Sleigh accident? CEP Forensic to the rescue of Santa Claus… and his presents!
Christmas Eve is just around the corner! That’s why Santa was eager to take his shiny new sleigh for a test run. After all, who better than Father Christmas himself to make sure it was ready for the big night?
Once he harnessed his trusty reindeer and loaded the sleigh with gifts, he took off into the evening sky. Everything was going smoothly until — BAM! Out of nowhere, his sleigh hit a pole. Not the North Pole, an actual pole!
Santa was more shaken than hurt, but time was of the essence, and the insurance company demanded answers. As you’d expect, they turned to CEP Forensic to uncover the cause of the accident. When it comes to Christmas, there’s no room for error!
From conventional vehicles to Santa’s sleigh, it’s all about the method
CEP experts conduct a wide range of investigations, including buildings, fire scenes, motorized vehicles, and even some of the most unusual equipment.
But what kind of experts can determine the cause of a sleigh accident? The CEP kind. Not only are we kind, but we have experts who can analyze any vehicle accident.
Manufacturer recalls: Not as rare as you think!
You might be surprised to learn just how often vehicle recalls happen (sleighs included). In 2019 alone, one of every five Canadian vehicles was subject to a recall.
As part of their investigation, our experts review recall notices to determine if the sleigh had any design flaws.
This verification, along with anything related to the sleigh’s chassis, falls under the responsibility of CEP’s vehicle experts. When it comes to the materials used in the sleigh’s construction, we rely on none other than our material experts!
Carrying gifts is great, but overloading can be risky!
Santa selected that particular sleigh for a reason: it could carry a lot of gifts! But did he push his luck by cramming in too many presents, jeopardizing his flight path?
Various theories concerning the accident started to emerge. Thankfully, the methodology used by CEP rivals the precision and ingenuity of Santa’s elves!
The scientific method in action
CEP experts have everything they need at their disposal to uncover the cause of the accident: the right tools, well-equipped laboratories, and proven procedures!
Their analysis includes a thorough review of the sleigh’s maintenance records. They also investigate whether the reindeer were properly fed and trained before their first winter outing, as well as when the sleigh’s skis were last waxed.
Thankfully, Santa wasn’t seriously hurt, but he did have a few aches and pains! This information proves vital for CEP’s investigators, who can establish a link between the accident and the medical report.
Santa’s sleigh under CEP’s magnifier
The sleigh is then brought to a dedicated area for an in-depth inspection. This is where parts and debris are carefully examined, and, in rare cases, very small samples are analyzed under a microscope. If needed, chemical experts are called in to study paint deposits and check if material transfer occurred during the collision. Finally, the electrical wiring is examined to determine if there was any electrical failure.
EDR: 5 seconds that change everything
Did you know? Santa’s sleigh is equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR). This device confirms with certainty whether, in the five seconds before impact, the vehicle braked, skidded, or accelerated. It also detects how fast it was travelling.
Mechanical failure or distraction?
There’s a lot of talk about mechanical or technical failure, but is it possible that Santa accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedal errors cause about 16,000 accidents per year in the United States. This figure dates back to 2012, but human errors still happen — and Santa has so much on his mind!
What do CEP and Santa have in common? Meeting deadlines
Whatever the investigation, CEP stops at nothing to uncover the facts. With our experts on the case, the insurer will get the answers it needs, and Santa will be back to spreading Christmas cheer in no time!
Happy holidays from everyone at CEP! And make sure to stay safe out there, whether you’re on the road or flying through the winter skies!