Description
This training will assist students in mastering the science of driver behavior. Students will move beyond assumptions; they will learn to build casework on a scientific foundation designed for the modern reconstruction professional. Students will learn:
- Core Definitions & Onset Principles: Establish a rigorous vocabulary and understanding of foundational event sequencing.
- Hazard Anticipation & Early Detection: Deconstruct the critical time windows involved in pre-crash awareness and reaction.
- Intro to Nighttime Visibility: Learn the basics of human visual constraints in low-light conditions and proper scene documentation.
- Pedestrian & Driver Modeling: Gain practical data for modeling walking speeds, acceleration profiles, and lane-change behavior.
- Practical Time–Distance Analysis: Master techniques for applying scientific principles directly to reconstruction calculations.
- Distraction, Fatigue, & Impairment: Understand the mechanisms and measurable effects of key driver performance degraders.
- Intersection Decision-Making: Review current research on why drivers do, or do not, pull into traffic.
- Advanced Casework Foundation: Build the knowledge base necessary to pursue complex and specialized human-factors analysis.
Class Dates and Location
July 13 - 17, 2026
Hampton Police Department
300 Butler Farm Road
Hampton, VA
Target Audience
Ideal for investigators, reconstructionists, and analysts seeking to strengthen the human-factors component of their work.
Prerequisite
Due to the highly technical subject matter, applicants must have successfully completed the Advanced Traffic Crash Investigation course offered by the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), Virginia DMV Highway Safety Office, or its equivalent.
Registration
This course is FREE for Virginia law enforcement. Seating is limited to 25.
To register, email Michael Nash at michael.nash@dmv.virginia.gov and provide the following information:
- Agency name
- Name and rank/title
- Contact phone number and email address
- Completion date of successful participation of Advanced Crash Investigation Course or its equivalent.
- Crash investigation and reconstruction experience
Materials Needed
Students should bring the following materials to class:
- Scientific calculator
- Compass
- 1 1/2" three-ring binder (recommended