Maths Talks
Mathematics on the road – traffic cops and equations

Professor Sibanda, who is the Senior Academic in the Applied Mathematics Department of the University of Natal (Pietermaritzburg Campus), delivered a most interesting talk on “Mathematics on the road – traffic cops and equations”. He used to be an Instructor of those who were involved in the reconstruction techniques of motor vehicle accidents and was actively involved in the process of applying mathematics to such situations.

The pupils were able to see how equations are used to determine the actual speed of a vehicle given the length and type of skid marks on the road and the “throw” distance of a person or object as a result of a collision.

It was good to learn that these techniques are the order of the day, especially in the case of fatalities, ensuring that someone is convicted for negligence.

David Shorten with Prof Sibanda
from the Mathematics Department of UKZN