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Truck driver training simulator

You probably think that it's only airline pilots who use training simulators. But truck drivers can also use them to develop their skills. In November 2003 Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for Transport, opened the first dedicated training simulator in England and over 600 truck drivers were trained in it by March 2004. This scheme was supported under the Road Haulage Modernisation Fund and is continuing - Government gives more help to hauliers .

The project has been extended to train another 400 drivers and to evaluate the benefits being achieved. Conventional in vehicle driver training development training helps to save fuel, reduce transmission and break wear, reduce accidents and reduce driver stress. Simulator training is expected to additionally help drivers prepare for the rare and higher risk conditions such as ice, tyre blowouts and brake failures.

The simulator is made from a real truck cab and actually tilts to reproduce the effects of braking, acceleration and cornering. It also has high quality sound and vision to help to make the experience as real as possible. Drivers will almost feel as if they are sitting in the cab of their own vehicle. The technology is also sophisticated enough to reproduce the effect of gradients, vehicle load, weather conditions and technical failures such as brakes.

Truck simulators could help your business to maximise productivity by providing a cost-effective training and recruitment solution. Any option that improves driver recruitment, retention and performance must be worth considering.

To register for simulator training, or for more information, contact the TruckSim Hotline:

Tel:

01344 770 555

Fax:

01344 770 864

Email:

trucksim@trl.co.uk

Web:

www.trucksim.co.uk/ [external link].