Applied Physics for the Traffic Crash Investigator by IPTM
Applied Physics for the Traffic Crash Investigator
This comprehensive course equips participants with an advanced understanding of physics principles essential to traffic crash reconstruction and incident investigation involving motion. Building on concepts introduced in foundational crash investigation courses, this program delivers substantially deeper exploration of these topics while preparing students for advanced reconstruction methodologies that utilize computer modeling applications.
Course Topics
- Mathematical foundations and review
- Work-energy relationships and practical applications
- Conservation of linear momentum and impulse, including vector analysis using both mathematical and graphical approaches
- Uniform projectile motion and airborne equations
- Uniform circular motion and critical speed calculations
- Tire forces and tire mark evidence analysis
- Time-distance relationships
- Energy loss in collisions and CRUSH analysis
- Rotational mechanics, post-collision rotation, and pitch down during takeoff
- Low-speed collision analysis including coefficient of restitution
Intended Audience
This course is designed for law enforcement officers, private traffic crash investigators, claims adjusters, engineers, attorneys, safety officers, military investigative personnel, animators, and graphic designers.
Course Details
Duration: 40 hours
Class Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Fee: $895.00
ACTAR Credit: 40 CEUs
Prerequisites
Completion of IPTM's Traffic Crash Reconstruction course or equivalent is required. Students without strong mathematical and physics backgrounds are strongly encouraged to complete IPTM's 16-hour Re-Introduction to Math and Physics (Online) course beforehand.
What to Bring
Required: Scientific calculator
Recommended: Work clothes suitable for outdoor activities and inclement weather, along with a camera and equipment for documenting field exercises
Scheduled Offerings
Jacksonville, Florida
October 26-30, 2026
Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Instructors: John Daily, Michael Catalano
Tempe, Arizona
November 9-13, 2026
Tempe Police Department - Hardy Substation, Room TBD, 8201 South Hardy Drive, Tempe, AZ 85284
Instructors: Timothy Brown, John Daily
Westminster, Colorado
April 12-16, 2027
Westminster Public Safety Center, East Training Room, 9110 Yates Street, Westminster, CO 80031
Irvine, California
May 3-7, 2027
Quail Hill Community Center, Multipurpose Room, 39 Shady Canyon Drive, Irvine, CA 92603