Outcomes

Students Will:

• learn and demonstrate the mathematical order of operations as applied to crash calculations
• understand the particular concerns of commercial motor-vehicle investigations, including the braking systems and differences in stopping distances
• understand the use of time and distance during a comparable analysis, especially during the "what if.?" stage
• understand how to properly determine acceleration and deceleration; test for application in reconstruction analysis
• understand and apply mathematical formulae in the investigation of pedestrian crash analysis
• understand and explain the differences between mu and drag factor
• learn proper procedure to preserve crash data in the vehicle "black box"
• understand and properly conduct a linear perimeter measurement, including the use of Excel
• learn the proper application and calculation of angular momentum with the use of actual case studies
• produce a vector sum analysis graph and explain the various components
• understand the theory of Principle Direction of Force (PDOF) and its application to crash investigation; demonstrate the relationship between time, distance and velocity
• conduct a proper and complete investigation involving a staged vehicle crash (this is an option block of instruction dependant upon availability of venue and vehicles)

Orientation

A review of facility rules and regulations and the completion of appropriate documents. Course expectations and guidelines will be explained.

Advanced Review

Review of previous advanced material to ensure all students are at same knowledge level.

Hit-and-Run Collisions

Hit-and-run crashes are forensically challenging to the investigator. Proper hit-and-run investigation from forensic comparability to DNA comparison.

Commercial Motor Vehicles

The unique braking system on commercial trucks. This braking system produces a reduced braking efficiency. Speed calculations and stopping distances are affected in the calculations.

Advanced Time, Distance, Velocity Analysis

A strong foundation in this critical relationship, the "nuts & bolts" of collision investigation. Actual case studies.

Acceleration Factors & Rates

Understanding the rate and factor relationship in the classroom and through a field project.

Pedestrian Crash Analysis

Pedestrian crashes present unique considerations for the investigator. Review of numerous pedestrian formulae. Problem-solving followed and reinforced by a pedestrian field project (dependant upon venue & vehicle availability)

Crash Data Retrieval (CDR)

The proper procedures to safeguard the "black box" crash data. This valuable information can be of significant assistance to the reconstructionist.

Linear Perimeter Measurement

How to complete a scale diagram of the involved deformed vehicles to properly utilize momentum. An Excel application is also covered in this section.

Angular Momentum

Angular momentum, as known as 360-degree momentum, is one of the best reconstructionist tools. Emphasis not only on the basic applications, but momentum applications that are "outside the box."

Vector Sum Analysis

A graphic solution to momentum, its many components include impulse, PDOF, delta P, and delta V

Principle Direction of Force (PDOF)

The principle direction of force (PDOF), which determines the vehicle dynamics during the crash sequence. It also determines the occupant's movement as the vehicle goes through the crash sequence. This calculation is needed in other reconstruction applications.

Vehicle Crash Field Project

Actual vehicle crash, after which the student is required to conduct a complete collision reconstruction. Here, the student calculates such information as impact speed, PDOF, post impact speed, and delta V.

Final Examination

A final examination to test the student's knowledge, skills and ability to conduct a complex collision investigation and analysis. The minimum passing score will be established by the academic facility.

Course Critique & Certificate Presentation

A critique completed by each student to evaluate the course content, materials and instructor presentations.

Click on any of the courses listed below for a complete description:

• Excel for the Accident Reconstructionist
• Crush Energy Analysis
• Advanced Collision Investigation
• Collision Reconstruction Investigation
• Collision ReconstructionUpdate
• Heavy Vehicle Reconstruction