Advanced Traffic Crash Investigation

This is the second course in a three-part series offered by IPTM. It builds on the foundational knowledge gained from the At-Scene Traffic Crash/Traffic Homicide Investigation course, diving deeper into sophisticated methods and theories for analyzing vehicle collisions.

Course Overview

Participants will examine complex vehicle dynamics including acceleration and deceleration, various airborne scenarios, and related phenomena. The course covers speed estimation techniques derived from falls, vaults, and rollovers, as well as calculations involving kinetic energy and linear momentum. Students will learn to analyze vehicle lighting, tire conditions, and collision-related damage to identify vehicle behavior during impact events.

A substantial portion of instruction focuses on applying deceleration factors and perception/reaction time calculations to establish temporal and spatial relationships between vehicles involved in collisions. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to pursue advanced and specialized training in traffic crash reconstruction and related fields.

Topics Covered

• Mathematical fundamentals reviewed from prerequisite coursework
• Deceleration factors and their practical applications
• Speed determination using kinetic energy, skidmarks, and scuffmarks
• Combined speed and velocity calculations
• Vehicle dynamics and motion principles
• Time, distance, and motion equations with analytical methods
• Vehicle crush damage documentation and linear perimeter measurement techniques
• Hands-on projects designed to strengthen equation application skills

Intended Audience

This course is designed for law enforcement professionals and private sector traffic crash investigators, insurance claims adjusters, engineers, legal professionals, safety officers, military investigation personnel, and those working with collision animation and simulation software.

Course Details

Duration: 80 hours

Daily Schedule: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Course Fee: $1,195.00

Prerequisites

Successful completion of IPTM's At-Scene Traffic Crash/Traffic Homicide Investigation course (or equivalent) is required. Students without strong backgrounds in mathematics and physics are encouraged to complete IPTM's 16-hour Re-Introduction to Math and Physics online course prior to enrollment. Participants should review all formulas and coursework from their foundational or at-scene traffic crash course before beginning this class.

Required Materials

• Scientific calculator
• Compass
• Work clothing suitable for outdoor activities and adverse weather conditions

Recommended Items

• Camera for documenting field exercises

Important Notes

For Florida law enforcement officers, please be aware that this course does not qualify for Salary Incentive Credit under the FDLE Advanced Traffic Accident Investigations designation. Additionally, this course is not eligible for certificate discounts.

Series Information

This course is part of a comprehensive three-course sequence. The first course is At-Scene Traffic Crash/Traffic Homicide Investigation, available in traditional or accelerated formats. The third course is Traffic Crash Reconstruction, offered in both in-person and online delivery options.