Training Courses

Applied Physics for the Traffic Crash Investigator by IPTM

Date & Time:
  • May 3, 2027 – May 7, 2027
Location:
Irvine, CA

Applied Physics for the Traffic Crash Investigator

This comprehensive training program equips participants with an advanced understanding of the physics principles essential to reconstructing traffic crashes and analyzing incidents involving motion. While foundational concepts may have been introduced in basic crash investigation courses, this program delivers substantially deeper exploration of these topics. Upon completion, students will be well-prepared to tackle advanced reconstruction methodologies that incorporate computer modeling technologies.

Course Content

The curriculum covers a wide range of critical topics including:

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

Intended Audience

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

Program Details

Duration: 40 hours

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

Course Fee: $895.00

Professional Credentials: IPTM's Applied Physics for the Traffic Crash Investigator course qualifies participants for 40 ACTAR continuing education units.

Prerequisites

Students must have successfully completed IPTM's Traffic Crash Reconstruction course or equivalent coursework. For those without a strong mathematical and physics foundation, IPTM strongly encourages completion of the 16-hour Re-Introduction to Math and Physics online course prior to enrollment.

What to Bring

Required: Scientific calculator

Recommended: Work attire suitable for outdoor activities and variable weather conditions, plus camera and documentation equipment for field exercise participation

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, 8201 South Hardy Drive, Tempe, AZ 85284
Instructors: Timothy Brown, John Daily

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

Hagerstown, Maryland
April 26-30, 2027
Washington County Public Safety Training Center, 18350 Public Safety Place, Hagerstown, MD 21740

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