Advanced Traffic Crash Investigation by IPTM
Advanced Traffic Crash Investigation
This comprehensive 80-hour course represents the second offering in a three-course series designed to build upon foundational knowledge from IPTM's At-Scene Traffic Crash/Traffic Homicide Investigation course. Participants will explore sophisticated concepts and methodologies essential to advanced traffic crash investigations.
The curriculum emphasizes complex vehicle dynamics, including acceleration and deceleration factors as well as airborne situations. Students will develop skills in estimating speeds derived from vehicle falls, vaults, and flips, and will master calculations involving kinetic energy and linear momentum. The course also covers evaluation of vehicle lamps, tires, and collision damage patterns to determine vehicle behavior during impact events.
A significant portion of instruction focuses on applying acceleration and deceleration factors alongside perception and reaction times to establish time and distance relationships for vehicles involved in collisions. Upon completion, participants will be well-prepared to pursue various advanced and specialized courses in traffic crash investigation.
Course Topics:
- Math review from foundational traffic crash investigation coursework
- Deceleration factors and their application
- Speed estimates derived from kinetic energy, skidmarks, and scuffmarks
- Combined speed and velocity applications
- Vehicle dynamics and motion principles
- Time, distance, and motion equations and analysis
- Vehicle crush damage documentation and linear perimeter measurement
- In-class projects to build proficiency with equation application
Target Audience: Law enforcement and private traffic crash investigators, claims adjusters, engineers, attorneys, safety officers, military investigative personnel, and professionals working with collision animation and simulation graphics.
Prerequisites: Completion of IPTM's At-Scene Traffic Crash/Traffic Homicide Investigation course or equivalent training is required. Participants without strong foundational math and physics knowledge are encouraged to complete IPTM's 16-hour Re-Introduction to Math and Physics (Online) course beforehand.
Required Materials: Scientific calculator, compass, and work clothes suitable for outdoor activities in various weather conditions.
Recommended Items: Camera for documenting field exercises.
Important Note: For Florida law enforcement officers, this course does not qualify for Salary Incentive Credit for FDLE's Advanced Traffic Accident Investigations course. Participants should review all formulas and previous coursework prior to attending.
Course Length: 80 hours | Class Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Fee: $1,195.00
Scheduled Sessions:
- September 28 - October 9, 2026 | Jacksonville, Florida | Instructors: Michael Catalano, AJ Powell
- November 2 - 13, 2026 | Galveston, Texas
- November 30 - December 11, 2026 | Altamonte Springs, Florida
- February 1 - 12, 2027 | Houston, Texas
- March 1 - 12, 2027 | Madison, Alabama
- March 29 - April 9, 2027 | Jacksonville, Florida
- September 27 - October 8, 2027 | Jacksonville, Florida