Serious Collision Investigation Legacy (SCIL)

Leaving Knowledge Behind for Others to Build On

One of the key themes we highlighted for vehicle-related investigations in 2025 was Serious Collision Investigation. While not a new concept, it marks a point where we reflect on our progress in this field and introduce an initiative to support those involved in these investigations.

?Despite ongoing efforts toward Vision Zero, where the goal is no road deaths, we must acknowledge that achieving this will not happen immediately. In the UK, the latest figures show an average of at least four fatalities per day due to road collisions, with 1,624 reported in 2023. Globally, approximately 1.19 million people died in road collisions in 2021, according to the World Health Organisation.

?While we have ideas for other initiatives to help reduce serious road collisions, this blog focuses on an initiative inspired by our personal experiences. Its aim is to give back and contribute to the sharing of knowledge, supporting those tasked with investigating these continuing incidents.

?Since the start of my police career, I have been involved in investigating serious collisions involving fatalities in various capacities. We now continue this work as a private company supporting such investigations. My goal is to share the knowledge and insights we have gained from these experiences to support others in the field, particularly those who are new or lack similar experience, helping them advance more quickly and effectively in their roles.

?Serious collision investigation, as we define it, focuses on the overall conduct and leadership of investigations, distinct from specific specialisms such as forensic collision investigation. While we will consider these areas as part of the process, our primary aim is to take a holistic view of the investigation to explore broader concepts and improve overall outcomes.

The initiative will begin with a free course on leading serious collision investigations, hosted in the Vehicle Network app and open to anyone interested. While the course is still under development, we’ll start by adding content gradually rather than waiting for a fully finished version.

We previously developed and successfully delivered a similar course in-house during my time in the police. Since then, we have gained an additional eight years of experience in the private sector, further enhancing the knowledge and expertise that will contribute to this learning initiative.

The World Health Organisation report that 92% of deaths occur in low – and middle income countries and that the risk of death is three times higher in low income countries than high income countries despite these countries having less than 1% of all motor vehicles. It is important to support these regions and by making this course available online, free of charge, through the app or via other means if necessary, we aim to provide valuable support where perhaps its needed most.

Once the initial phase is complete, we will move to a second phase, engaging the community to share insights and content based on their experiences. This will help build a comprehensive knowledge base, drawing on the expertise of the world’s leading minds in serious collision investigation and creating a lasting resource for future practitioners.

Our ultimate goal is to leave knowledge behind and create a free, accessible resource that can complement existing knowledge or serve as a starting point for those new to the field. This is about building a legacy of shared learning and ensuring that future generations of investigators can benefit from the collective knowledge of today’s professionals. Together, we can create something meaningful that defines the importance of Serious Collision Investigations and supports those who dedicate themselves to this vital work.

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