John L. Straubinger, P.E., ACTAR, CFEI

Senior Consultant

Forensic Services

Seattle

Background

Mr. John Straubinger holds a B.S.E. degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a registered professional engineer (mechanical) in Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. He is also an Accredited Traffic Accident Reconstructionist (ACTAR #3522).

Mr. Straubinger has extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in vehicle systems, including suspension components, brakes, restraints and safety systems, engines and drivetrains, and off-road modifications. He has been trained in high-performance driving and has a thorough knowledge of vehicle dynamics. He has also performed service and diagnostics on vehicle engines, drivetrain components, steering components, brakes, bodywork, electronics, and ignition systems.

As a forensic engineer, Mr. Straubinger has reconstructed vehicle accidents ranging from minor impacts to multiple vehicle and fatality collisions. His reconstruction experience includes accidents involving passenger vehicles, commercial tractor/trailers, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. He is experienced and certified in the collection and in-depth analysis of Event Data Recorder (EDR) and Engine Control Module (ECM) information. He has performed analysis on the sequence of impacts, unintended accelerations, engine failures, hydraulic and air braking systems, impact severity, and perception-response timing. He has also investigated a wide range of vehicle fires and recalls. He has performed inspections and failure analysis on consumer products, appliances, automatic door systems, forklifts, aerial and boom lifts, industrial machinery, fire sprinkler systems, and all types of residential and commercial plumbing.

Mr. Straubinger has broad experience in power plants, refineries, and concentrating solar power projects. Much of his engineering work entailed pipe stress analysis and piping design on high-energy systems in order to ensure compliance with ASME B31 code requirements and to minimize the loading on equipment connections. He spent time on several extended field assignments offering construction support, site investigations, walk downs, and working with plant personnel on process and design improvements.

Education and Certifications

• Mechanical Engineering, B.S.E.: Northern Arizona University (2007)

• Professional Engineer (Mechanical): Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington

• Accredited Traffic Accident Reconstructionist: The Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR #3522)

• Bosch Crash Data Retrieval Technician: Institute of Police Technology & Management (2017)

• Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) Data Analyst: Collision Safety Institute (2018)

• Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI Number 28115-16181) (2023)

• Bondurant School of High-Performance Driving (2011)

• Memberships: SAE International (Society of Automotive Engineers); International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI); Washington Association of Technical Accident Investigators (WATAI); National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)