Traffic Crash Investigation and Safety Engineering
Scientific crash investigation has been a part of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety since its inception in 1936. We offer on-ground and online comprehensive traffic crash investigation and reconstruction courses that range from introductory crash investigation through advanced crash reconstruction and engineering courses.
What to Bring to Class: Supplies and equipment (e.g., laptop, calculators) for Crash courses can be downloaded here . Note: For a printable, detailed overview and syllabus of Crash Programs click here.
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Crash Investigation
Foundational Series
The following courses are the bedrock of our Crash Investigation & Reconstruction program and serve as prerequisites to advanced traffic crash reconstruction courses. Crash Investigation 1, Crash Investigation 2, and Vehicle Dynamics build upon each other and should be taken in the series' order.
Crash Investigation 1 On-Ground
Prerequisites: None. Tuition: $1200
Crash Investigation 1 is the foundation class for NUCPS’ internationally respected traffic crash and reconstruction courses. Crash 1 offers an in-depth study of the skills needed to investigate a traffic collision scene, thoroughly covering the techniques for recognizing and properly recording roadway and vehicle crash evidence, as well as information from involved parties and witnesses. Students learn to measure and photograph accident scenes and to create sketches and after-crash diagrams. Crash 1 also addresses how collected data are used to reconstruct traffic accidents and introduces the use of electronic devices for collecting and recording at-scene data.
Select Your Crash 1 Section & Register
Crash Investigation 1 Online
Tuition: $1200 | Prerequisites: None.
Traffic Crash Investigation 1 Online offers the same course curriculum as Crash Investigation 1 On-Ground.
Online Learning Type: Asynchronous; Instructor-led with assignment due dates and required contributions to weekly course discussions. Approximately 10 – 15 hours per week time investment. Instructors are available for discussion with students during the course, though no live presentations are incorporated in this course. Click to learn more about NUCPS Online Learning.
Register for Crash 1 Online!
Crash Investigation 2 On-Ground
Tuition: $1200 | Prerequisites: Crash Investigation 1 (On-Ground or Online)
Crash Investigation 2 builds upon the foundational topics examined in Crash 1. Students acquire the technical skills needed to properly utilize specialized data gathering methods to collect and prepare on-road crash investigation data, perform an initial interpretation of available data, and obtain critical follow-up information. Upon successful completion of Crash 2, students will understand how the latest generation of vehicle electronics (e.g., EDRs, traction and stability controls) affect a crash and its subsequent investigation.
This course emphasizes vehicle behavior in crashes, vehicle damage analysis, the application of a systematic procedure for alter use in reconstruction effort, the use of laser-based measuring devices and mapping software, and advanced evidence-location skills. Instructors also discuss hit-and-run investigations, emerging technologies and technical report writing.
Register for Crash 2
Crash Investigation 2 Online
Tuition: $1200 | Prerequisites: Crash Investigation 1 (On-Ground or Online)
Completely Revised in 2019! Crash Investigation 2 Online offers the same course curriculum as Crash Investigation 2 On-Ground, building upon the foundational topics examined in Crash 1.
Online Learning Type: Asynchronous; Instructor-led with assignment due dates and required contributions to weekly course discussions. Instructors are available for discussion during the course with students, though no live presentations are incorporated in this course. Click to learn more about NUCPS Online Learning.
Register for Crash 2 Online!Vehicle Dynamics On-Ground
Tuition: $900 | Prerequisites: Crash Investigation 1 (On-Ground or Online), Crash Investigation 2 (On-Ground or Online). Completion of high school-level physics, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is highly recommended.
Provides students with the basic math and laws of physics required for Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 and 2. The course covers the motion of bodies and the action of forces in producing or changing that motion (dynamics) as related to traffic crashes. Students learn the classical mechanics equations of motion, drag factor, and friction and acceleration coefficients. Vehicle Dynamics also introduces the methodology used to estimate vehicle speeds based on flips, vaults, and sideslip and teaches the differences between force, momentum, and energy as applied to crash investigation and reconstruction.
Select a Vehicle Dynamics Section & Register!
Vehicle Dynamics Remote Learning
Tuition: $900 | Prerequisites: Crash Investigation 1 (On-Ground or Online), Crash Investigation 2 (On-Ground or Online). Completion of high school-level physics, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is highly recommended.
Vehicle Dynamics Remote Learning offers the same course curriculum as Vehicle Dynamics On-Ground but in a live, online setting.
Online Learning Type: Synchronous. Remote, online course attendance is required per the course schedule for the selected course. Click to learn more about NUCPS Online Learning.
Register for Vehicle Dynamics Remote Learning
Traffic Crash Reconstruction Courses
Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 On-Ground
Tuition: $1250 | Prerequisites: Online or On-Ground: Crash Investigation 1, Crash Investigation 2, and Vehicle Dynamics; or, equivalent crash investigation courses and with NUCPS department approval.
Professional Credits: 80 ACTAR CEUs
Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 (TCR1) features a format that focuses on analyzing and interpreting information that has been collected during the initial crash investigation to describe the events leading to actual impact and the crash itself in as much detail as possible. Students learn how to apply skills obtained through course lectures to real-world case study situations and complete the class with the training necessary to reconstruct traffic collisions. TCR1 covers such critical core material as: engineering mechanics; vehicle behavior in collisions; an introduction to human factors; time-distance analysis; EDR usage in traffic crash reconstruction; post-collision drag factor analysis; momentum; and, special velocity calculations (e.g., sideslip, falls, vaults, and flips).
Select your preferred TCR1 course date and register
Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 Remote Learning
Tuition: $1250 | Prerequisites: Online or Onground: Crash Investigation 1, Crash Investigation 2, and Vehicle Dynamics; or, equivalent crash investigation courses and with NUCPS department approval.
Professional Credits: 80 ACTAR CEUs
Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 Remote Learning provides the same curriculum as its on-ground counterpart, only in a live online setting.
Online Learning Type: Synchronous. Remote, online course attendance is required per the course schedule for the selected course. Click to learn more about NUCPS Online Learning.
Select Your TCR1 Remote Learning Section & Register! Traffic Crash Reconstruction 2 On-Ground
Tuition: $1250 | Prerequisites: Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 (On-Ground or Online)
Professional Credits: 40 ACTAR CEUs
Traffic Crash Reconstruction 2 (TCR2) builds upon the skills taught in the new format of TCR1 and focuses primarily on energy-based analysis. During this course, students learn the principles of energy and damage energy, occupant behavior, and momentum and energy analysis, and also receive an introduction to the concept of force balance.
Learn More about TCR2 & Register!
Traffic Crash Reconstruction 2 Remote Learning
Tuition: $950 | Prerequisites: Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 (Online or On-ground)
Professional Credits: 40 ACTAR CEUs
Traffic Crash Reconstruction 2 Remote Learning provides the same curriculum as TCR2 On-Ground, only in a live online setting.
Online Learning Type: Synchronous. Remote, online course attendance is required per the course schedule for the selected course. Click to learn more about NUCPS Online Learning.
Register for TCR2 Remote Learning!
Injury Biomechanics & Traffic Crash Reconstruction
Tuition: $450 | Prerequisites: None
Professional Credits: 24 ACTAR CEUs
This three-day course offers an in-depth examination of injury biomechanics for the collision investigator, reconstructionist and others involved in vehicle collision investigation. Each topic includes discussion about mechanism and method of injury, analysis, and tolerances. Sub-topics include history of injury trauma, vehicle safety systems, head and neck biomechanics, and torso and lower extremity biomechanics. This course also addresses injury investigation and advanced procedures to match injuries to vehicle collisions. Case studies pair lecture material with applications to motor vehicle collisions.
Learn More & Register for Biomechanics!
Advanced Crash Reconstruction Utilizing Human Factors Research
Tuition: $950 | Prerequisites: Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 or its equivalent is required. Students are also expected to be proficient in the use of Excel.
Professional Credits: 40 ACTARs
This advanced reconstruction course builds upon what is taught in Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 and 2 and focuses on obtaining a better understanding of what needs to be done to assess the human role in the crash sequence. Topics include such aspects of human behavior as reaction times (and delays), perception, visibility, impairment (alcohol, drugs and/or fatigue), nighttime driving responses, IDRR, and more.
Learn More & Register for this Adv. Crash Reconstruction course
New Offering! Heavy Truck Forensic Mechanical Inspection for Collision Investigators
Tuition: $1100 | Prerequisites: None
Obtain the skills required to properly document and analyze the unique aspects of commercial motor vehicle crashes. Both lecture and hands-on study focus on mechanical inspections of heavy vehicles damaged in collisions. Topics and components studied in this course include: heavy vehicle nomenclature; braking systems; suspension systems; wheel systems; steering systems; and, proper forensic investigation methods. Participants apply lecture material to hands-on experiences by mechanically examining and testing a truck damaged in a collision. Students complete this course with the ability to explain how specific components may factor into a collision event. They also become capable of restoring a damaged air-brake system on a heavy-duty commercial vehicle to pre-collision condition in order to collect data for calculations used to evaluate braking efficiency.
Learn More & Register for an Upcoming Course
Crash Data Retrieval Courses
Crash Data Retrieval Operators
Tuition: $300 | Prerequisites: None; Professional crash investigation experience preferred.
New! This two-day course is the entry-level class for the Bosch Crash Data Retrieval System and is designed to instruct crash investigation and reconstruction professionals on how to download and preserve CDR system data.
This thorough course covers the basics of CDR operation, including: determining if the subject vehicle is CDR supported; selecting the appropriate method of connection to safely image the data; loading and operating the CDR software application; saving the imaged data; and, creation of reports for later use. The course includes hands-on exercises and practice, using a variety of modules and vehicles to gain fluency. Instructors also cover troubleshooting common error messages, back-powering, and legal issues surrounding system access.
Select a CDR Operators Section, View Details & Register!
Crash Data Retrieval Analysis & Applications
Tuition: See Selected Course | Prerequisites: None
This new course instructs crash investigation and reconstruction professionals about applying electronically recorded crash data from vehicle EDR devices to traffic crash reconstruction. Topics of the course include system functionality, reporting parameters, and pitfalls with EDR data. The course also covers data from Hyundai and Kia, addresses legal regulations, and is updated regularly to provide CDR information in the latest-model vehicles.
Working from actual CDR reports, students learn about Airbag Control Modules and line-by-line analysis of sample reports. Instruction is also given on applying data to a crash, including delta-v and closing-speed analyses, crash sensing and critical timelines, principle direction of force calculation and applications, comparison of pre-crash parameters, methods of comparing internally recorded information, and comparison with external sources.
View More Details & Register for CDR Analysis & Applications
Advanced Collision Reconstruction with CDR Application
Tuition: see selected course | Prerequisites: Crash Data Retrieval Analysis & Applications, Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1; or, equivalent training and/or professional experience with NUCPS approval.
Teaches crash investigation and reconstruction professionals advanced methods for applying CDR data in their collision reconstructions. Emphasis is placed on teaching students how correctly use the Δv data to determine impact and post-impact velocities in various types of collision scenarios. In addition to advanced Δv equations, other covered skills include reconciling pre-crash and post-crash CDR data as well as analyzing the data within the context of crash reconstruction.
Case studies are based on real collisions and utilize data downloads obtained from those crashes to allow use of new skills in real-world situations. Students work with lecture material and actual cases to demonstrate proficiency with applying data to traditional reconstruction.
Register for Adv. Collision Reconstruction with CDR!
Host a Crash Course
NUCPS course hosts are vital to our ability to offer on-ground classes at locations throughout the U.S. With no out-of-pocket costs to the host agency, NUCPS works to ensure that hosting a course is as easy and successful as possible.
Learn more about hosting a course
