Elective Courses in Crash Investigation & Reconstruction
Our electives in traffic crash reconstruction and safety engineering may be taken in any order. Some courses have prerequisites, while others are open to participants at all levels of study.
Register or Find Dates & Locations for All Upcoming Crash Investigation Courses
For curriculum details, download the 2023/24 Course Catalog
- Adv. Crash Reconstruction with CDR Application
- Adv. Crash Reconstruction Utilizing Human Factors Research
- Crash Data Retrieval Analysis & Applications
- Crash Data Retrieval Systems Operator
- Crash Investigation & Reconstruction Aerial Photogrammetrist
- Heavy Vehicle Forensic Mechanical Inspection for Collision Investigators
- Heavy Vehicle Crash Reconstruction
- Injury Biomechanics & Traffic Crash Reconstruction
- Motorcycle Traffic Crash Reconstruction
- Pedestrian & Bicycle Crash Reconstruction
- sUAS Crash Investigation Remote Pilot
- sUAS FAA Knowledge Test Preparation
- Traffic Crash Reconstruction Update & Refresher
- Traffic LIDAR / RADAR Instructor
- Using Excel in Traffic Collisions
Adv. Crash Reconstruction with CDR Application
Tuition: $1095 | Prerequisites: Crash Data Retrieval Analysis & Applications, Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 & 2 | Download Curriculum Details
40 ACTAR CEUs / 40 hours
Explores advanced methods for incorporating CDR data in traffic collision reconstructions. Building upon the CDR Analysis & Application curriculum, this course takes data analysis further — with particular emphasis on how to properly use delta-v data to determine impact and post-impact velocities in various crash scenarios. Instructors review pre-crash and delta-v data from currently supported vehicles and may include other updated CDR information. All of the projects that instructors present are based on actual crashes and their data downloads.
Adv. Crash Reconstruction Utilizing Human Factors Research
Tuition: $1095 | Prerequisites: Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 & 2; Microsoft Excel proficiency is recommended. | Download Curriculum Details
40 ACTAR CEUs / 40 Hours
This advanced reconstruction course focuses on obtaining a better understanding of assessing the human role in the crash sequence, including such topics as: response and reaction times (and delays), recognition, perception, nighttime recognition and impairment, and more. Participants also are introduced to Driver Research Institute’s Response software — a research-based human factors tool that helps analyze driver responses and is based on research from course instructor Dr. Jeff Muttart and other industry professionals. Students learn how to incorporate this software into their crash reconstructions. Attendees are given a 7-day trial of Response, the cloud-based human factors analysis software.
Course instructor Jeff Muttart, M.S., Ph.D, is an industry expert in human-factor research and research in driver behavior. A recipient of the National Transportation Safety Board Award for Contributions to Safety and the Wallace Award for Excellence in Research, he is the author of more than 50 peer-reviewed articles on traffic safety and driver response in crash and near-crash events.
Learn More & Register for this Adv. Crash Reconstruction course
Crash Data Retrieval Analysis & Applications
Tuition: $1095 | Prerequisites: Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 & 2; CDR Operator
40 Hours / 40 ACTAR CEUs
Gain an in-depth understanding of the EDR information obtainable from electronic control modules in most late-model vehicles! Among many topics, instructors cover Crash Pulse recording methodologies, crash sensing and timelines, delta-v recording variations, and airbag deployment decision making in supported vehicles. Working from case studies, CDR reports from actual crashes, and crash tests, the curriculum also covers line-by-line analysis of most parameters, applying data to a crash reconstruction, closing-speed analysis, principle direction of force calculation and applications, comparison of pre-crash parameters, methods of comparing internally recorded data, and more.
Crash Data Retrieval Systems Operator
Tuition: $300 | Prerequisites: None; Professional crash investigation experience preferred.
16 Hours / 16 ACTAR CEUs
This two-day, entry-level class is for those who are new to the Bosch Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) System and to the Hyundai, Kia, and Tesla systems and is designed to instruct crash professionals on how to download and preserve CDR system data. Instructors cover such basics as components and tools, software configuration, selecting the best method of access, trouble-shooting, back powering, saving imaged data, generating reports, and more. Hands-on exercises and practice utilize a variety of modules and vehicles to gain confidence and fluency.
Crash Investigation & Reconstruction Aerial Photogrammetrist
Tuition: $695 | Prerequisites: None
16 Hours / ACTAR CEUs pending
This hands-on course utilizes the Pix4DMapper photogrammetry modeling software to teach students how to develop 3D models and orthomosaics from crash scene evidence captured with aerial and terrestrial photography. The two-day class covers such important skills as geographic projections and geo-referencing, generating sparse and dense-point clouds and textured meshes, selecting and using manual tie points, generating x-y-z point lists, correcting common problems, and more.
Heavy Vehicle Crash Reconstruction
Tuition: See individual course sections | Prerequisites: Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 & 2
40 Hours / 40 ACTAR CEUs
Heavy vehicles provide their own challenges when they are involved in traffic crashes. Their braking systems differ from those found in passenger vehicles, and articulated vehicles (semi-tractor/trailer
combinations) also behave differently than single units. Heavy Vehicle Crash Reconstruction exams the critical and unique elements of reconstructing collisions involving these vehicles. Through lecture, field work, and case studies, this course expands students’ knowledge of heavy vehicle braking systems, vehicle behavior, and specific, complex component issues that can be present in crash reconstruction. Course curriculum also includes speed analysis techniques, Event Data Recorder basics, and more. Utilizing hands-on field testing, this course demonstrates various vehicle behaviors and characteristics and provides students with an opportunity to analyze and apply collected data.
Heavy Vehicle Forensic Mechanical Inspection for Collision Investigators
Tuition: See individual course sections | Prerequisites: None | Download Curriculum Details
40 Hours / 40 ACTAR CEUs
Obtain the skills required to properly investigate, document, and analyze the unique aspects of crashes involving commercial motor vehicle. This basic, hands-on investigation course focuses on mechanical inspections of heavy vehicles damaged in collisions. Participants apply lecture material to hands-on experiences by mechanically examining and testing a truck damaged in a collision. Forensic work is conducted on the braking, suspension, wheel, and steering systems. Additional hands-on training examines undamaged heavy trucks for a better understanding of components. Students complete this course with the ability to explain how specific components may factor into a collision event. They also are 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.
Injury Biomechanics & Traffic Crash Reconstruction
Tuition: $595 | Prerequisites: None | Download Curriculum Details
24 Hours / 24 ACTAR CEUs
This three-day course offers an in-depth examination of injury biomechanics for collision investigators, reconstructionists, and others involved in vehicle crash investigation. Covered topics include discussion about mechanism and method of injury, analysis, and tolerances as well as advanced procedures to match injuries to vehicle crashes. The curriculum also includes the history of injury trauma, vehicle safety systems, head and neck biomechanics, and torso and lower extremity biomechanics. Case studies pair lecture material with applications to motor vehicle collisions.
Instructor Sean Shimada, M.S., Ph.D.
Read instructor bio.
Motorcycle Traffic Crash Reconstruction
Tuition: $1250 | Prerequisites: Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 & 2
32 Hours / 32 ACTAR CEUs
This important course examines the unique characteristics and special challenges that arise in collisions involving motorcycles and their operators. Our expert instructor equips analysts with a firm understanding of motorcycle dynamics and current reconstruction techniques, combining lecture with hands-on, practical experiences. The curriculum covers such topics as motorcycle crash causation, motorcycle dynamics, bike inspection, rider perception-response time, braking systems, the dynamics of swerving and rider performance, determination of impact speed, sliding friction and angular moment, rider and pillion vault analysis, and more.
Instructor Louis Peck, M.S., is an ACTAR Governing Board member and motorcycle crash reconstruction expert. A retired motorcycle road racer, he possesses a unique understanding of motorcycle dynamics. Peck also is a mechanical engineer and published researcher. His "Glancing and Stopping Behavior of Motorcyclists and Car Drivers at Intersections" was published in the TRB Transportation Record in 2011; "Motorcycle Sliding Friction for Accident Reconstruction," in 2014 (Proceedings of the 10th International Motorcycle Safety Conference, 2014: Cologne, Germany). Peck directed motorcycle crash testing at WREX16, where his team conducted the first public crash test of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Those efforts resulted in updated motorcycle impact-speed equations, which SAE published in 2018.
Pedestrian & Bicycle Crash Reconstruction
Tuition: $1095 | Prerequisites: Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1; Traffic Crash Reconstruction 2 is encouraged.
40 ACTAR CEUs
Vehicle-vs.-pedestrian and vehicle-vs.-bicycle crashes often result in severe injuries to the pedestrian or rider, escalating the importance of investigating and reconstructing these crashes. Students learn the mathematical equations to model such collisions and the appropriate formulas for varying crash scenarios. Participants obtain the skills to determine first-contact positions of pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles and to estimate the speed of a striking vehicle. Other course topics include human body motion as a result of impact, empirical data for pedestrian walking and running, and bicycle and pedestrian collision reconstructions. This course includes three lab workshops, including an in-depth pedestrian-visibility workshop.
sUAS Crash Investigation Remote Pilot
Tuition: See individual course section | Prerequisites: sUAS Knowledge Test Preparation or equivalent or hold a current 14 CFR Part 107 Certification
8 Hours (1 day) / 8 ACTAR CEUs
Our one-day, hands-on course prepares crash professionals and other agency personnel who are beginning drone pilots how to reliably capture photographic and video evidence at a crash scene. Instructors work with students using DJI Inspire/1 sUAS drones to teach such critical skills as: sUAS setup, configuration, and maintenance; camera configuration, settings, and controls; pre-flight checks; flight planning and patterns; day and night image captures; terrestrial photography techniques for photogrammetry; obstacle navigation; field measurements; and more.
sUAS FAA Knowledge Test Preparation
Tuition: $295 | Prerequisites: None
8 Hours (1 day)
Reviews the information students need for the FAA sUAS Knowledge Test. When paired adequate studying, students who complete this course will be prepared to pass the test and will also possess the knowledge to begin safely operating drones within the U.S. National Airspace System.
Traffic Crash Reconstruction Update & Refresher
Tuition: $1095 | Prerequisites: Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 & 2 | Download Curriculum Details
40 Hours / 40 ACTAR CEUs
Designed specifically for reconstruction professionals who completed Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 & 2 more than three years ago, this review course is perfect for those who are jumping back into crash reconstruction or just want to update their understanding of industry advances. Our seasoned instructors update reconstruction professionals on industry developments and use real-world case studies to refresh students' knowledge in the core topics from Reconstruction 1 & 2, including engineering mechanics, collinear momentum, oblique momentum, drag factors, force balance, damage energy, and more.
Traffic LIDAR / RADAR Instructor
Tuition: $1095 | Prerequisites: RADAR / LIDAR Operator Experience
40 Hours (5 Days)
Designed for experienced operators, Traffic RADAR / LIDAR Instructor Training instructs participants in training new RADAR / LIDAR operators in their own agencies. Students learn to develop and implement their own RADAR / LIDAR operator course and acquire proficiency in instructional methodology as well as the technical and legal aspects of RADAR / LIDAR operation. This NHTSA-approved course provides prospective instructors with the latest information, methodology, content, and materials needed to successfully train new operators. In addition to classroom time, students take part in practical field exercises involving the latest equipment.
Using Excel in Traffic Collisions
Tuition: See individual course sections | Prerequisites: Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 & 2
40 Hours / 40 ACTAR CEUs
In five days students learn how to use Microsoft Excel in the field of crash investigation. Our course sets itself apart from standard college-level Excel courses as those generally feature the application’s use in a
business environment. While our class is designed so that no prior Excel knowledge is required, experienced Excel users will benefit from the focus on the application’s use in crash investigation and reconstruction. This course is hands-on, with students working in Excel the entire week. Participants themselves create all of the spreadsheets used in the class. The course begins with basic Excel operations and builds from there. By the end of the course, participants will be able to complete such advanced Excel functions as writing macros, working complex “if” statements, and creating form controls.