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Course Catalog

Occupant Kinematics for the Traffic Crash Reconstructionist   

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This course will teach you how to recognize and interpret traffic crash evidence as it relates to occupant seating positions. You will learn how to analyze occupant movement based on vehicle damage patterns and the injuries sustained by each person involved.

We will cover the fundamentals of occupant kinematics and show you how to determine the direction and sequence of occupant movement during a collision. You will learn to identify seating positions, evaluate safety belt usage, and assess the significance of airbag and other restraint system deployments.

You will also gain hands‑on experience reviewing medical records obtained through lawful processes, as well as autopsy reports, to understand how documented injuries correspond with vehicle damage. When analyzed together, these data points provide critical evidence for determining occupant positions and movement paths.

Real crash cases will be used throughout the course to apply these concepts in practical investigative scenarios. This course is intended for traffic crash investigators who already possess a solid understanding of basic crash investigation principles and the formulas taught in introductory courses.

Topics Include

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

Audience

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

Course Length

40 hours

What to Bring

  • Scientific calculator
  • Traffic template

Prerequisite(s)

You must have completed, at a minimum, IPTM’s Traffic Crash Reconstruction course or its equivalent.

ACTAR Information

IPTM's Occupant Kinematics for the Traffic Crash Reconstructionist course is eligible for 40 ACTAR CEUs.

Instructional Team

Valentina Ngai
Dr. Ngai, a biomedical engineer with a PhD in Bioengineering, specializes in forensic biomechanics and injury causation. With 15 years of experience, she investigates motor vehicle crashes and human motion response. Her research focuses on patrol vehicle positioning, seatbelt use, and injury risk in high-speed crash tests.

Greg Sullenberger
Retired Pennsylvania State Police Corporal with 20+ years of service and ACTAR accreditation. Expert in crash reconstruction and occupant kinematics, Greg has taught internationally for IPTM since 2004 and coordinated WREX events. He has testified in state and federal courts and contributed to major forensic investigations.

Cameron Trepeck
Dr. Trepeck holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering with a biomechanics focus. A Professional Engineer and ACTAR-accredited, he specializes in occupant kinematics, injury causation, and forensic engineering. His expertise includes robotic systems, motion capture, and ACL injury mechanics, bringing advanced biomechanics knowledge to IPTM training.

What Our Students Are Saying

  • “The case studies brought all of the material together for an even better understanding.” – K.R.
  • “Great course. I will be able to apply what I learned in class to most, if not all, of my cases. The instructors were able to make the medical information understandable for a person with no medical background.” – G.S.
  • “I learned a lot from this course! Highly recommend this course to anybody investigating crashes involving serious injury or death. I will now be able to look at crashes differently and have a better understanding of who was sitting where!” – G.C.
  • “Life-changing! This class has expanded my knowledge for traffic crash reconstruction. I hope that our department will eventually send the entire team.” – K.J.
  • “One of the best classes I have attended. Excellent information that I will be able to apply immediately.” – Det. T. C.
  • “The entire course was beneficial. Both instructors are very good with teaching and made it easier to grasp!!” – Dep. P. M.
  • “Great class. I appreciated the videos and case studies. This is a great course for any traffic crash reconstructionist.” – Det. J.G.
  • “Both instructors were very knowledgeable and used relevant examples as well as humor to engage the class.” – Trooper S. P.
 

 

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