Data Driven with Lou Peck

Hosted by Lou Peck

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Feb 2026

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Hosted by Lou Peck, Data Driven interviews industry experts about the current and future states of collision reconstruction.

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14 recent

February 11, 20262 hr 55 min

Wade Bartlett: From Engineering to Law Enforcement, Critical Speed Yaw Analysis, and the Power of Constant Learning

Wade has a uniquely broad career. From consulting engineer, to Deputy Sheriff, to Adjunct Faculty at IPTM, to NAPARS Administrator, he’s an integral member of the reconstruction community. Wade has a bachelor’s and master’s in mechanical engineering, a professional engineering license, and is also ACTAR accredited. He’s authored or co-authored nearly 50 technical publications, and has presented at conferences all over the world. We sat down for nearly 3 hours and covered a wide variety of topics, including: - How Wade accidentally became an engineer - Going from failure analysis to accident reconstruction - Handling expert testimony - Overcoming the fear of public speaking - Becoming a police officer - Giving back to the community - Monte Carlo analyses - Critical Speed - Drag Sled wars - Advice for the next generation - And more You can watch the podcast and find links from the show here . -- Connect with Wade Read Wade's Papers -- Timeline of Topics 00:00:00 - Career Overview and the Importance of Meticulous Field Work 00:06:21 - Researching Motorcyclist Perception and Response with Eye Tracking 00:09:07 - Academic Challenges and Learning to be an Engineering Student 00:20:12 - Transitioning from Failure Analysis to Accident Reconstruction 00:32:24 - Self-Teaching HVE and the Vital Role of Forensic Photography 00:39:05 - Handling First Depositions and Navigating Cross-Examination 00:53:46 - Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking through Teaching and Mentorship 01:09:05 - Growth of NAPARS and Modernizing Information Sharing 01:35:02 - Becoming a Police Officer and Bridging the Civil-Criminal Data Gap 01:56:10 - Applying Monte Carlo Statistical Analysis in Excel 02:14:42 - The Science of Critical Speed Yaw and the Drag Sled Research Wars 02:40:35 - Advice for the Next Generation: Constant Learning and Multi-Disciplinary Knowledge

November 7, 20253 hr 15 min

Swaroop Dinakar: Exploring Human Factors, ADAS, Fatality Trends, and SHRP2 Data

Swaroop is a Managing Scientist at the famous Driver Research Institute, where he wears many hats including research, education, software development, and analysis of motor vehicle collisions. He holds a bachelor’s in industrial engineering from Die Anon Saggar College of Engineering in India and a Master’s degree in industrial engineering from Texas A&M University, where he focused on human factors. Swaroop has published over 20 papers in the field of human factors and is a member of several driver safety related committees and technical groups. We covered a wide variety of human factors topics, including: The science of evaluating a driver’s response Pedestrian detection and safety Fatality trends and insights The SHRP2 data gold mine (Strategic Highway Research Program) Naturalistic braking data Documenting nighttime scenes And more... Two clarifications from the show: Biomotion is referred to as “biometric” on a few occasions. Fatal pedestrian crashes with intoxicated crash stats: Drivers >0.08 is ~18% and Peds >0.08 is ~30%. Overall ~43% where either one was >0.08. You can watch the podcast and find links from the show here . -- Connect with Swaroop Driver Research Institute Response / IDRR -- Timeline of Topics 00:00:00 - Team Growth and Research Methodology Challenges 00:04:01 - Unbiased Human Factors Analysis and Study Compilation 00:13:22 - Perception-Response Time Variables, Adjustments, and IDRR Development 00:20:38 - Journey into Human Factors Engineering 00:23:33 - Rising Fatality Trends and Emergency Vehicle Distractions 00:31:57 - Haptic Feedback, ADAS Warnings, and System Limitations 00:37:02 - Roles at Driver Research Institute and Response Software Overview 00:48:23 - Detailed Fatality Trends and ADAS Effectiveness 00:50:26 - Pedestrian Safety: Nighttime Visibility and Contributing Factors 00:58:20 - Overestimation of Visibility and Retroreflective Clothing Studies 01:10:53 - Tennis Ball Visibility Study and Bicyclist/Pedestrian Enhancements 01:28:13 - Pedestrian Walking Speeds, Adjustments, and Response Integration 01:33:43 - Case Handling: Site Inspections, Tools, and Analysis Process 01:45:01 - SHRP2 Naturalistic Data Introduction and Braking Insights 02:19:26 - Key Takeaways from SHRP2 Research on Crash Types and Responses 02:35:57 - ADAS Challenges: Distractions, Takeover, and Human-Machine Interaction 02:46:06 - Looming Effects, Lead Vehicle Detection, and Specific Influences 03:05:52 - Expert Testimony Advice and Demonstratives 03:09:29 - Turning Crash Analysis into Broader Safety Improvements

October 15, 20252 hr 0 min

Ed Fatzinger: Deconstructing Kawasaki events, exploring Ducati DDM, and all things motorcycle data

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 Ed EdFatzinger.com YA Engineering -- Timeline of Topics 00:00:00 – Bikes in the shop and Ducati’s modern tech 00:04:03 – Discovering Kawasaki’s hidden EDR system 00:07:18 – Breaking barriers: early roadblocks and first contact with Kawasaki 00:12:03 – Data mysteries and how manufacturers respond 00:15:43 – How motorcycle EDRs actually trigger (and how Ed tested it) 00:20:43 – Cracking the code: reverse-engineering and publishing the first papers 00:25:03 – Education, persistence, and field testing across the country 00:32:48 – Tip-over sensors, power loss, and missing crash data 00:37:38 – Inside the data: speed, traction, throttle, clutch, and gears 00:47:17 – Validating accuracy and correcting speed data 00:52:16 – Power loss anomalies and how to preserve motorcycle EDR evidence 01:04:17 – Off-road vehicles, BRP systems, and what “last instant data” really means 01:12:21 – Diagnostic tools, Ducati EDRs, and the future of rider data 01:34:49 – Airbag vest systems and data availability 01:41:23 – Ducati Data Analyzer and practical applications 01:56:54 – Smartphone-based data 01:59:24 – Lessons learned and how to connect with Ed

September 18, 202542 min

Matt DiSogra and Jeff Hirsch: Bendix data and developing a translation protocol

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 Matt Connect with Jeff Read 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 Topics 00:00 - Introduction and BDR Basics 03:59 - BDR Modules, Data, and Triggers 09:27 - Data Retrieval and SAE Paper Overview 12:50 - Translation Process and Validation 23:15 - Practitioner Implications and Options 29:20 - Future Plans and Insights 34:55 - Industry Trends -- Links from the show can be found here .

September 8, 20253 hr 5 min

Jarrod Carter: Presenting at trial, mentoring young recons, managing a firm, and finding balance.

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 Topics 00:00:00 - Introduction and the "Rub Some Dirt on It" philosophy 07:28:00 - Managing caseload and scope of work 12:18:00 - Building and running a recon team 27:16:00 – Presenting to the court 36:42:00 - Education and mentors 41:47:00 - Energy methods and restitution 46:53:00 - Teaching juries 01:02:49 - Public speaking and testimony skills 01:09:24 - Continuous learning and new tools 01:13:29 - Demonstratives and exhibits 01:25:07 - Hiring and nurturing a team, prioritizing family, and avoiding burnout 02:17:17 - AI in recon 02:49:44 - Future of AI (AGI, Reasoning) -- Links from the show can be found here .

May 30, 20251 hr 31 min

Randy Bauder + Taylor Walker: Tools and Tactics for Acing the ACTAR Examination

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 Randy Learn more about ACTAR Read about the accreditation process -- Timeline of Topics Randy Bauder 00:00:00 – Introduction to the show and Randy’s background 00:04:33 – Randy’s decision to pursue accreditation 00:08:13 – The application process and requirements to sit for the exam 00:10:46 – Distinction between ACTAR and PE 00:12:30 – Preparation for the exam 00:20:30 – Reference materials used during the exam 00:25:50 – The morning session 00:31:37 – The afternoon session 00:34:35 – Finding out the results 00:36:41 – Advice for others seeking accreditation Taylor Walker 00:39:40 – Introduction to Taylor’s background 00:45:03 – Taylor’s decision to pursue accreditation 00:52:20 – Training prior to the exam 00:55:09 – Preparation for the exam 01:02:44 – Advice for others seeking accreditation 01:04:48 – Tools used during the afternoon session 01:12:12 – The morning session 01:17:01 – The afternoon session 01:25:58 – Finding out the results 01:26:42 – Would you do anything differently a second time around? -- Resources Discussed Andy 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 Institute YouTube Test Prep

October 4, 20241 hr 56 min

Jeff Suway: quantifying luminance with a camera, video analysis, & his love of retroreflective tape

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 Jeff JS Forensics Nitere -- Timeline of Topics 00:00:00 – Jeff’s background and introduction to forensics 00:20:16 – JS Forensics: Jeff’s vision for the company and his current team 00:31:45 - Jeff’s fascination with retroreflective tape 00:44:35 – Quantifying luminance with a consumer grade camera 00:59:00 – Presenting in the courtroom 01:02:26 – How to take contrast measurements 01:19:53 – Nitere applications 01:28:11 – Necessities for a recon trying to do nighttime analysis 01:39:57 – Methods and tools Jeff’s experimenting with 01:43:06 – How Jeff stays in touch with the latest tech in the industry 01:47:11 – 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. 2017-01-1368 Suway, J., Suway, S., " A More Robust Method for Digital Video Camera Calibration for Luminance Estimation " SAE Technical Paper 2022-01-0802, 2022 Muttart, 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 Contras t” Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress and Exhibition, 2016, SAE Paper No. 2016-01-1463.

February 9, 20243 hr 12 min

Jeff Muttart: driver response, autonomous vehicles, training novices, and the evolution of recon.

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 Jeff Driver Research Institute Response Education Drivers’ Response in Emergency Situations Book Published Papers Swaroop Dinakar -- Timeline of Topics 00:01:22 The origin of a data junkie 00:13:02 The 16-year-old driver 00:23:52 Moving from the police department to academia 00:31:36 Jeff’s first success 00:40:07 The PRT of automated vehicles 00:52:14 Why are ped fatalities on the rise even with the increase in ADAS-equipped vehicles? 01:04:42 Analyzing the SHRP-2 data 01:17:53 Where are humans most vulnerable? 01:29:27 Access to video 01:39:39 Age as a factor 01:54:30 Jeff’s current toolkit 02:12:55 Autonomous vehicles 02:28:33 Predictions for the future 02:36:27 Motorcyclist PRT research 02:44:58 Applying the literature 02:53:22 What tool will be gone in 5-10 years? 02:57:02 Driver Research Institute and the future -- Studies, Literature, and Tools Discussed 100 Motorcyclists Study Development and Evaluation of Driver Response Time Predictors Based upon Meta Analysis Human Performance Lab at UMass Amherst (HPL) Konica Minolta Luminance Meter Part 563 Risk and Perception Training (RAPT) Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) SHRP-2 Sony Alpha 7S II SWOV

November 29, 20231 hr 59 min

Tim Cheek and Matt DiSogra: heavy vehicle data and its proliferation, the modern HVEDR toolkit, and the future of the field.

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 Engineering Tim Cheek Matt DiSogra SAE Course - Accessing and Interpreting Heavy Vehicle Event Data Recorders HVEDR.com -- Timeline of Topics 00:01:23 Tim and Matt’s backgrounds 00:05:45 Definition of HVEDR 00:12:42 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 there 00:39:55 How do you keep up with it all? 00:43:44 Last stop data 00:49:45 Fault code setting event and the associated data 00:57:43 Autonomy in heavy trucking 01:06:59 What tools are needed to access Bendix data? 01:13:05 Sharing knowledge in a changing environment 01:16:58 WABCO Systems 01:19:57 Increase in data sources 01:24:53 Accessing trailer data 01:27:25 Modern toolkit for a heavy truck inspection 01:40:08 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 Discussed Bendix Bosch CDR Cummins Dearborn Group Detroit Assurance Mack Volvo Mecanica Scientific NEXIQ Omnitracs Part 563 Safety Direct WABCO Waymo Wingman Fusion System

September 22, 20232 hr 27 min

Anthony Cornetto: the state of computer simulation, acquiring HVE, building a Blender-based super tool, and the integration of AI.

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 Tony Momenta HVE -- Timeline of Topics 00:01:23 Tony’s background 00:09:14 The purchase and expansion of HVE 00:34:48 Blender and its application in collision reconstruction 00:54:01 Creating 3D models 00:58:41 The future of Blender and HVE - from simulation to beautiful visualization 01:04:21 What’s in Tony’s current toolkit? 01:13:15 Best tool under $5,000 01:17:02 360 cameras 01:23:24 Resources for continued education 01:27:23 What does the future of HVE look like? 01:37:229 Low-Poly modeling 01:43:04 All-in-one super tool? 01:55:57 How will AI integrate into recon? 02:09:19 Most used tool in Tony’s current arsenal 02:10:58 What’s inside the future toolkit of a reconstructionist, and what isn’t? -- Software / Tools Discussed 3DF Zephyr 3ds Max Blender CarSim CloudCompare Cycles Render DyMESH EDCRASH EDSMAC4 Garmin VIRB Ultra 360 Leica BLK360 Lightpoint Low-Poly Meshes OpenDroneMap SIMON Unreal Engine A full list can be found here .