Catalog Description

Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Study of traffic management and enforcement. Emphasis on traffic law enforcement procedures, Vehicle Code violations, public safety, and collision investigations. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Differentiate between procedural, statutory and case law as they apply to Vehicle Code enforcement.
  • CSLO #2: Compare and contrast various types of traffic collisions and the factors associated with accident investigation.
  • CSLO #3: Demonstrate skills necessary to determine vehicle speed based on skid analysis.
  • CSLO #4: Compare and contrast various traffic enforcement skills, techniques, procedures and investigations

Effective Term

Fall 2020

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Differentiate between procedural and statutory law in the Vehicle Code;
2. Apply case law to traffic enforcement;
3. Compare and contrast various types of traffic collisions;
4. Identify primary collision factors;
5. Analyze collision scene evidence;
6. Investigate criminal culpability;
7. Diagram a collision scene;
8. Determine vehicle speed by skid analysis;
9. Compare and contrast DUI violations;
10. Investigate DUI violations;
11. Demonstrate various traffic control techniques;
12. Outline the safe and proper pursuit procedures;
13. Demonstrate the methods for a high-risk stop;
14. Outline trial dynamics; and
15. Prepare for court testimony.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Essay Examinations
            • Example: Students will write an essay outlining the procedures for a high risk vehicle stop
          • Problem Solving Examinations
            • Example: Students will diagnose collision scene evidence to determine primary collision factors.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Students will demonstrate the ability to create an effective flare pattern at a mock traffic collision.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Lecture:

          1. Using PPT slides and class discussion, instructor will explain and illustrate traffic collision diagramming.

          Distance Learning

          1. Instructor will provide students with videos of various types of traffic collisions, and students will view videos and determine relevant "primary collision factors".

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read sections of the Vehicle Code pertaining to driving under the influence and be prepared to discuss in class. 2. Read a newspaper article pertaining to a vehicle accident and identify potential Vehicle Code violations.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Investigate a mock vehicle accident scene, locate and record evidence and determine the primary collision factors. 2. Work in a team of 4 to 5 students to evaluate a traffic-related issue and write a 3 to 4 page paper and give an oral presentation to the class.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          Required Materials

          • Traffic Enforcement and Crash Investigation
            • Author: Ross A. Olmos
            • Publisher: Prentice Hall
            • Publication Date: 2008
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Vehicle Code
            • Author: State of California
            • Publisher: Department of Motor Vehicles
            • Publication Date: 2016
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.