Applied Physics for the Traffic Crash Investigator by IPTM
Applied Physics for the Traffic Crash Investigator
This comprehensive 40-hour course is designed to deepen your knowledge of the physics principles essential to reconstructing traffic crashes and investigating incidents involving motion. Building on concepts introduced in basic crash investigation and reconstruction courses, this program offers substantially expanded coverage of advanced topics and prepares you for modern computer-based reconstruction methodologies.
Course Content
The curriculum covers a wide range of foundational and advanced topics, including:
- Mathematical fundamentals for crash analysis
- Work-energy relationships and their practical applications
- Conservation of linear momentum and impulse, with both mathematical and graphical vector analysis methods
- Uniform projectile motion and airborne dynamics equations
- Uniform circular motion and critical speed calculations
- Tire forces and interpretation of tire mark evidence
- Time-distance relationships in collision analysis
- Energy dissipation in collisions and CRUSH analysis
- Rotational mechanics, including post-collision rotation and pitch down during vehicle takeoff
- Low-speed collision dynamics and coefficient of restitution
Intended Audience
This course serves law enforcement professionals, private traffic crash investigators, insurance claims adjusters, engineers, attorneys, safety officers, military investigative personnel, animators, and graphic designers.
Prerequisites
Participants must have completed IPTM's Traffic Crash Reconstruction course or an equivalent program. Those lacking a strong foundation in mathematics and physics are strongly encouraged to complete IPTM's 16-hour Re-Introduction to Math and Physics (Online) course beforehand.
Requirements and Recommendations
Required: Scientific calculator
Recommended: Work clothes suitable for outdoor activities and various weather conditions; camera and equipment for documenting field exercises
Professional Certification
Upon completion, participants earn 40 ACTAR Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Course Details
Duration: 40 hours
Daily Schedule: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Fee: $895.00
Scheduled Sessions
October 26-30, 2026 – Jacksonville, Florida
Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Instructors: John Daily, Michael Catalano
November 9-13, 2026 – Tempe, Arizona
Tempe Police Department - Hardy Substation, Room TBD, 8201 South Hardy Drive, Tempe, AZ 85284
Instructors: Timothy Brown, John Daily
April 12-16, 2027 – Westminster, Colorado
Westminster Public Safety Center, East Training Room, 9110 Yates Street, Westminster, CO 80031
May 3-7, 2027 – Irvine, California
Quail Hill Community Center, Multipurpose Room, 39 Shady Canyon Drive, Irvine, CA 92603