#2/67 When A Slippery Slope is a Good Thing!

In conducting on-location site surveys, the investigative professional should be aware of four baseline potential causal factors: (The first three are fairly straightforward; the fourth, ground slope, is the focus of this week's Bulletin.)

1. Broken/Damaged/In Disrepair conditions

2. Construction in the area/Construction debris

3. Lighting Factors

4. Ground slope in regard to the related defect, condition or structure.

By way of example and explanation: Without delving too deeply into calculus (it's spring...):

The relational depth of a 3-inch deep defect, radiated outwardly 6 feet therefrom, with a 30% slope within that rise, can dynamically equate to a more than 6-inch profundity at the defect core. With the additional slope factor, it is not as if the injured party was walking on level ground and simply encountered a 3" defect. A very normal and acceptable declination range of the surrounding 6 feet of the defect, with a sharp gradient, will offset body physics and can be equal to the person encountering a 6" defect.