Applied Physics for the Traffic Crash Investigator

This comprehensive course offers participants an advanced understanding of physical principles essential to reconstructing traffic crashes and other incidents involving motion. Building upon concepts introduced in foundational crash investigation and reconstruction training, this program provides substantially deeper exploration of applied physics topics. Additionally, it equips students with the knowledge needed to succeed in advanced reconstruction courses that utilize computer modeling techniques.

Course Topics

• Mathematical fundamentals and overview
• Work-energy relationships and their practical applications
• Conservation of linear momentum and impulse, including vector sum analysis using both mathematical and graphical approaches
• Uniform projectile motion and airborne dynamics equations
• Uniform circular motion and critical speed calculations
• Tire forces and analysis of tire mark evidence
• Time-distance relationships and calculations
• Energy loss in collisions and CRUSH analysis
• Rotational mechanics, including post-collision rotation and pitch down during takeoff
• Low-speed collision analysis, including coefficient of restitution

Intended Audience

This course is designed for law enforcement and private sector traffic crash investigators, claims adjusters, engineers, attorneys, safety officers, military investigative personnel, animators, and graphic designers.

Course Details

Duration: 40 hours

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

Fee: $895.00

ACTAR Credit: 40 ACTAR CEUs available

Prerequisites

Participants must have successfully completed IPTM's Traffic Crash Reconstruction course or an equivalent program. Students lacking a strong foundation in mathematics and physics are strongly encouraged to complete IPTM's 16-hour Re-Introduction to Math and Physics (Online) course before enrolling.

What to Bring

Required: Scientific calculator

Recommended: Work clothes suitable for outdoor activities including adverse weather conditions, as well as a camera and equipment for documenting field exercises

Scheduled Sessions

Jacksonville, Florida
October 26-30, 2026
Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Instructors: John Daily, Michael Catalano

Tempe, Arizona
November 9-13, 2026
Tempe Police Department - Hardy Substation, Room TBD, 8201 South Hardy Drive, Tempe, AZ 85284
Instructors: Timothy Brown, John Daily

Westminster, Colorado
April 12-16, 2027
Westminster Public Safety Center, East Training Room, 9110 Yates Street, Westminster, CO 80031

Irvine, California
May 3-7, 2027
Quail Hill Community Center, Multipurpose Room, 39 Shady Canyon Drive, Irvine, CA 92603