Occupant Kinetics for the Traffic Crash Reconstructionist

This course will teach you how to recognize and interpret traffic crash evidence as it relates to occupant seating positions. You will learn how to analyze occupant movement based on vehicle damage patterns and the injuries sustained by each person involved.

We will cover the fundamentals of occupant kinematics and show you how to determine the direction and sequence of occupant movement during a collision. You will learn to identify seating positions, evaluate safety belt usage, and assess the significance of airbag and other restraint system deployments.

You will also gain hands‑on experience reviewing medical records obtained through lawful processes, as well as autopsy reports, to understand how documented injuries correspond with vehicle damage. When analyzed together, these data points provide critical evidence for determining occupant positions and movement paths.

Real crash cases will be used throughout the course to apply these concepts in practical investigative scenarios. This course is intended for traffic crash investigators who already possess a solid understanding of basic crash investigation principles and the formulas taught in introductory courses.
Audience
Law enforcement and private traffic crash investigators, claims adjusters, engineers, attorneys, safety officers, military investigative personnel, animators and graphic designers