Occupant Kinematics for the Traffic Crash Reconstructionist

This comprehensive 40-hour course teaches traffic crash investigators how to recognize and analyze crash evidence in relation to occupant seating positions and movement patterns. Participants will develop skills in interpreting occupant dynamics by examining vehicle damage characteristics and injuries sustained by involved individuals.

The curriculum covers fundamental occupant kinematics principles, enabling students to determine the direction and sequence of occupant movement throughout a collision event. Key competencies include identifying seating positions, evaluating safety belt utilization, and assessing the deployment significance of airbag and other restraint mechanisms.

Instruction includes hands-on analysis of medical records and autopsy reports obtained through appropriate legal channels, demonstrating how documented injuries correlate with vehicle damage patterns. This integrated analysis of multiple data sources provides essential evidence for reconstructing occupant positions and movement trajectories. Real-world crash cases are incorporated throughout the training to apply concepts within practical investigative contexts. This course is designed for traffic crash investigators who have already completed foundational crash investigation training and understand basic reconstruction principles.

Course Topics

• Calculation of PDOF
• Occupant movement analysis
• Contact and non-contact injury types
• Injury forces
• Vehicle interior examination
• Injury terminology
• Occupant protection systems
• Interpretation of medical and autopsy records
• Calculation of delta V

Intended Audience

Law enforcement and private traffic crash investigators, claims adjusters, engineers, attorneys, safety officers, military investigative personnel, animators, and graphic designers.

Prerequisites

Completion of IPTM's Traffic Crash Reconstruction course or equivalent training is required.

Course Details

Length: 40 hours
Daily Schedule: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Fee: $895.00
ACTAR Credit: 40 ACTAR CEUs

Materials to Bring

• Scientific calculator
• Traffic template

Instructional Team

Valentina Ngai is a biomedical engineer with a PhD in Bioengineering who specializes in forensic biomechanics and injury causation. With 15 years of professional experience, she conducts investigations of motor vehicle crashes and human motion response, with research emphasis on patrol vehicle positioning, seatbelt effectiveness, and injury risk assessment in high-speed crash testing scenarios.

Greg Sullenberger is a retired Pennsylvania State Police Corporal with over 20 years of service and ACTAR accreditation. His expertise encompasses crash reconstruction and occupant kinematics, and he has provided international instruction for IPTM since 2004 while coordinating WREX events. He brings courtroom experience from state and federal testimony and has contributed to significant forensic investigations.

Cameron Trepeck holds Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering with specialization in biomechanics. As a Professional Engineer and ACTAR-accredited specialist, he focuses on occupant kinematics, injury causation, and forensic engineering. His technical expertise includes robotic systems, motion capture technology, and ACL injury mechanics, providing advanced biomechanics knowledge to IPTM training programs.

Upcoming Sessions

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

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

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

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