This 3-week course builds on the knowledge received on the At Scene and Technical Collision Investigation courses. This course provides the student with the training and knowledge required to understand and apply principles of conservation of linear momentum. The course includes at least one staged collision where the students collect the collision evidence, conduct a linear momentum analysis, and document their findings in a formal report. Specialty areas of reconstruction are covered at an entry level and are not meant to replace more advanced reconstruction courses. These topics are included in the course to provide the investigator with some knowledge in speed analysis, but more importantly, they provide an understanding of important evidence requiring documentation. Learning is accomplished by way of classroom lectures, and practical hands-on training.

Topics include:

• Terminology

• Critical Thinking and Certainty

• Vehicle Dynamics

• Braking Efficiency

• Linear Momentum: in-line collisions

• Linear Momentum: angular collisions

• How to determine angles for linear momentum analysis

• Delta V

• Principal Direction of Force (PDOF)

• Vector Diagramming

• Crush/Damage analysis

• Reconstruction Report Writing

• Pedestrian Collision Analysis

• Motorcycle Collision Analysis

• Commercial Motor Vehicle Collision Analysis

• Spin Analysis

• Swerve & Lane Change Analysis

• Closing Speed Analysis

• Restitution

• Occupant Injury Analysis

• Metal Failure Analysis

• ATV Collision Reconstruction

• Snowmobile Collision Reconstruction

• Reconstruction from an Engineer’s perspective

• Expert Evidence

Practical Testing includes:

• Staged 2 vehicle collisions

• Pedestrian collisions

• Motorcycle braking testing

• Motorcycle drop and slide testing

• Commercial vehicle familiarization