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 vehicle collisions. Participants will master the interpretation of crash evidence, including vehicle damage patterns and occupant injuries, to determine seating positions and reconstruct the sequence of events during a collision.

Course Overview

The training focuses on fundamental principles of occupant kinematics and teaches investigators how to calculate the direction and sequence of occupant movement based on collision dynamics. Participants will develop proficiency in identifying seating positions, evaluating safety belt usage, and assessing the role of airbag and restraint system deployments in injury causation and prevention.

A significant component of the course involves hands-on review of medical documentation and autopsy reports obtained through proper legal channels. By correlating documented injuries with vehicle damage patterns, investigators gain critical insight into occupant positions and movement trajectories. Real-world crash cases are integrated throughout the training to illustrate practical application of these investigative concepts.

Topics Covered

• Calculation of PDOF and Delta V
• Occupant movement analysis
• Contact and non-contact injury types
• Injury forces and trauma assessment
• Vehicle interior examination techniques
• Injury terminology and classification
• Occupant protection systems analysis
• Medical and autopsy record interpretation

Audience and Prerequisites

This course is intended for law enforcement and private traffic crash investigators, claims adjusters, engineers, attorneys, safety officers, military investigative personnel, and forensic animators and graphic designers. Participants must have completed IPTM's Traffic Crash Reconstruction course or an equivalent program prior to enrollment.

Instructional Team

Valentina Ngai – A biomedical engineer with a PhD in Bioengineering, Dr. Ngai brings 15 years of expertise in forensic biomechanics and injury causation. She specializes in motor vehicle crash investigation and human motion response, with research focused on patrol vehicle positioning, seatbelt use effectiveness, and injury risk assessment in high-speed crash testing scenarios.

Greg Sullenberger – A retired Pennsylvania State Police Corporal with over 20 years of service and ACTAR accreditation, Greg is recognized as an expert in crash reconstruction and occupant kinematics. Since 2004, he has instructed students internationally for IPTM, coordinated WREX events, and provided expert testimony in state and federal court proceedings while contributing to significant forensic investigations.

Cameron Trepeck – Dr. Trepeck holds bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in biomechanics. As a Professional Engineer and ACTAR-accredited specialist, he focuses on occupant kinematics, injury causation, and forensic engineering, bringing advanced expertise in robotic systems, motion capture technology, and injury mechanics to the training program.

Course Details

Duration: 40 hours

Class Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Fee: $895.00

ACTAR CEUs: 40 hours eligible for ACTAR continuing education units

Materials to Bring

• Scientific calculator
• Traffic template

Scheduled Sessions

Lawrenceville, Georgia
October 19-23, 2026
Gwinnett County Police Department Training Academy
Room TBD, 854 Winder Highway, Lawrenceville, GA 30045
Instructor: Greg Sullenberger
(Class is full; waitlist available)

Helena, Montana
November 2-6, 2026
Montana Law Enforcement Academy - Ohs Building
Room 214, 2260 Sierra Road East, Helena, MT 59620
Instructor: Greg Sullenberger

Irvine, California
December 7-11, 2026
Quail Hill Community Center
Multipurpose Room, 39 Shady Canyon Drive, Irvine, CA 92603
Instructor: Greg Sullenberger

Phoenix, Arizona
March 15-19, 2027
Arizona DPS Public Service Center
Access Integrity Classroom, 2222 West Encanto Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85009