Mr. Miller uses engineering simulation to recreate the accident sequence in 1/1000th's of a second increments. In this example, the red car track is based on a simulated speed of 56 mph entering the curve. The blue track is based on exactly the same distribution of weight, but at a simulated speed of 54 mph. Because the driver had 300 pounds of camping gear in his station wagon, and a 75 pound canoe tied to its roof, the vehicle was just marginally unstable at the actual 56 mph entry speed. (Click here or on image for larger picture.) 

(For a life-like, fully shaded, perspective view of the schematic drawing seen above, please visit the Graphic View page.)

The driver was on trial for drunk driving and manslaugher in connection with the death of his passenger. Testifying for the defense, Mr. Miller demonstrated that the driver was just marginally exceeding the car's thresholds on this particular curve, given the passenger, fuel and cargo loadings. It was clear to the jury that, although the driver entered the curve 2 mph too fast, he did not spin out of control until two-thirds through the S-turn, indicating that his steering reaction times were not significantly impaired by alcohol. Mr. Miller also showed by applying the laws of physics that, had the downhill slope been 1% less steep, or had the camping gear and canoe been left at home, the driver would have safely negotiated the turn, even at 56 mph. 

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