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Contributing Factors in Crash Investigation

Duration: 8 hours (1-day)
Cost: Free
TCOLE Credit: Yes

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Target Audience: Commissioned law enforcement officers engaged in the investigation traffic crashes or Prosecutors who prosecute TRC violations following a crash investigation.

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The contributing factors assigned on a crash report are one of the most critical elements of an accurate and thorough crash investigation. They establish liability or a lack of liability for causing a crash and they carry heavy legal and fiscal implications for the parties involved.

Contributing factors must be examined and understood according to guidance in the CR-100 and requirements in the Texas Transportation Code. Many crashes require a combination of contributing factors to properly describe the circumstances of the crash. Students will examine and discuss approximately 300 crash diagrams and videos to develop a deeper understanding of how and when to use each of the 79 available contributing factors. Common misconceptions and misapplications will be identified and clarified. Transportation Code and Penal Code offenses will be discussed in conjunction with associated contributing factors to ensure students are taking appropriate enforcement action in their crash investigations.

In addition to in-class instruction, students will receive a comprehensive PDF document containing guidance, examples, and legal references regarding each contributing factor.

NOTE FOR DPS PERSONNEL: This Contributing Factors class is also instructed as part of the Special Topics in Crash Investigation Course. DPS personnel who have recently attended Special Topics or will be attending in the near future may not want to attend this standalone class, as it will be repetitive information. Special Topics in Crash Investigation is now mandatory training for DPS personnel before obtaining the rank of Trooper II.

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