improve federal and state crash data.

Deaths and Injuries in Single-Unit Truck Crashes: Quantifying Risk and Identifying Where Countermeasures Are Needed

s / Annals of Epidemiology 24 (2014) 682e702 692 improved with higher educational attainment of mothers (P<0.005) and increased socioeconomic status. Nonfatal drowning was more common when the main caregiver was not the mother (P<0.001). Forward likelihood ratio logistic regression indicated mothers’ lower educational status as the best predictor of nonfatal drowning. Conclusion: Better child care and prevention of nonfatal drowning might be ensured through increasing mothers’ educational attainment and improvements in socioeconomic status. P41. Deaths and Injuries in Single-Unit Truck Crashes: Quantifying Risk and Identifying Where Countermeasures Are Needed Elisa R. Braver PhD, Ivan Cheung PhD, Nathan A. Doble MS. National Transportation Safety Board Purpose: Single-unit trucks pose a hazard to automobile occupants in crashes due to marked differences in weight and bumper height and also injure pedestrians/bicyclists. However, these 8.2 million trucks are exempt from some safety rules for tractor-trailers, despite having similar weight and height characteristics. This study quantified deaths and injuries in singleunit truck crashes and identified specific safety risks requiring countermeasures. Methods: National US crash databases were used in addition to state databases linking police accident reports and hospital data. Risks were compared between single-unit trucks and tractor-trailers during 2005i€2009. Vehicle identification numbers (VINs) were decoded to classify vehicles. Results: Single-unit trucks aremisclassified and undercounted in federal and state databases, including about 19 percent of fatal crashes. On average,1,662 single-unit trucks were in fatal crashes and 1,817 people died in these crashes nationwide each year during 2005i€2009 comparedwith 3,175 tractor-trailer crash deaths. National estimates, based on state data, were as follows for single-unit truck crashes vs. tractor-trailer crashes each year: 2,459 people receiving serious or worse injuries vs. 2,833; 5,720 hospitalizations vs. 5,987; and 56,359 emergency department visits vs. 36,887. Safety problems included blind spots, nighttime visibility, and rear and side underride. Conclusions: Adverse effects of single-unit truck crashes are underestimated by using police vehicle type codes; this undercounting can be addressed by using VINs to classify vehicles. Although tractor-trailer crashes result in more deaths and serious injuries, the numbers of deaths, injuries, and hospital visits from single-unit truck crashes warrant improved safety regulations for these trucks. P42. Fall-Related Injuries: A Leading Cause of Injury Among Army Soldiers Deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan Geeta Kersellius MPH, MBS, Bonnie Taylor PhD, Keith Hauret MSPH, MPT, Bruce Jones MD, MPH. U.S. Army Institute of Public Health Introduction: Falls are the leading cause of occupational morbidity and mortality in the United States. During the Persian Gulf War, falls (19%) were the second leading cause for non-battle injury (NBI) hospital admissions of soldiers. Falls (18%) were also the second leading cause for air evacuation from Iraq and Afghanistan (2001-2006). Purpose: The objective of this investigationwas to utilize air evacuation data to describe the incidence of serious fall-related NBIs of Army soldiers deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. Methods: Army soldiers whoweremedically evacuated for NBIs from Iraq or Afghanistan (October 2001-December 2012) were identified from air evacuation records. Patient history and diagnoses were used to determine the cause of injury, fall type and injury type. Descriptive statistics were used to report incidence of fall-related injuries (including near-falls), fall types, and injury types. Results: Overall 21,972 soldiers were air evacuated for an NBI. Of injuries with an identifiable cause (n1⁄415,428), falls were the leading injury cause comprising 28% of NBIs (n1⁄44,331; rate: 3/1,000 person-years). Fall types included falls/jumps (60%), near-falls (21%), falls in sports/physical training (10%), boarding/alighting vehicles (7%), and air transport vehicles (1%). Leading fall injury types were fractures (37%), dislocations (18%), and sprains/ strains/ruptures (14%). Conclusions: Consistent with previous findings, falls remain a leading cause of air evacuation from Iraq and Afghanistan for a severe NBI. Fall-related injuries have a direct negative impact on personal and unit readiness. Injury prevention programs focused on fall types are needed to decrease the burden of NBIs in the military.

Recovering Obliterated Engraved Vehicle Identification Number on Vehicle Frame Surfaces by Etching Technique

Chemical etching, which is the most sensitive method to recover obliterated serial numbers on metal surfaces. This paper studied the method of recovering obliterated engraved vehicle identification number on vehicle frame surfaces by etching technique. Experiment research indicates that for vehicle frame materials containing Al and Si components, the use of concentrated hydrochloric acid : acetic acid : ethanol=2:1:1( volume ratio) reagent shows good effectiveness; For vehicle frame materials Mn and Si composition, the use of concentrated nitric acid: acetic acid: ethanol=1:1:1 ( volume ratio) shows good effectiveness. This recovering method has far-reaching application prospects, especially in the robbery cases involving vehicle identification numbers juggled.

An Exploratory Study of the Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and Motor Vehicle Safety Features

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the association between motor vehicle owners' socioeconomic status (SES) and the safety of their motor vehicles. Methods: Truncated vehicle identification numbers (VINs) were obtained from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office. ZIP code–level income and educational data were assigned to each VIN. Software was used to identify safety-related vehicle characteristics including crash test rating, availability of electronic stability control and side impact air bags, age, and weight. Correlations and analyses of variance were performed to assess whether a ZIP code's median household income and educational level were associated with its proportion of registered vehicles with safety features. Results: For 13 of the 16 correlations performed, SES was significantly associated with the availability of vehicle safety features in a direction that favored upper-income individuals. Vehicle weight was not associated with income or education. When ZIP codes were divided into median household income quintiles, their mean proportions of safety features also differed significantly, in the same direction, for availability of electronic stability control, side impact air bags, vehicle age, and crash test ratings. Conclusions: Safer motor vehicles appear to be distributed along socioeconomic lines, with lower income groups experiencing more risk. This previously unidentified mechanism of disparity merits further study and the attention of policy makers.

ENFORCING A POSSESSORY TITLE TO A STOLEN CAR

JASON Costello, who made “something of a living” by doing up and selling cars, was found by the Police in possession of a turbo-charged Ford Escort. Although he was the car’s registered keeper, the Police (rightly) suspected that it was stolen. They seized it under section 19 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (“PACE”). In this they acted lawfully. They questioned Costello but never actually prosecuted him—despite the original vehicle identification and engine numbers’ having been ground off; Costello’s having acquired the car through a “friend” with multiple convictions for handling stolen cars; and his keeping a “car ringing kit” for forging registration numbers under the back seat.

Body Switching and Related Adaptations in the Resale of Stolen Vehicles. Script Elaborations and Aggregate Crime Learning Curves

The paper provides a case study of a sustained crime expansion. The case study is offence-specific (motor vehicles stolen for resale purposes) and restricted to a particular time frame (1974-92) and setting (a Canadian province). 'How ' offenders have collectively designed this crime increase is given a salient analytical status and made to explain 'why ' it occurred in the first place. As suggested by Cornish (1994) crimes can be analysed as behavioural scripts of various complexity, and offending activities as the purposive experimentation and tinkering of such scripts. Our main argument is that multiple innovations or script alterations have been successfully introduced and adopted by a significant mix of motivated and suitable partidpants, produdng over time a cumulative or sustaining effect on yearly output of unrecovered stolen vehicles. In order to document this 'aggregate learning'process we rely on a subset of police investigations on resale networks. Cornish (1993: 31; see also 1994) has recently suggested that complex crimes (often labelled 'professional' or 'organized') should be analysed as end products or outcomes of a causal chain of separate actions or moves 'strung out along an axle, rather as kebabs are skewered on to a stick'. Permanent retention motor vehicle thefts, for instance, involve a sequence of five moves (theft of the vehicle, concealment, disguise, marketing and ultimate disposal), each move having a specific mix of casting, location and props requirements. Participants can play each move or scene in a variety of ways: cars may be stolen in parking lots or obtained by providing rental agencies with stolen identities. Vehicle identification numbers may be altered or their chassis transferred from a crashed vehicle to a stolen one ('body switching'). And 'rehabilitated' vehicles may be sold to a foreign dealer, a local garage shop or advertised in local newspapers. Procedural analysis, then, defines crime events as natural experiments. Some crime scripts could be found to have a2x2x2*2 design (a sequence of four moves, and only two possible ways to play each scene). Other crime scripts may require a shorter sequence of actions but allow more flexible means of acting out each successive move (for example a 2 x 3 x 4 design). A crime can therefore be defined as an S(ik) sequence, with i moves and k facets or ways of playing each move. Offenders may innovate and change given crime scripts by increasing or modifying the variety of k facets for any given move (first order elaborations) or by adding, deleting or re-ordering the number of moves of the crime-commission script (second-order elaborations). Both first and second-order tinkering provide offenders with new ways to victimize the existing pool of targets (a

Boundary Element Formulation for Thermal Stresses During Pulsed Laser Heating

Pulsed lasers are used in a variety of materials processing applications that range from heating for metallurgical transformation to scribing vehicle identification numbers on anodized aluminum strips. These lasers are commonly configured to deliver a large quantity of heat energy in very short time intervals and over very small areas due to the manner in which radiant energy is stored within, and then released from, the laser resonator. At the present time, little is known about the effect of pulse duration on thermomechanical distortion during heating without phase change. To explore this issue, a boundary element method was developed to calculate temperature, displacement, and thermal stress fields in a layer that is rigidly bonded to an inert semi-space. The layer absorbs thermal energy from a repetitively pulsed laser in the plane of its free surface. The effects of two pulse durations, which differ by four-orders-of-magnitude, were examined in this work. The temporal profiles of ultrafast pulses of the order of ten picoseconds (such as those emitted by a mode-locked laser), and pulses of the order of tens-of-nanoseconds (such as those emitted by a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser) were mathematically modeled using a rectified sine function. The spatial profile of each pulse was shaped to approximate a Gaussian strip source. The equations of coupled thermoelasticity, wherein the speed of mechanical distortion due to material expansion during heat absorption is finite, but the speed of heat propagation within the layer is infinite, were solved for both pulse durations. The resulting temperature and stress fields were compared with those predicted in the limit of no thermomechanical coupling.

Syntactic pattern recognizer for vehicle identification numbers

Road pricing is certain to be introduced in most cities by the year 2000. Most systems require vehicles to carry a transducer which identifies it. If this fails, the only way of identifying the vehicle is by reading the vehicle identification numbers (VIN). A recognition system is described which thins the characters using conventional algorithms to produce 8-connected skeletons and uses a new pattern grammar to describe these characters in terms of simple string. The same string represents a character irrespective of its position, size or orientation. The characters used to test the performance of the algorithm were extracted from a wide variety of images of vehicles. They are not idealized representations. The origin of these characters means that they are very varied in their size, orientation and completeness. No normalisation of characters is required prior to determining their representation in the pattern grammar described.

An Effective Material and Method for Casting Vehicle Identification Numbers

The utilization of a unique material in casting vehicle identification numbers supplies auto theft investigators with full access to the often overlooked area of toolmark identification in identifying stolen vehicles. The unlimited potential of casting as a technical aid in other types of cases involving toolmark identification could serve as a valuable instrument in augmenting the use of toolmark evidence.