Karen Read Case FaQ's

What is ARCCA's role in the Karen Read case?

ARCCA is a company specializing in accident reconstruction. In the Karen Read trial, an ARCCA expert, Daniel Wolfe, testified for the defense. They were hired to conduct testing and provide expert opinions related to the evidence, including the damaged taillight of Karen Read's vehicle and the injuries sustained by John O'Keefe. ARCCA was paid approximately $50,000 by the defense for their work.

What kind of testing did ARCCA perform on the taillight?

ARCCA conducted testing to determine if a drinking glass could cause damage consistent with what was observed on the taillight of Karen Read's Lexus. They designed a pneumatic cannon capable of firing a drinking glass at varying speeds into exemplar taillights. Tests were performed at approximately 31 mph and 37 mph.

What were the findings of the drinking glass testing?

The testing revealed that an impact at 37 mph with a drinking glass resulted in damage to the taillight that was "generally consistent" with the damage on Karen Read's vehicle. The 31 mph test did not generate enough energy to create similar damage. However, the expert did not conclude that the taillight damage was definitively caused by a drinking glass.

What testing did ARCCA perform related to John O'Keefe's head injuries?

ARCCA performed a drop test using an instrumented anthropomorphic test device (ATD), also known as a crash test dummy (specifically a Hybrid 3 model), to measure the forces and accelerations on a headform impacting an exemplar taillight. This test aimed to determine if a direct impact between the taillight and the back of John O'Keefe's head could have caused the skull fracture he sustained.

What were the results of the head injury testing?

The drop test with the ATD impacting the taillight at 15 mph resulted in significantly more damage to the taillight than what was observed on the subject taillight. Furthermore, the impact did not generate enough force, according to a colleague, to cause a skull fracture. Based on these results, the expert concluded that an impact between the taillight and John O'Keefe's head at above 15 mph was "inconsistent" with the damage to the taillight.

Why was temperature control important in ARCCA's testing?

Temperature control was important because the acrylic material of the taillight lens is affected by temperature, which can influence how it fractures. To ensure consistent results, exemplar taillights were stored in chest freezers overnight at 28°F and then rapidly moved to the test fixture for immediate testing.

What is an ATD or crash test dummy and why is it used in accident reconstruction?

An ATD, or anthropomorphic test device (commonly called a crash test dummy), is a device approved by the federal government used in accident reconstruction and biomechanics to evaluate crash forces and occupant kinematics. These instrumented dummies can measure accelerations and forces on different body parts during impacts, helping experts understand potential injuries in various scenarios.

How has the ARCCA expert's testimony been received or challenged?

The ARCCA expert's testimony has been challenged by the prosecution. During cross-examination, questions were raised about the expert's memory and previous statements. The prosecution also questioned the significance of the weight difference between the dummy arm used in testing and John O'Keefe's arm, although the expert maintained it would not significantly impact the results given the vehicle's momentum. Additionally, some online discussions suggest skepticism about the expert's methodology and conclusions, while others highlight the defense's efforts to clarify points and counter the prosecution's challenges.