NT Police adopt 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) technology

Territorian road collisions will be understood in greater detail, with police turning to new technology that produces a visual representation of even the most catastrophic car crashes.

The Northern Territory Police's Major Crash Investigations Unit (MCIU) is utilising cutting edge technology to enhance efforts to identify the reasons behind the rising number of lives lost on Territory roads. Picture: Supplied.

As the Territory’s road fatality toll continues to rise, crash investigators are turning to 3D technology in a bid to identify the reasons behind the catastrophic spike in casualties.

This week, it was confirmed that NT Police’s Major Crash Investigations Unit (MCIU) have incorporated the use of 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) technology into their collision investigations.

The technology, which involves a detailed analysis of the crash site and evidence left by occupants, pedestrians or vehicles, produces an accurate visual of how the incident unfolded and at what speeds.

By combining the findings of 3D CAD and other obtained evidence, such as headlight mapping data, investigators are expected to determine the dynamics of a given collision with high accuracy.

The new technology involves a comprehensive process of analysing the collision site which returns a detailed model of how the incident unfolded. Picture: Supplied.

With 42 lives lost so far in 2024 – compared to eight this time last year – Detective Senior Sergeant Richard Musgrave said the technology’s findings could help shape future decision making processes.

“The use of 3D CAD technology and headlight mapping is helping us garner a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to the Territory’s road fatalities and further guiding our efforts to improve road safety and prevent further loss of life,” he said.

“These advanced methods not only aid in the resolution of complex cases but also contribute to the ongoing effort to make NT roads safer for all.”

Crash investigator Senior Sergeant Richard Musgrave and Superintendent Paul Wood last week shared with this masthead an insight into the horrific crash scenes that police attend.

Superintendent Wood said the community was currently “complacent” when it came to road safety attitudes.

“Police will do what they can do with the legislative power that they’ve been awarded, but it comes down to the drivers making those decisions,” he said.