Lou sits down with motorcycle data guru, Ed Fatzinger. Ed is the director of accident reconstruction at YA Engineering. He holds a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from West Virginia University and a master’s in aerospace engineering from Embry Riddle University. He’s also a professional engineer, ACTAR-accredited reconstructionist, and a member of the SAE accident reconstruction committee. He’s published several papers on the topic of motorcycle crash data. In this episode, you’ll learn about:• Kawasaki data and how Ed started down that path• Ducati’s Data Monitoring system• Bombardier’s BUDS data• Airbags vests• Apps• Diagnostic tools• And more…You can watch the podcast and find links from the show here.--Connect with EdEdFatzinger.comYA Engineering--Timeline of Topics00:00:00 – Bikes in the shop and Ducati’s modern tech00:04:03 – Discovering Kawasaki’s hidden EDR system00:07:18 – Breaking barriers: early roadblocks and first contact with Kawasaki00:12:03 – Data mysteries and how manufacturers respond00:15:43 – How motorcycle EDRs actually trigger (and how Ed tested it)00:20:43 – Cracking the code: reverse-engineering and publishing the first papers00:25:03 – Education, persistence, and field testing across the country00:32:48 – Tip-over sensors, power loss, and missing crash data00:37:38 – Inside the data: speed, traction, throttle, clutch, and gears00:47:17 – Validating accuracy and correcting speed data00:52:16 – Power loss anomalies and how to preserve motorcycle EDR evidence01:04:17 – Off-road vehicles, BRP systems, and what “last instant data” really means01:12:21 – Diagnostic tools, Ducati EDRs, and the future of rider data01:34:49 – Airbag vest systems and data availability01:41:23 – Ducati Data Analyzer and practical applications01:56:54 – Smartphone-based data01:59:24 – Lessons learned and how to connect with Ed
Lou sits down with Matt DiSogra of Delta |v| and Jeff Hirsch of Drive Forensics to discuss their recent SAE paper, Examination of the Data Structures of the Bendix® Data Recorder.The podcast is available to watch here.--Connect with MattConnect with JeffRead their paper (DiSogra, M., Hirsch, J., and Yeakley, A., "Examination of the Data Structures of the Bendix® Data Recorder," SAE Technical Paper 2025-01-8712, 2025)--Timeline of Topics00:00 - Introduction and BDR Basics03:59 - BDR Modules, Data, and Triggers09:27 - Data Retrieval and SAE Paper Overview12:50 - Translation Process and Validation23:15 - Practitioner Implications and Options29:20 - Future Plans and Insights34:55 - Industry Trends--Links from the show can be found here.
Lou sits down with Jarrod Carter of Origin Forensics to discuss presenting at trial, mentoring young recons, managing a firm, and finding balance.The podcast is available to watch here.--Connect with Jarrod Origin Forensics--Timeline of Topics00:00:00 - Introduction and the "Rub Some Dirt on It" philosophy07:28:00 - Managing caseload and scope of work12:18:00 - Building and running a recon team27:16:00 – Presenting to the court36:42:00 - Education and mentors41:47:00 - Energy methods and restitution46:53:00 - Teaching juries01:02:49 - Public speaking and testimony skills01:09:24 - Continuous learning and new tools01:13:29 - Demonstratives and exhibits01:25:07 - Hiring and nurturing a team, prioritizing family, and avoiding burnout02:17:17 - AI in recon02:49:44 - Future of AI (AGI, Reasoning)--Links from the show can be found here.
Lou sits down with Randy Bauder and Taylor Walker to discus the ACTAR exam – why they sought accreditation, how they prepared, and their advice for others taking the test. --Connect with RandyLearn more about ACTARRead about the accreditation process--Timeline of TopicsRandy Bauder00:00:00 – Introduction to the show and Randy’s background00:04:33 – Randy’s decision to pursue accreditation00:08:13 – The application process and requirements to sit for the exam00:10:46 – Distinction between ACTAR and PE00:12:30 – Preparation for the exam00:20:30 – Reference materials used during the exam00:25:50 – The morning session00:31:37 – The afternoon session00:34:35 – Finding out the results00:36:41 – Advice for others seeking accreditation Taylor Walker00:39:40 – Introduction to Taylor’s background00:45:03 – Taylor’s decision to pursue accreditation00:52:20 – Training prior to the exam00:55:09 – Preparation for the exam01:02:44 – Advice for others seeking accreditation01:04:48 – Tools used during the afternoon session01:12:12 – The morning session01:17:01 – The afternoon session01:25:58 – Finding out the results01:26:42 – Would you do anything differently a second time around?--Resources DiscussedAndy Rich’s Prep Course CA Association of Accident Reconstruction Specialists (CA2RS) California Peace Officer Standards and Training IPTM Courses – Crash Investigation and ACTAR Prep Northwestern University Center for Public Safety Rusty Haight | Collision Safety InstituteYouTube Test Prep
Lou sits down with Jeff Suway of JS Forensics to discuss how he got into recon, the current state of his firm, Jeff's real love: retroreflective tape, quantifying luminance with a camera, video analysis, and much more.The podcast is available to watch here.--Connect with JeffJS ForensicsNitere--Timeline of Topics00:00:00 – Jeff’s background and introduction to forensics00:20:16 – JS Forensics: Jeff’s vision for the company and his current team00:31:45 - Jeff’s fascination with retroreflective tape00:44:35 – Quantifying luminance with a consumer grade camera00:59:00 – Presenting in the courtroom01:02:26 – How to take contrast measurements01:19:53 – Nitere applications01:28:11 – Necessities for a recon trying to do nighttime analysis01:39:57 – Methods and tools Jeff’s experimenting with01:43:06 – How Jeff stays in touch with the latest tech in the industry01:47:11 – Rapid fire: What Jeff uses point clouds for, best investment under 5k, and most used papers--Papers Discussed (in order of appearance)Suway, J., Suway, S., “A Method for digital Video Camera Calibration for Luminance Estimation” Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress and Exhibition, 2017, SAE Paper No. 2017-01-1368Suway, J., Suway, S., "A More Robust Method for Digital Video Camera Calibration for Luminance Estimation" SAE Technical Paper 2022-01-0802, 2022Muttart, J., "Factors that Influence Drivers' Response Choice Decisions in Video Recorded Crashes," SAE Technical Paper 2005-01-0426, 2005, https://doi.org/10.4271/2005-01-0426.Cipriani, A., Bayan, F., Woodhouse, M., Cornetto, A. et al., "Low Speed Collinear Impact Severity: A Comparison Between Full Scale Testing and Analytical Prediction Tools with Restitution Analysis," SAE Technical Paper 2002-01-0540, 2002, https://doi.org/10.4271/2002-01-0540.Suway, J., Welcher, J., “A Quantitative Method for Accurately Depicting still photographs or video of a night-time scene Utilizing Equivalent Contrast” Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress and Exhibition, 2016, SAE Paper No. 2016-01-1463.
Lou sits down with Jeff Muttart to discuss driver response, autonomous vehicles, training novices, and the evolution of recon.The podcast is available to watch with video here.--Connect with JeffDriver Research InstituteResponseEducationDrivers’ Response in Emergency Situations BookPublished PapersSwaroop Dinakar--Timeline of Topics00:01:22 The origin of a data junkie00:13:02 The 16-year-old driver00:23:52 Moving from the police department to academia00:31:36 Jeff’s first success00:40:07 The PRT of automated vehicles00:52:14 Why are ped fatalities on the rise even with the increase in ADAS-equipped vehicles?01:04:42 Analyzing the SHRP-2 data01:17:53 Where are humans most vulnerable?01:29:27 Access to video01:39:39 Age as a factor01:54:30 Jeff’s current toolkit02:12:55 Autonomous vehicles02:28:33 Predictions for the future02:36:27 Motorcyclist PRT research02:44:58 Applying the literature02:53:22 What tool will be gone in 5-10 years?02:57:02 Driver Research Institute and the future--Studies, Literature, and Tools Discussed100 Motorcyclists StudyDevelopment and Evaluation of Driver Response Time Predictors Based upon Meta AnalysisHuman Performance Lab at UMass Amherst (HPL)Konica Minolta Luminance MeterPart 563Risk and Perception Training (RAPT)Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP)SHRP-2Sony Alpha 7S IISWOV
Lou sits down with Tim Cheek and Matt DiSogra to discuss heavy vehicle data and its proliferation, the modern HVEDR toolkit, and the future of the field.The podcast is available to watch with video here.--DELTA |v| Forensic EngineeringTim CheekMatt DiSograSAE Course - Accessing and Interpreting Heavy Vehicle Event Data RecordersHVEDR.com--Timeline of Topics00:01:23 Tim and Matt’s backgrounds00:05:45 Definition of HVEDR00:12:42 What sources of data are available on a heavy vehicle and how do you access them?00:30:21 Preparing for a heavy vehicle inspection and triaging once you’re there00:39:55 How do you keep up with it all?00:43:44 Last stop data00:49:45 Fault code setting event and the associated data00:57:43 Autonomy in heavy trucking01:06:59 What tools are needed to access Bendix data?01:13:05 Sharing knowledge in a changing environment01:16:58 WABCO Systems01:19:57 Increase in data sources01:24:53 Accessing trailer data01:27:25 Modern toolkit for a heavy truck inspection01:40:08 Will event data recorders ever replace recons?01:48:31 How to drink out of the fire hose without getting your face blown off--Systems, Tools, and Companies DiscussedBendixBosch CDRCumminsDearborn GroupDetroit AssuranceMack VolvoMecanica ScientificNEXIQOmnitracsPart 563Safety DirectWABCOWaymoWingman Fusion System
Lou sits down with Anthony Cornetto to discuss the state of computer simulation, acquiring HVE, building a Blender-based super tool, and the integration of AI.The podcast is available to watch with video here.A rough transcript of the podcast can be found here.--Connect with TonyMomentaHVE--Timeline of Topics00:01:23 Tony’s background00:09:14 The purchase and expansion of HVE00:34:48 Blender and its application in collision reconstruction00:54:01 Creating 3D models00:58:41 The future of Blender and HVE - from simulation to beautiful visualization01:04:21 What’s in Tony’s current toolkit?01:13:15 Best tool under $5,00001:17:02 360 cameras01:23:24 Resources for continued education01:27:23 What does the future of HVE look like?01:37:229 Low-Poly modeling01:43:04 All-in-one super tool?01:55:57 How will AI integrate into recon?02:09:19 Most used tool in Tony’s current arsenal02:10:58 What’s inside the future toolkit of a reconstructionist, and what isn’t?--Software / Tools Discussed3DF Zephyr3ds MaxBlenderCarSimCloudCompareCycles RenderDyMESHEDCRASHEDSMAC4Garmin VIRB Ultra 360Leica BLK360Lightpoint Low-Poly MeshesOpenDroneMapSIMONUnreal EngineA full list can be found here.
Lou sits down with Alan Moore to discuss autonomous vehicles, ADAS, the battle between safety and distraction, getting to level 4, and advice on learning.The podcast is available to watch with video here.A rough transcript of the podcast can be found here.--AB Moore ConsultingAlan’s SAE Course--Timeline of Topics00:01:23 Alan’s background00:03:26 What is ADAS and how much should reconstructionists know about it right now?00:12:25 The omnipresence of electronic data00:12:26 Levels of autonomy00:18:06 Do we need LiDAR for Level 3?00:28:29 Facilitating autonomous driving with V2X communication00:38:00 Fleet corroboration00:41:14 Autonomous systems and distracted humans00:50:06 Diving down the “ADAS knowledge” rabbit hole00:55:32 ADAS intervention and the event data recorder01:02:19 Testing ADAS for research, classes, and cases01:21:07 Will autonomous vehicles kill recon?01:29:32 How to keep up with changes and developments in our field--Systems / Companies DiscussedAxonBendixBosch CDRComma.aiDetroit AssuranceDRSCGM Super CruiseMercedes Drive PilotPart 563Tesla AutopilotWABCOWaymo
Lou sits down with Rick Ruth of Ruth Consulting to discuss the evolution and future of EDRs, the industry’s global shift, and the Wild West of ADAS.The podcast is available to watch with video here.A rough transcript of the podcast can be found here.--Connect with RickRuth ConsultingRick's SAE CourseIPTM Level 1 CourseIPTM Level 2 Course--Timeline of Topics00:01:55 Rick’s background and the early adoption of EDRs00:06:52 What does today’s reconstructionist need to know about EDRs?00:12:48 The evolution of EDRs00:19:32 Bosch updates and troubleshooting00:26:06 Secondary systems you need access to00:29:28 Proposed changes to government requirements for EDRs00:36:48 A huge evolution in EDRs and ADAS performance data00:46:36 Forward-facing cameras00:59:27 Hacked autonomous vehicles, safety guards, and the EDR report01:05:11 Global changes to EDR requirements01:18:57 Predictions for the future01:25:53 Will the reconstructionist be replaced?01:33:11 Will EDRs ever become standardized?01:21:23 How do we stay educated, keep our finger on the pulse, and adapt?--Equipment / Tools DiscussedBosch CDR KitsCrash Investigation Sampling SystemGIT Hyundai Kia Download KitPart 563Subaru EyeSight SystemToyota Techstream
Lou sits down with Eugene Liscio of ai2-3D to discuss the current state and future of 3D scanning and photogrammetry in the field of collision investigation.A rough transcript of the podcast can be found here.You can find the audio only version of this podcast on your favorite platform.--Connect with Eugeneai2-3DRecon-3DEugene's Youtube ChannelZero to Hero Course--Timeline of Topics00:18:34 - Eugene's current tool kit00:25:15 - DSLR vs. mirrorless cameras00:30:58 - Laser scanners - past and future00:49:23 - Recon-3D01:07:27 - The future of photogrammetry01:19:17 - Best investment under $5,00001:21:11 - Predictions for the future--Software / Products Discussed3D Whale Scanner3DF ZephyrArtec LeoCamRanger 2CloudCompareCOLMAPDotProductEverypointLeica BLK3DMeshroomMetashapeNikon Z9Olympus T6PhotoModelerPremiumPix4DRealityCaptureSpace SpiderVeOptics Structured Light Scanner
Lou sits down with Mark Crouch, Head of Collision Investigations at FCIR, to discuss his background, differences in the field of collision reconstruction between the US and the UK, and primarily the current state and future of video analysis.Prefer to watch the filmed interview? It can be found on Youtube.Links from the show:Connect with MarkBe notified about Mark’s Video Analysis coursePurchase Video Analysis in Collision ReconstructionJoin the Institute of Traffic Accident Investigators (ITAI)Software / Tools DiscussedAmped FIVEAnalyzerProAxon (iNPUT-ACE)FFmpegPC-CrashPhotoModeler PremiumRecon-3DRIEGLVirtual CRASHTimeline of Topics:00:02:47 - Similarities and differences in collision reconstruction between the US and the UK 00:23:41 - Mark's background 00:28:24 - ITAI Membership 00:40:16 - Mark's introduction to video analysis & the development of his book 00:51:58 - Evolution of video analysis: frequency, diversity of sources, and autonomous vehicles 01:03:16 - Frame health 01:25:14 - Mark's video analysis toolkit 01:30:03 - Frame timing and position 01:41:05 - Recommendation for macroblock analysis 01:47:46 - Codecs 02:01:27 - Video of video 02:08:43 - Changes in video analysis over the last 15 years 02:09:50 - Current developments in the field of video analysis 02:14:54 - The future of video analysis