For example, during vehicle crash investigations, this type of examination could clarify the identity of the vehicle's driver and even which control pedals were in use at the time of the accident. In the case described here, an accident occurred after the driver of a stolen car failed to stop at a stop sign and was pursued by a police officer. The occupants of the car had also assaulted a woman several minutes before the traffic violation and had stolen her purse. One occupant of the car was thrown from the vehicle and the other was in such a position that his original placement in the car could not be determined. To effect the proper charges and an accurate accident investigation, the police had to determine who had been the driver and who had been the passenger. A forensic footwear specialist was able to compare the suspects' shoe soles with imprints on the car's brake and clutch pedals. 3 figures and 3 references