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.