Advanced Traffic Crash Investigation

Building upon the theories and techniques learned in IPTM’s At-Scene Traffic Crash/Traffic Homicide Investigation course, this class will delve into the advanced concepts of traffic crash investigations.

More complex vehicle dynamics like acceleration/deceleration, factor, rate and airborne situations will be explored.  You will learn to estimate speeds from falls, vaults, and flips and the calculation of kinetic energy and linear momentum.  You’ll also learn to evaluate vehicle lamps, tires, and damage to help determine vehicle behaviors during the collision.   
Much of the coursework will be spent using acceleration/deceleration factors and perception/reaction times to determine time/distance relationships for colliding vehicles. 
Prerequisite:  You must have completed IPTM’s At-Scene Traffic Crash/Traffic Homicide Investigation course or its equivalent prior to attending this class.

Topics include:

• Speed estimates from kinetic energy, skidmarks, scuffmarks, and airborne situations
• Vehicle dynamics and motion
• Time, distance, and motion equations
• Conservation of momentum equations
• Center of mass calculation
• Vehicle lamp examination
• Tire damage evaluation
• Vector sum analysis

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