California Private Investigator Practice Exam

In a slow-speed vehicle collision, what piece of evidence is most likely found in the roadway?

1. A wheel hub

2. A piece of tail light

3. A broken side mirror

4. A license plate

The correct answer is: A piece of tail light

In a slow-speed vehicle collision, the type of evidence most likely found in the roadway is a piece of tail light. This is due to the construction of tail lights, which are designed to be more fragile and can easily shatter or detach in low-speed impacts. The impact from a collision often results in parts of the vehicle becoming dislodged, and tail lights, being made of glass or plastic, are particularly susceptible to this kind of damage. When two vehicles collide at slow speeds, the damage tends to be more cosmetic rather than structural, meaning components like tail lights could break off and end up on the ground without causing significant harm to the structural integrity of the vehicles involved. Additionally, tail lights are located at the rear of the vehicle, where collisions typically occur when backing up or in rear-end situations, making it likely for them to be left behind on the roadway following an accident. In contrast, other items such as a wheel hub, a broken side mirror, or a license plate may not be as likely to end up in the roadway during a low-impact incident. Wheel hubs, often being more secured and integral to the vehicle’s operation, are less likely to separate easily. Broken side mirrors may remain attached to the vehicle or may fall inward