What was the speed of the tractor trailer at the time of impact?

Examination of the electronic control module can prove the speed of the tractor trailer at the time of impact.

You are stopped for an automatic signal at a highway intersection. The light changes to green. You look both ways and proceed into the intersection. You glance again and see a tractor trailer flying toward you. Your vehicle is impacted, and you end up with catastrophic injuries. The truck driver tells the investigating officer he was traveling 55 miles per hour, but you believe he was traveling at least 80 miles per hour. An examination of the tractor trailer’s electronic control module by an accident reconstructionist will reveal the speed of the tractor trailer at the time of impact or rapid deceleration just prior to the accident. Most heavy trucks manufactured after 1995 are likely to be equipped with an electronic control module which provides vital vehicle data similar to the “Black Box” found in airplanes. In particular, parameters such as vehicle speed, throttle position, brake pedal application, and clutch status are recorded every second. The system is electronically activated due to rapid deceleration as a result of severe impact or hard braking. A detailed analysis of the electronic control module would provide independent objective evidence of the speed of the tractor trailer.