In what type of accidents are measurements typically taken?

Measurements are typically taken in crashes involving violations or criminal aspects because these types of incidents require thorough documentation for legal and investigative purposes. When a crash involves a violation, such as impaired driving, reckless driving, or other illegal behaviors, accurate measurements of the scene—including distances, vehicle positions, and points of impact—are essential for establishing facts and supporting legal proceedings.

In these situations, law enforcement officers need to gather evidence that can be vital in court. The data collected can help reconstruct the events leading up to the crash, determine liability, and provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident. This level of precise documentation is less critical in less severe or non-violent accidents, where the focus may be more on resolving property damage or obtaining insurance information.