Occupant Kinematics for the Traffic Crash Reconstructionist

This comprehensive 40-hour course is designed to equip traffic crash investigators with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze occupant positioning and movement during vehicular collisions. Participants will develop expertise in interpreting crash evidence as it pertains to where occupants were seated and how they moved throughout the collision sequence.

The curriculum focuses on connecting vehicle damage patterns with occupant injuries to reconstruct the direction and sequence of movement during impact events. Students will master the identification of seating positions, evaluation of restraint system usage including seatbelts and airbags, and assessment of restraint deployment significance. The course also covers the critical skill of reviewing medical records and autopsy reports obtained through proper legal channels to correlate documented injuries with vehicle damage patterns, creating a comprehensive picture of occupant dynamics.

Key Topics Covered:

• Point of Damage Offset (PDOF) calculations
• Occupant movement patterns and trajectory analysis
• Contact and non-contact injury types and mechanisms
• Injury force calculations and analysis
• Vehicle interior examination techniques
• Medical and autopsy record interpretation
• Occupant protection system functionality and deployment
• Delta V calculations

Throughout the course, real-world crash investigation cases are analyzed to provide practical application of theoretical concepts. This approach helps investigators develop the ability to apply learned principles to their own case work and courtroom testimony.

Intended Audience: This course is appropriate for law enforcement and private traffic crash investigators, claims adjusters, engineers, attorneys, safety officers, military investigative personnel, and professionals in animation and graphic design who support crash reconstruction efforts.

Course Requirements: Participants must have previously completed IPTM's Traffic Crash Reconstruction course or an equivalent training program. Students should bring a scientific calculator and traffic template to class.

Materials and Credits: This 40-hour course qualifies for 40 ACTAR Continuing Education Units for eligible professionals.

Instructional Team: The course is taught by leading experts in forensic biomechanics and crash reconstruction. Dr. Valentina Ngai brings a PhD in Bioengineering and 15 years of specialized experience in forensic biomechanics and motor vehicle crash investigation. Greg Sullenberger is a retired Pennsylvania State Police Corporal with over 20 years of law enforcement experience, ACTAR accreditation, and extensive international teaching history with IPTM. Dr. Cameron Trepeck holds advanced degrees in Mechanical Engineering with a biomechanics specialization, Professional Engineer credentials, and ACTAR accreditation, bringing expertise in occupant kinematics and forensic engineering.

Course Fee: $895.00

Class Schedule: Classes meet daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Upcoming Sessions:

• October 19-23, 2026 in Lawrenceville, Georgia at the Gwinnett County Police Department Training Academy (Currently Full - Waitlist Available)
• November 2-6, 2026 in Helena, Montana at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy
• December 7-11, 2026 in Irvine, California at the Quail Hill Community Center
• March 15-19, 2027 in Phoenix, Arizona at the Arizona DPS Public Service Center