Midwest Center For Traffic Safety
A program of the Illinois Truck Enforcement Association
Keynote Address
Gain insight into the Grossman trial that captured national and international attention, shaking a Los Angeles suburb to its core. The Grossman trial involved a high-profile socialite defendant who tragically ran over and killed two young boys,. Explore the backgrounds of both the victims and the defendant, and the events leading up to the incident. Obtain a detailed account of the investigation, highlighting the tools and techniques that proved beneficial, as well as the mistakes that could have been avoided. Learn the details of the entire trial, including the shocking, headline-grabbing details that dominated the news cycle, while gaining insights into the tactics and strategies employed by the prosecutors, noting which were effective and which fell short. This engaging and informative presentation offers investigators and prosecutors valuable lessons and ideas for future cases.
Keynote Speakers
Impaired driving enforcement and prosecution
Unmasking, Combating and Quashing Red Herrings – Fortifying Impaired Driving Investigations
Chuck Matson, Former DRE Section Chair- SD LET
In our Hallowed Halls of Justice, defense attorneys will ask irrelevant queries about our
processes to divert a witness’s efforts to provide actual evidence and facts. These “red herrings” are deliberate efforts to change the focus to immaterial matters. They are designed to confuse and divert attention.
These ‘muddying the water’ techniques are powerful tools in the defense counselor’s arsenal. They create confusion, and seed doubts in the minds of the trier of fact and potentially weaken the prosecution's case.
This fresh and dynamic session offers inciting innovative information that provides approaches to better debunk, resist and nullify red herrings. It will allow the trier of fact to be vigilant and better focused on relevant evidence and testimony.
Live Green Lab
Ari Briskman, DRE Instructor
For decades, we have known alcohol to be a predictable drug that causes readily identifiable signs and symptoms of impairment. The effects of cannabis are often overlooked or misunderstood. When alcohol and cannabis are paired for consumption, the impairing effects on the body are magnified greatly. These effects are often present despite low blood alcohol concentrations and low Delta-9-THC concentrations in the body.
In When 1 + 1 = 5: Magnified Impairment from Cannabis and Alcohol Consumption, officers and prosecutors will watch Drug Recognition Expert – Instructors administer Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and additional field sobriety tests from the NHTSA curriculum and the Seated Standardized Field Sobriety Tests from the NASBLA curriculum to persons impaired by alcohol, cannabis, and a combination thereof. This presentation will provide officers and prosecutors with valuable information when investigating and prosecuting DUI combination cases. DRE Instructors will discuss the volunteers’ performance during the tests with the attendees. The DRE Instructors and the volunteers will also be available to answer questions at the end of the presentation.
Beyond the Manuals: Why We Do What We Do
Jonathon Huber, Seattle Police, Impaired Driving Coordinator
This session will explore the physiological and scientific foundation of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) as presented in the DRE, SFST, and ARIDE training curricula. We will delve into how the Walk and Turn and One Leg Stand tests are not arbitrary exercises, but are directly tied to the skills required for safe vehicle operation. Attendees will gain an understanding of how these tests assess key functions such as divided attention, balance, and coordination. Through discussion and live demonstrations, we will examine how vision, the vestibular system, and proprioception work together to maintain balance—and how impairments in these systems compromise driving ability. Special emphasis will be placed on why consistent instruction and administration of these tests is critical to their validity and reliability in both roadside assessments and courtroom testimony.
Cannabis in 2025… What you should know.
Dale Quigley
An interactive information session to examine the wide variety of cannabis topics in America, current research material, and the potential impacts to the public health sector. Some people believe that cannabis is a benign drug, not addictive, and imposes no risk or harm. Current research does not support this position. This session will look at the issues of marijuana’s potency, use rates in America, and its association with acts of physical violence.
Objectives:
1- Expose attendees to current evidence-based scientific research information regarding today’s more potent forms of cannabis products.
2- Increase audience awareness of the crossover effect that legalization has had upon a wide variety of topics such as public health & public safety
3- Share historical and current cannabis data, for comparison purposes, to identify emerging trend development in America.
Beyond Consumption: The Significance & Importance of the HGN Test in Impaired Driving Cases
Dr. Karl Citek
Dr. Karl Citek, one of the most world-renowned experts in the field of the HGN Test and also a key expert witness in the Illinois McKown Frye hearing, will be partnering with Chuck Matson, a legend in the national traffic safety field, to bring you this informative session. They will review and discuss the key points of the McKown decision, allowing officers in Illinois to testify about the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test. They will break down how the results relate directly to driving impairment, not merely consumption of alcohol. Other popular alternative theories and myths, including optokinetic nystagmus and caloric nystagmus, also will be addressed.
The Science of Eye Movements: A Closer Look at HGN and Other Eye Tests in Impaired Driving Investigations
Dr. Karl Citek
This session will provide an in-depth exploration of eye movements for law enforcement officers, especially DREs, and how they might be affected by alcohol and other drugs. Dr. Citek and Chuck Matson will entertain the audience with an informative and engaging presentation on a deeper dive into each of the administrative procedures, explaining the significance of staying in step with the way the test should be conducted.
Alcohol + Anything= Everything
Joseph Jones, PhD
In Alcohol + Anything = Everything, forensic toxicologist Dr. Joseph O. Jones takes attendees on an eye-opening journey into the complex world of alcohol and impairment. With decades of expertise, Dr. Jones reveals how alcohol interacts with the human body and mind, unraveling its role as a sedative, hypnotic, anesthetic, and potentially lethal substance. This session goes beyond the numbers, delving into the profound effects alcohol has when combined with other drugs and medications. This session is packed with compelling case studies, personal anecdotes, and scientifically backed insights, it provides a clear, relatable framework for understanding impairment. Whether you're a legal professional, law enforcement officer, forensic scientist, or simply curious about the hidden dangers of alcohol's synergy with other substances, this session equips you with the knowledge to navigate this critical topic. Discover the science behind impaired driving cases, retrograde extrapolation, and the power of understanding alcohol’s role in the courtroom and beyond. Alcohol + Anything = Everything is a must-attend session for anyone seeking clarity on a subject that affects lives every day.
CRash investigation
Enhancing Evidence Documentation Through Body-Worn Camera Mapping Techniques
Deputy Chief Stan Taylor, Lake County Sheriff Auxiliary
Over the past decade, significant advancements in electronic mapping and measurement technologies have transformed investigative procedures at crash and crime scenes. The integration of drone technology has further enabled investigators to document and preserve evidence with enhanced precision.
Despite these innovations, challenges remain—fatalities may occur days or weeks after an incident, and critical evidence can be missed or obscured during initial investigations. In response, a cutting-edge method has been developed that leverages body-worn camera footage to accurately locate, map, and document evidence after the fact.
This presentation will explore this innovative approach, detailing the procedures involved, showcasing real-world applications, and presenting case studies that illustrate its effectiveness and impact on modern investigative practices.
Navigating the Pitfalls of Video Evidence in Traffic Crash Investigations
Amped-FIVE
As video recording devices—such as dashcams, surveillance cameras, and mobile phones—become increasingly common on public roadways, they are playing a more significant role in traffic crash investigations. Video footage can offer valuable insight into vehicle speeds, paths of travel, and the actions of drivers and pedestrians. However, while video evidence can be powerful, it also presents unique challenges. Poor video quality, misinterpretation of perspective, timing inconsistencies, and data compression can all lead to inaccurate conclusions if not properly understood and analyzed.
This session will provide attendees with the essential foundational knowledge required to approach video forensics with confidence and accuracy. Topics will include the basic principles of video analysis, how to identify and correct for distortions or limitations in footage, and the importance of frame rate, resolution, and camera placement in determining reliable results. Participants will also learn how to follow a structured analysis process, use specialized video analysis software effectively, and avoid common mistakes that can compromise investigations. Real-world case studies will illustrate best practices and demonstrate how properly interpreted video evidence can play a crucial role in crash reconstruction and legal proceedings. Whether new to video forensics or seeking to strengthen existing skills, attendees will leave with a solid understanding of the tools, techniques, and thought processes required to extract meaningful insights from video data.
Crash Testing 2025
Get ready for an exciting and educational highlight of the conference! A specialized crash test team from Crash Data Specialists will be on-site to conduct multiple live vehicle-to-vehicle crash tests, offering attendees a rare opportunity to witness high-speed collision dynamics in real time.
Thanks to the generous support of the Village of Schaumburg and the Schaumburg Boomers, the live testing will take place in a secured, large-scale parking lot just a short bus ride from the conference center. This dynamic demonstration is scheduled for the conclusion of Day One of the conference and will showcase controlled high-speed impacts designed to replicate real-world crash scenarios.
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
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Observe test procedures and vehicle preparation
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See the forces of collision and resulting damage up close
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Learn about data collection from Event Data Recorders (EDRs) and other onboard systems
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Interact with the crash team and ask questions about methodology and findings
This is an unforgettable, hands-on experience that brings the science of crash investigation to life. Don’t miss it!
The data obtained from the testing will be presented at 8:30 am on the third day of the conference!
Uncovering Insurance Fraud and Vehicle Crime Trends: Insights from the NICB
National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)
This year, agents from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) will share their expertise in fraud detection and investigation with conference attendees. The session will provide an in-depth look at current fraud schemes, vehicle-related crimes, theft trends, and other emerging issues facing investigators today.
Established in 1992, the NICB is dedicated to preventing and combating insurance crime through intelligence-driven strategies, data analysis, and collaborative operations. This presentation will offer valuable insights into their latest findings, investigative techniques, and real-world case examples to help attendees stay ahead of evolving criminal tactics.
From Crash Scene to Courtroom: A Three-Part Case Study on High-Speed Collisions and Expert Testimony
This dynamic three-part series will guide attendees through the full lifecycle of a real-world crash investigation, beginning with a high-speed collision in Gurnee, Illinois. In Part One, participants will examine the initial case: a stopped vehicle struck by a speeding Cadillac at a traffic signal, resulting in serious injuries and criminal charges. The session will cover every stage of the case—from the initial callout and on-scene investigation to the final prosecution.
Part 2: The Courtroom Test: Practicing Expert Testimony and Legal Preparedness
Part Two transitions into a mock criminal trial, where the investigation will be brought into the courtroom. This session will focus on expert witness preparation, including predicate questions, the Voir Dire process, and examination by both prosecution and defense. Attendees will gain firsthand experience in courtroom dynamics and leave with a clearer understanding of what it means to be qualified and questioned as an expert witness.
Part 3: Testify with Technology: A Mock Trial Experience for Modern Experts
Part Three will address the role of technical experts in presenting electronic evidence. This includes the introduction and explanation of data from Event Data Recorders (EDRs), BERLA infotainment systems, and other sources. The session will also touch on civil litigation procedures, highlighting key differences between civil and criminal proceedings when presenting expert testimony and electronic evidence.
Occupant Kinematics and Injury Patterns in Crash Investigations
Dr. Kevin Adanty
Understanding the movement of vehicle occupants during a collision is critical, especially in cases where occupant positioning or driver identification is in question. Unrestrained occupants follow distinct trajectories influenced by collision dynamics and vehicle behavior. Accurate analysis of these movements, coupled with thorough documentation of physical evidence and injury patterns, plays a vital role in both investigations and legal proceedings.
In this session, Dr. Adanty will explore the biomechanics of crash-related injuries, review common injury mechanisms and patterns, and discuss injury mapping techniques. Real-world case studies will be presented to highlight investigative strategies and illustrate how detailed injury analysis can contribute to successful litigation outcomes.
Unraveling the Scene: Fundamentals of Hit-and-Run Crash
Mr. Andrew Thomas
Investigating serious injury or fatal collisions presents numerous challenges for collision investigators and their agencies—but when a vehicle flees the scene, those challenges escalate dramatically. The absence of an at-fault driver adds urgency and complexity, requiring a methodical and strategic approach to uncover the truth.
This session will equip investigators with the foundational skills necessary to effectively handle hit-and-run cases. Topics will include essential techniques for identifying and locating fleeing vehicles, collecting and preserving physical and digital evidence, and leveraging witness statements and surveillance data. Emphasis will be placed on linking the suspect vehicle to the crash scene and, ultimately, connecting the driver and occupants to the vehicle involved.
Through case examples and practical insights, attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how to manage these complex investigations from the moment of response through to potential prosecution.
Inside the Dashboard: Using Digital Forensics in Modern Collision Investigations
Sergeant Patrick Murray
As in-vehicle technology continues to evolve, the amount and quality of digital forensic data available from modern vehicles
has become a transformative asset for crash investigators and legal professionals alike. Infotainment systems, onboard video cameras, advanced driver-assistance features, and connected vehicle technologies now record and store critical data that can illuminate the events before, during, and after a collision. This wealth of information has opened new opportunities to reconstruct crashes with greater accuracy and support investigative and legal efforts with concrete, technology-based evidence.
This session will delve into the fast-moving world of vehicle-based digital forensics and its practical applications in both criminal and civil cases. Attendees will learn what types of data are typically captured by infotainment and telematics systems, how to legally and forensically access and preserve that information, and what tools—such as the BERLA system—are commonly used for data extraction. Real-world case examples will highlight how digital vehicle forensics have played a decisive role in crash analysis and litigation. With technology advancing rapidly, understanding how to obtain and interpret this data has become a critical skill for anyone involved in modern-day crash investigations.
Commercial Vehicle safety
Reasonable Suspicion Training
Understanding the Clearinghouse
Avoiding Rear End Collisions
Illinois Department of Revenue
Illinois Department of Transportation
Illinois Secretary of State
Law Updates
Illinois State Police
