Advanced Traffic Crash Investigation

SECOND IN A SERIES OF THREE COURSES

Building upon the theories and techniques learned in IPTM’s At-Scene Traffic Crash/Traffic Homicide Investigation course, this class will delve into the advanced concepts of traffic crash investigations.

More complex vehicle dynamics such as acceleration/deceleration, factor, rate and airborne situations will be explored. You will learn to estimate speeds from falls, vaults, and flips and the calculation of kinetic energy and linear momentum. You’ll also learn to evaluate vehicle lamps, tires, and damage to help determine vehicle behaviors during the collision.

Much of the coursework will be spent using acceleration/deceleration factors and perception/reaction times to determine time/distance relationships for colliding vehicles.

Topics include:

• Speed estimates from kinetic energy, skidmarks, scuffmarks and airborne situations
• Vehicle dynamics and motion
• Time, distance, and motion equations
• Conservation of momentum equations
• Vehicle lamp examination
• Tire damage evaluation
• Vector sum analysis

Prerequisite: You must have completed IPTM’s At-Scene Traffic Crash/Traffic Homicide Investigation course or its equivalent. You should review all formulas and work from this course prior to coming to class.

Note(s): Please bring a calculator with square root, sine/co-sine, and parentheses () functions; a compass; and work clothes for outside activities (including inclement weather). A camera and equipment to document field exercises as well as a three-ring binder for handouts is recommended.

Audience: Law enforcement and private traffic crash investigators, claims adjusters, engineers, attorneys, safety officers, military investigative personnel, animators and graphic designers