Texas Truckers Unveil State-of-the-Art Simulator
The Texas Motor Transportation Association this week unveiled a state-of-the-art, one-of-a-kind Driver Simulator and Mobile Classroom as part of its Sharing the Road Safely -- Texas Style program
The Texas Motor Transportation Association this week unveiled a state-of-the-art, one-of-a-kind Driver Simulator and Mobile Classroom as part of its Sharing the Road Safely -- Texas Style program.
The simulator and mobile classroom, the only one of its kind in the world, is a result of a partnership between the association and the Texas Department of Transportation. Bob Gillikin, TMTA's 2002 Chairman, says the project demonstrates a clear commitment on the part of the trucking industry to help make Texas highways safer for everyone.
The mobile classroom includes interactive computer-based training by Tread-1 and a full-motion driver simulator developed by I-Sim of Salt Lake City Utah.
In addition to truck driver training, the simulator and mobile classroom will be on display at public events around the state and is intended to help car drivers feel what it is like to be behind the wheel of a big rig. "We want to get this system out to the citizens of this state," Gillikin said. "This can be a tremendous tool to help car drivers understand how to cars and trucks can better share the road."
"What makes this system unique is that we have the sensation of a full-motion driver simulator on a mobile platform that we can take to the public and to trucking fleets," said Bill Webb, President and CEO of TMTA. "We have been working for several years to make this project a reality and we are very pleased to be here today to unveil what is truly a marvel of technology."
The total cost of the project is approximately $1 million and was partially funded by a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation. "TxDOT's involvement really made this possible," Webb said. "This program is a perfect example of what industry and government can do when they work together to address issues impacting the citizens of Texas." Additional funding was also provided by the TMTA Foundation.
More Safety & Compliance
FDA Eases Path for Oral-Fluid Testing
Federal actions could advance oral-fluid drug testing for truck drivers, but lab certification delays and marijuana rescheduling questions remain.
Read More →
Kodiak Lines Up Fleets for Driverless Trucking
An agreement for 75 trucks, a new Texas freight lane, and progress on safety validation move Kodiak closer to its planned driverless highway launch.
Read More →
More Trailer Data Through the Same Seven-Way [Video]
Can trucking’s standard seven-way connector handle more cameras and trailer data? Grote’s Adam Slade shows HDT how the company is using new technology with its 4See trailer system, not only to add a new backup camera but also to expand other capabilities — without adding another connection.
Read More →
PrePass Intelligence Mines Fleet Bypass, Toll and Safety Data
PrePass Intelligence helps fleets measure bypass savings, flag potential toll overcharges, and spot suspicious transactions by combining data from separate systems.
Read More →
Fatal Crash Exposes Toll Plaza Risks
An NTSB investigation found that last-minute lane changes and large speed differences at an Ohio toll plaza created a hazard the truck driver couldn't avoid in time.
Read More →
When Language Stops the Truck: The Return of ELP Out-of-Service Orders
English language proficiency rules for commercial drivers aren’t new, but renewed out-of-service enforcement has raised the stakes. Here’s what carriers need to know before a driver reaches a roadside inspection.
Read More →
A Camera Isn't a Safety Program. Here's What Brokers Are Screening for Now
Footage alone may not be enough to pass broker vetting processes. Here's what counts as a defensible safety program now.
Read More →
Marijuana and Trucking’s Drug-Testing Dilemma
Marijuana is getting stronger, laws are changing, and drug tests still can’t reliably establish impairment. What does that mean for truck drivers and the fleets that employ them?
Read More →
PrePass, Kodiak Connect Driverless Trucks to Roadside Enforcement
The system will allow enforcement agencies to verify Enhanced Inspection information and decide whether Kodiak’s autonomous trucks can bypass roadside screening sites.
Read More →
From One Generation to the Next: How Mentorship Builds Safer Truck Drivers
After three decades in trucking, Harold Perry shares what he's learned about driver safety, mentorship, and helping the next generation build confidence behind the wheel.
Read More →