OTA Institute: Accident Investigation - Core Concepts (Basic Overview)

Description

This is Part 1 of a two-part Accident Investigation series. Click here to learn more about Part 2.

In the aftermath of a crash, the clock starts ticking on evidence, liability, and reputation. This foundational training equips safety professionals and operations leaders with a practical, step-by-step framework for managing the critical early stages of a crash investigation.

Led by Dan Katt of Katt Safety Services, LLC, this course focuses on first-hour response priorities, basic interviewing techniques, physical evidence recognition, and effective scene documentation. Attendees will learn how to avoid common investigative mistakes while collecting and preserving information in a way that supports accuracy and defensibility.

The training will be held March 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the OTA Training Center in Westerville.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define what constitutes a “crash” and explain why consistent definitions matter
• Apply a structured first-hour response approach, including documentation and evidence preservation
• Conduct basic driver and witness interviews that improve accuracy
• Identify key roadway and vehicle physical evidence and understand what it can indicate
• Capture photos, notes, measurements, and diagrams that support a defensible investigation
• Recognize common red flags and investigative pitfalls

Key Topic Areas:

• The crash as a chain of events and what to capture first
• Human factors and statements from drivers and witnesses
• “Reading the road,” including tire marks, gouges, and debris fields
• Documentation essentials: photo priorities, measurements, and diagrams
• Field-ready checklists and debrief processes

Take-Home Tools:

• Crash response checklist (scene priorities)
• Pocket-sized traffic template
• Driver and witness interview question bank
• Photo and documentation priority guide

A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. The training costs $225 for OTA members and $425 for non-members.

Schedule: 
8:30AM          Session Begins
12:00PM        Lunch
4:00PM          Session Concludes 

About the Trainer:
Dan Katt is a veteran safety and security professional with more than 45 years of experience spanning law enforcement, accident investigation, corporate risk management, and safety consulting. He spent 27 years with the Cincinnati Police Department, specializing in traffic safety, fatal crash investigation, and instructor-led training. Dan also served for 20 years as Corporate Loss Control Manager for Rumpke Waste & Recycling, where he led accident investigations, safety audits, litigation support, and multi-state employee training programs. Throughout his career, he has instructed more than 1,000 participants and served as a trusted liaison between private industry, law enforcement, and regulatory agencies. Dan is the President of Katt Safety Services, LLC, providing safety, security, and compliance training to organizations across the Midwest. He is widely respected for his practical, real-world approach to risk reduction, incident response, and workforce safety education.

Refund Policy:
Our refund policy is as follows:

• You will receive a 100% refund if you cancel more than 10 days before the training.
• You will receive a 75% refund if you cancel more than 3 days before the training.
• You will receive no refund if you cancel less than 3 days before the training.
• No shows are responsible for 100% of the registration fees.