Advanced Traffic Crash Investigation

This 80-hour course represents the second offering in a three-part curriculum series designed for law enforcement and investigative professionals. Building on foundational knowledge from IPTM's At-Scene Traffic Crash/Traffic Homicide Investigation course, participants will explore sophisticated methodologies and theoretical concepts essential to advanced crash investigation.

The curriculum emphasizes complex vehicle dynamics including acceleration and deceleration factors, as well as airborne situations. Participants will develop skills in estimating speeds derived from falls, vaults, and flips, and will master calculations involving kinetic energy and linear momentum. The course also covers assessment of vehicle lamps, tires, and collision damage to interpret vehicle behavior during impact events. Significant instructional time is devoted to applying acceleration and deceleration factors alongside perception and reaction times to establish temporal and spatial relationships between colliding vehicles.

Course Topics

• Mathematical review from prerequisite coursework
• Application of deceleration factors and rates
• Speed estimation using kinetic energy, skidmarks, and scuffmarks
• Combined speed and velocity applications
• Vehicle dynamics and motion principles
• Equations and analysis of time, distance, and motion
• Vehicle crush damage documentation and linear perimeter measurement
• In-class practical projects to build competency with equation applications

Intended Audience

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

Prerequisites

Participants must have successfully completed IPTM's At-Scene Traffic Crash/Traffic Homicide Investigation course or an equivalent offering. Those without a strong background in mathematics and physics are strongly encouraged to complete IPTM's 16-hour Re-Introduction to Math and Physics (Online) course prior to enrollment. Students should review all formulas and material from their foundational or at-scene investigation coursework before attending.

Required Materials

• Scientific calculator
• Compass
• Work clothes suitable for outdoor activities, including adverse weather conditions

Recommended Materials

• Camera for documenting field exercises

Schedule and Fees

All sessions are held from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The course fee is $1,195.00. Multiple sessions are offered throughout 2026 and 2027 in various locations including Jacksonville, Florida; Galveston, Texas; Altamonte Springs, Florida; Houston, Texas; and Madison, Alabama.

Note: This course does not qualify for Salary Incentive Credit under the FDLE advanced traffic accident investigations designation for Florida law enforcement officers. The course is not eligible for certificate discounts.