Occupant Kinematics for the Traffic Crash Reconstructionist

Course Overview

This 40-hour course is designed to equip traffic crash investigators with the knowledge and skills necessary to interpret evidence related to occupant positioning and movement during collisions. Participants will develop proficiency in analyzing how vehicle damage patterns and sustained injuries reveal critical information about where occupants were seated and how they moved throughout the crash event.

Course Content

The program covers a comprehensive range of topics essential for advanced crash reconstruction work. Students will learn to calculate point of maximum engagement (PDOF) and delta V values, identify various types of injuries including both contact and non-contact mechanisms, and understand the forces involved in injury causation. The course explores vehicle interior examination techniques, occupant protection system deployments, and proper interpretation of medical and autopsy documentation.

Real-world case studies are integrated throughout the training to demonstrate practical application of kinematic principles. Participants will gain experience reviewing medical records obtained through appropriate legal channels and autopsy reports to correlate documented injuries with observable vehicle damage, establishing evidence-based conclusions about occupant positions and movement trajectories.

Topics Covered

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

Target Audience

This course serves law enforcement officers, private sector traffic crash investigators, claims adjusters, forensic engineers, attorneys, safety officers, military investigative personnel, animators, and graphic designers involved in crash reconstruction and analysis.

Prerequisites

Participants must have successfully completed IPTM's Traffic Crash Reconstruction course or equivalent training before enrolling.

What to Bring

• Scientific calculator
• Traffic template

Continuing Education

This course is approved for 40 ACTAR (American College of Accident Reconstruction Technicians) continuing education units.

Instructional Team

Valentina Ngai is a biomedical engineer holding a PhD in Bioengineering who specializes in forensic biomechanics and injury causation analysis. With 15 years of professional experience, she investigates motor vehicle crashes and human motion response patterns. Her research emphasizes patrol vehicle positioning, seatbelt effectiveness, and injury risk factors during high-speed crash testing.

Greg Sullenberger is a retired Pennsylvania State Police Corporal with over 20 years of service and ACTAR accreditation. He is recognized as an expert in crash reconstruction and occupant kinematics, having taught internationally for IPTM since 2004 and coordinated WREX events. He has provided expert testimony in state and federal court proceedings and participated in major forensic investigations.

Cameron Trepeck holds Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in biomechanics. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and ACTAR-accredited specialist in occupant kinematics, injury causation, and forensic engineering. His technical expertise encompasses robotic systems, motion capture technology, and ACL injury mechanics, bringing sophisticated biomechanical knowledge to the training program.

Scheduled Sessions

Lawrenceville, Georgia
October 19-23, 2026
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Gwinnett County Police Department Training Academy, Room TBD, 854 Winder Highway, Lawrenceville, GA 30045
Instructor: Greg Sullenberger
Fee: $895.00
Status: Class is full

Helena, Montana
November 2-6, 2026
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Montana Law Enforcement Academy - Ohs Building, Room 214, 2260 Sierra Road East, Helena, MT 59620
Instructor: Greg Sullenberger
Fee: $895.00

Irvine, California
December 7-11, 2026
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Quail Hill Community Center, Multipurpose Room, 39 Shady Canyon Drive, Irvine, CA 92603
Instructor: Greg Sullenberger
Fee: $895.00

Phoenix, Arizona
March 15-19, 2027
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Arizona DPS Public Service Center, Access Integrity Classroom, 2222 West Encanto Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85009
Fee: $895.00