The simulator is all about learning. We have opportunities for backing, winter driving, city driving, mountains, and fuel efficiency. Those who need to take a driving test in a truck with a regular manual transmission can brush up on their skills for shifting.
With the simulator, we can save brakes, tire wear, fuel, and time. Accidents can (and will) occur without the need to go to the body shop. And that aspect alone makes everyone excited about the simulator.
“I believe if this simulator can prevent just one accident, it is well worth it!”
Kevin Funk
The Virage people want people to learn with their simulators. They have a professor on-staff whose expertise is the learning process. Virage has programs set up to walk or lead a driver to learn various aspects of driving.
Dale Littlefield explains, “The simulator isn’t to teach drivers how to drive a truck. But to train them using different scenarios that will help them build good habits that will transfer into the real world.”
We are decreasing the amount of time spent on yard day by utilizing the simulator. Trainees will receive training on the simulator the day or two after orientation. This will help with the mental portion of driving and some of the “muscle memory” of driving.
Simulator training doesn’t stop after orientation, though. CertRED’s winter driving training will now include winter driving on the simulator!
Kevin mentions, “I think this is a really good tool to put into Nussbaum’s tool shed for driver training. Not only training, though, but it can also be used for challenging competitions as well, which I hope we can host soon.”
We can easily have four people at a time scheduled on the simulator. Those who are being spectators will learn as they watch, and this will provide a natural break from driving the simulator.
There are already drivers using the simulator. Cory says, “We had two trainees on it Monday along with their trainer Jeff Jackson. We’ve only had positive comments on it.”
Do you want to give it a try? Contact Cory, Dale, or Kevin if you desire to see or experience the simulator.
