Why
Simulation?GraphicsGuides
and Training Pointers
Why
Simulation?
Graphics
Guides
and Training Pointers
We can put your drivers in dangerous situations
without putting them in danger.
Simulators have proven far more effective in the amount and retention of
knowledge versus conventional classroom teaching. Simulators can also create
unique or dangerous situations in a manner that you could not or would not
create behind-the-wheel of a real automobile. In other words, let your student
have their first crash with us.
When facing a dangerous situation in the real world, it is not as important what your drivers know, but what they do. Simulation allows your drivers to practice what to do if a dangerous situation should present itself, giving them the best possible chance of surviving or avoiding a crash.
Ability
to practice potentially dangerous scenarios in a safe environment
Increased
knowledge retention by doing, not just being told
More
complete, consistent and objective reporting
Students
must demonstrate what they have learned
Virtual Driver Interactive is at the forefront of simulation graphics. Our
crisp, clear graphics displayed with a 120 degree view via three monitors allow
drivers to identify approaching traffic 15-20 seconds down the roadway, as
required by our StreetReady™ and
Virtual DDC™ curricula.
VDI’s driving databases feature a full range of driving areas to effectively
teach the course requirements. Weather and daylight conditions are selectable in
every lesson for additional training opportunities.
All roadways, intersections, signs, signals and road markings have been
designed to the specifications adhered to by the American Association of State
Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO), so you can be assured of a
realistic driving experience.
When it comes to training, The Virtual Trainer provides an environment that is better than the real thing. Because of simulation, we are able to add guides and pointers to your environment that help point out dangers or recommended driving position.
For instance, in our “Following Large Vehicles” chapter, we are able to show the no-zones around semi-trucks in order for you to practice staying a safe distance away from the blind spots. Later in that same chapter, you are asked to drive without the benefit of those no-zones displayed (just like the real world). Better yet, we are able to adjust setting based on conditions such as weather or time of day
Another huge advantage of simulation is that we can put your students in dangerous situations without putting them or others in danger. Where else can you truly practice avoiding pedestrians that wander onto the roadway, or other drivers who fail to stop for red lights or stop signs. Or try these same scenarios at night or in a thunder storm. Now imagine practicing these dangerous situations in the safety of a simulator.
VDI’s unique P.A.S.S. system monitors and reports a students progress throughout the training process. Tracking begins at the very first step when a student enters his/her unique username and password. From then on nearly every move from fastening the seatbelt, to looking left and right when approaching an intersection is tracked and recorded. As a matter of fact over 80 attributes are monitored nearly 30 times per second.
Reports are generated on screen as well as on a file that can easily be collected by the management station, allowing a facilitator to track the progress and performance of every student.
The Virtual Trainer provides a real world environment. The Trainer was
developed using real car parts including steering wheel, shifter, brake and
accelerator in order to simulate a real car. This familiar environment will
help you ease into the training and keep you focused on the lessons at hand.
Real car parts include:
Steering wheel
Adjustable seat
3 point seat belt
Steering wheel mounted horn
Turn signal
Headlight switch with high beam control
Side mirrors control
Emergency Brake
Gear shifter
Here you'll find links to research articles on the effectiveness of simulation training as well as articles on safety.
Research Articles
Low Cost PC Simulation Technology Applied To Novice Driver Training - "The study reported herein suggests that a low cost PC based simulator may have the potential of providing training in skills required for safe driving."
The Role Of Simulation In A Staged Learning Model For Novice Driver Situational Awareness Training - "Providing the right training experience at the right time, to foster cognitive development resulting in situational awareness, is thus the challenge in training program development. And this is where appropriate simulation presents unique advantages as a complement to traditional classroom and behind-the-wheel techniques to enhance novice driver training."
Design Of A Guidebook For The Acquisition And Use Of Driving Simulator For Training Transit Bus Operators - "Most trainers feel that simulator training validates defensive driving techniques taught in the classroom. All respondents believe that the simulator training provides an excellent opportunity to experience a hazardous situation without actually being in a hazardous situation."
Preliminary Results, Simulator Based Training To Reduce Costs - "Several years of statistics will have to be compiled and researched before we know for sure if the training has a lasting effect on county drivers. However, almost two years of statistics have indicated that the average trend line has begun a gradual down turn and we still have over 70 counties to train."
