01046327

Component

Driving simulators have been used for human factors research and driver training for more than 30 years. As simulator technology has improved and prices dropped, more public agencies are considering driving simulators as training tools. Snowplow driver training is an especially attractive area of interest, since these drivers must operate equipment valued up to $200.000 in stressful shifts in blinding snowstorms. In Arizona, the infrequency of snowstorms and the heavy turnover of drivers made snowplow driving simulator training particularly attractive. Despite the increasing popularity of driving simulators, the correlation to real-world driving behavior remains unclear. A research team from Arizona State University, in cooperation with the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Arizona Transportation Research Center, evaluated the effectiveness of simulator-based training over two snow seasons, 2004-2006. Training involved two programs: one on awareness training, and the other on fuel management and shifting techniques. Researchers used a qualitative analysis with surveys and focus groups of driver-participants and district field supervisors, and assessed reports generated by the simulator. Findings identified differences in expectations for the simulator training among new and experienced drivers, and between supervisors and drivers. Inexperienced drivers wanted a “jumpstart” on the season, which the relatively low-fidelity simulator could provide, while experienced drivers wanted a refresher course with plow and sander controls. Supervisors enthusiastically endorsed the awareness training and its link to safety. Preliminary findings indicate potential fuel savings through proper shifting techniques, and the qualitative analysis underscored the benefits of the awareness training, particularly to inexperienced drivers.

01042056

07-1242

English

18p

2007

Transportation Research Board 86th Annual Meeting

CD-ROM

Figures (1) ; Photos (1) ; References (26) ; Tables (1)

Driving simulators; Human factors; Snow; Snow and ice control; Snowplows; Training; Training programs; Winter maintenance

Snowplow operators

Arizona

Administration and Management; Education and Training; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I10: Economics and Administration; I62: Winter Maintenance

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2007 Paper #07-1242

TRIS, TRB

Feb 8 2007 5:51PM