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.
Register or View Dates & Locations for All Upcoming Crash Investigation Courses
Below are course descriptions for each of our Traffic Crash Investigation & Safety Engineering courses. Click a link to scroll quickly to your area of interest!
Note: For a printable, detailed overview and syllabus of Crash Programs click here.
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
Tuition: See Selected Course Section | Prerequisites: None
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: See Selected Course Section | 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: See Selected Course Section | Prerequisites: Crash Investigation 1 (On-Ground or Online)
Crash Investigation 2 builds upon the lessons learned in Crash 1 and 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. Students complete Crash 2 understanding how the latest generation of vehicle electronics (e.g., EDRs, traction control) affect a crash and its subsequent investigation and having acquired 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.
Register for Crash 2 On-Ground
Crash Investigation 2 Online
Tuition: See Selected Course Section | 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: See Selected Course Section | Prerequisites: Crash Investigation 1 & Crash Investigation 2. Completion of high school-level physics, algebra, geometry & trigonometry is highly recommended.
Learn the mathematics and laws of physics required for Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 & 2. This course teaches the motion of bodies and the actions of forces that produce or change that motion (dynamics) as applied to crashes. Students learn the classical mechanics equations of motion, drag factor, and friction and acceleration coefficients. Vehicle Dynamics also introduces the methodology for estimating vehicle speeds based on flips, vaults, and sideslips and teaches the differences between force, momentum, and energy in crash investigation/reconstruction.
Select a Vehicle Dynamics Section & Register!
Vehicle Dynamics Remote Learning
Tuition: See Selected Course Section | Prerequisites: Crash Investigation 1 & Crash Investigation 2. 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: See Selected Course Section | 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: See Selected Course Section | 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 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: See Selected Course Section | 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
Tuition: See Selected Course Section | 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!
Crash Data Retrieval Courses
Crash Data Retrieval Operators
Tuition: See Selected Course Section | 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
Elective Courses
Injury Biomechanics & Traffic Crash Reconstruction
Tuition: See selected course | 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: See Selected Course | 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
Traffic RADAR / LIDAR Instructor Course
Tuition: See selected course section | Prerequisites: RADAR / LIDAR Operator Experience
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.
Register for an Upcoming RADAR / LIDAR Instructor Section
Revised & Updated! Motorcycle Traffic Crash Reconstruction
Prerequisites: Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1 & 2
Professional Credits: 32 ACTARs
Taught by Louis Peck, a leading expert in the motorcycle crash reconstruction field and member of the ACTAR Governing Board of Directors, this thoroughly revised and updated course examines the unique characteristics and special challenges that arise in collisions involving motorcycles and their operators. The 4-day course equips crash and reconstruction analysts with a firm understanding of motorcycle dynamics and current reconstruction techniques while utilizing a mix of hands-on practical lessons using actual motorcycles, sample evidence, and classroom case-study analysis.
Register for Motorcycle Traffic Crash Reconstruction
Heavy Vehicle 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
Pedestrian / Bicycle Crash Reconstruction
Prerequisites: Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1; Traffic Crash Reconstruction 2 recommended
40 hours | 40 ACTARs
Vehicle-vs.-pedestrian and vehicle-vs.-bicycle crashes often result in severe injuries to the pedestrian or rider, escalating the importance of accuracy when investigating and reconstructing these crashes. This course teaches students 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, basic injury biomechanics, empirical data for pedestrian walking and running, drag factors, and bicycle collisions. This course includes three lab workshops, including a pedestrian-visibility workshop. Participants are exposed to the different effects of illumination, luminance, and glare and learn to discern the roles that visual acuity and contrast sensitivity play in the driving process.
Select a Course Date / Read Details!
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