Cody Wengenmayr was likely able to see at least 250 metres in front of him before his car hit and killed six-year-old Trey Alphonse and injured his mother, Iris, in 2010.
That was the observation forensic collision investigator Cpl. Clover Johns made during her investigation of the crash site.
Johns testified at Wengenmayr’s trial Thursday. She said she arrived at the scene of the crash—Harvey Avenue’s westbound lanes between Dilworth Drive and Cooper Road—at 2:16 a.m. on Aug. 31, 2010.
Johns said the asphalt was dry and in good condition and the area was illuminated by street lights. She said she observed an 11.4 metre skid mark that started in the curbside lane and entered the middle lane. She also noticed “rotational scuff marks,” indicating the vehicle rotated counter-clockwise
Standing at the start of the skid mark, facing west, Johns testified there were 250 metre sightlines. She noted she was unsure of the sightline distance facing east; however, said she was sure it was clear for “at least 100 metres.”
A distance of 43.39 metres separated the start of the skid mark from the forensic marker indicating where Trey was found on the road.
Johns also noted there were two prominent dents on the front right of Wengenmayr’s Honda. A thin layer of dirt covered the exterior of the car, but the dented areas were clean.
“It’s consistent with pedestrian collisions where clothing of (the) pedestrian rubbed dirt away,” said Johns.
The passenger side mirror had also come off the Honda.
Wengenmayer, 21, is facing six offences, which include dangerous driving and impaired driving causing death.
The trial is expected to continue Friday.
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
