This week’s installment provides a bit of history on a notable recon organization and practical resources for those considering “joining.”

ACTAR - The Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction

In the 80s, an NHTSA highway safety specialist recognized the need to develop minimum training criteria for police engaged in traffic accident reconstruction and solicited related proposals. Northwestern University was ultimately selected for the task, with the effort being led by legends Lynne Fricke and Roy Lucke. The results of their work can be found here and ultimately lead to the formation of ACTAR in 1991. Below is the first available photo of a board meeting (1996).

 
 

Approximately 5,000 reconstructionists around the world have participated in the ACTAR accreditation process since 1991 and nearly 1,400 possess active accreditation. For those interested in becoming accredited, I’ve summarized the preparatory resources I’m aware of below.

​George Meinschein has a .io group dedicated to the examination and related preparation. You’ll gain access to templates and strategies on handling timing and reference materials. To request access, email George here. He also has a series of useful YouTube videos here.

​Andy Rich is another talented reconstructionist who’s put a big effort into helping recons prep for the examination. He teaches two and three-day in-person prep classes and offers an online version of the course through IPTM, which can be found here.

Finally, Vic Craig of ARJ fame has an exam prep kit that can be purchased. Check the latest issue for purchase info. ARJ also has a Test Your Skill segment in each issue that provides excellent practice problems.

If you’d like to do a deeper dive, I published a detailed article discussing the history of ACTAR, why you should consider becoming accredited, and how to prep for the examination here.

Thanks for reading along!

Lou Peck
​Lightpoint | Axiom​

P.S. It pays to have kids at Halloween.