Analysis of braking marks left by vehicles equipped with ABS with IR spectroscopy

This paper presents the possible use for IR spectroscopy to reveal skid marks left by cars equipped with Anti-lock Braking System. Detailed analysis of literature showed that there is no method that can be used in order to investigate this kind of tire marks. Up till now only two techniques have been devised. The first one is Method of Image Refinement which consists of transforming the image from the scene of the accident using dedicated graphics software. Second method includes analysis of traces using a thermal imaging camera. This study presents an innovative approach to the problem. Numerous analyses using IR spectroscopy were conducted to check the suitability of this method. The research performed on a Thermo Scientific FTIR Nicolet iS50 Spectrophotometer with an ATR attachment. 40 samples from 10 different types of asphalt were prepared. Each sample was measured 3 times to create its spectrum. The results were analyzed thoroughly using the dedicated SpectraGryph software. Analysis show that the wavelength which makes the braking marks visible is found within the mid-infrared range. Finally, it was found wavelength in which skid marks should be visible. This range is located in the mid-infrared.