Linear and Rotational Motion Analysis in Traffic Crash Reconstruction
by Orion P. Keifer, Richard V. Conte and Bradley C. Reckamp

Crash reconstructionists are commonly faced with vehicle collisions with post-impact rotation, yet few are knowledgeable about the pitfalls and analysis opportunities this rotation presents. Generally, the rotation is simply ignored and the drag coefficient is adjusted by some amount to account for the rotation. While this approach is adequate for some crashes, it is totally inappropriate for others.

IPTM’s latest book, Linear and Rotational Motion Analysis in Traffic Crash Reconstruction, examines rotation and its implications in reconstruction. Written by 3 Professional Engineers, it is a comprehensive text full of diagrams and formulas designed to provide you with the background to properly evaluate and analyze crashes with post-impact rotation.

The authors begin with a summary of the physical principles of mechanics required to perform an accurate reconstruction. From there, they discuss topics such as the effects of rotation on linear and rotational drag factors, limitations of analysis methods in crashes with post-impact rotation, post-impact tire forces on the rotating vehicle, and pre-impact speed analysis based on post-impact rotational displacement. They also discuss situations where linear analyses are inappropriate and give you false answers.

The book includes the following chapters:

About the authors:

Orion P. Keifer, P.E., a Professional Engineer registered in California, Florida, Georgia and Alabama, holds Master of Science degrees in both Mechanical Engineering and Biomechanical Trauma. He is a founding partner of the Applications Engineering Group, Inc. (AEGI), a forensic engineering and crash reconstruction firm.

Richard V. Conte, Ph.D., P.E., holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of New York. His areas of specialization include Thermal Sciences, HVAC and Alternative Energy. Mr. Conte is currently an advisor and instructor for the School of Engineering at the University of North Florida.

Bradley C. Reckamp, P.E., holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Florida. Mr. Reckamp is currently a forensic engineer/crash reconstructionist and has investigated hundreds of vehicle crashes and participated in numerous full scale test crashes.

Specifications: 232 pages; 8½”x11"; coil bound; Publisher: IPTM (April 2007)

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Photographing Vehicles for Litigation
2nd Edition - 2015
by Jack Murray, CLI, CFE

Whether dealing with civil or criminal cases involving motor vehicle accidents, good photographs are critical to preserving evidence.

This book describes how to obtain the proper photographs of a vehicle that has been involved in a collision. It discusses proper angles from which to take the picture, important evidence to document, lighting and special considerations, and the types of equipment to use to get a high quality photograph.

An excellent source of information for police, private investigators, attorneys and insurance claims adjustors, this book contains many procedures and tips that are useful in crash photography regardless of whether the photo is shown in court or not.

Originally published by IPTM in 1997, this updated version contains a newly added section on photographing commercial vehicles.

The book includes chapters on the following:

• Exterior Photos
• Interior Photos
• Bumpers
• Trace Evidence
• Courtroom Presentation
• Equipment
• Photographing Commercial Vehicles
• Resources

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: J.W. "Jack" Murray has investigated and/or reconstructed motor vehicle accidents for over 35 years. This book is his second for IPTM. Additionally, he has published 8 other books in the field of accident investigation and/or reconstruction. Murray conducts trial work as an expert in both civil and criminal motor vehicle cases. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy Prep School, attended Villanova University and has an MBA from the University of Connecticut.

Specifications: 60 pages; 8½”x11”; coil bound; Publisher: IPTM (2015)

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Lamp Examination for Traffic Collision Investigators
by Tony L. Becker

This manual is a must for the traffic crash investigator who needs to determine if a collision was due, in part or by whole, to a vehicle lamp failure. Since an important part of the investigation is determining whether a bulb was or was not lighted at the moment of impact, Mr. Becker leads you through the procedures that should be followed in an investigation.

Beginning with the basic designs, materials and components of various bulbs that an investigator will encounter, the author uses photographs and drawings to explain the differences between a normal lamp and a broken one. He goes into detailed descriptions on how to examine a lamp and determine what caused the failure or breakage. In addition, he also gives you an introduction to the use of fiber-optic technology being used for vehicle lamps.

The manual includes the following chapters:

• Lamp Basics
• Introduction
• Normal Lamp
• Filament Failure
• Cold Shock
• Hot Shock
• Hot bulb Break


• The On-Scene and Follow-Up Investigations
• Securing the Scene
• Evaluation of the Scene
• Follow-up Examination
• Investigator Examination


• New Fiber-Optic Lighting Technology
• Conclusion

A Lamp Inspection Form that may be reproduced for personal or departmental use is also included.

The author, Tony Becker, is a 20-year veteran of law enforcement. He is the Chief Deputy Coroner (Traffic Crash Reconstructionist) for McLean County, Illinois and a private consultant in crash reconstruction.

Specifications: 37 pages; 8½”x11”; coil bound; 39 photographs (6 in color) and 4 drawings; Publisher: IPTM (July 1995)

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