USask study looks at benefits of driver simulation for truck drivers | 24CA News
A University of Saskatchewan examine is trying to see what advantages simulated driver’s coaching can supply truck drivers in Saskatchewan.
Mackenzie McKeown is a PhD candidate at USask and mentioned a Montreal-based firm referred to as Virage made the truck simulator they’re utilizing.
McKeown mentioned members have screens surrounding them virtually in a 180-degree view, the seat has a motion-based platform, and there’s a display screen for the digital logging machine.
McKeown mentioned the obligatory entry-level coaching packages throughout Canada that drivers undergo to get a Class 1 license aren’t standardized.
“It’s not really standardized across provinces, so some provinces might use different technologies like VR, some might use simulators, or some might use nothing,” McKeown mentioned.
She mentioned whereas there are pointers in place, there are variations in how every province would possibly spend its time on every module inside the program.
“We’re thinking if we can use the simulator to train in some difficult situations that they don’t really get to experience when they’re undergoing that training program it will help make them aware of the different difficult driving situations.”
She mentioned the coaching program may give drivers alternatives to take care of conditions like winter driving, animal crossings and evening driving.
She famous in prior research they’ve discovered simulators might help in educating drivers easy methods to again up in addition to to show.
McKeown is from Humboldt, and mentioned the Broncos crash impressed the work she is doing at present.
“I worked at the rink, not at the time, but I worked at the rink the past five years prior to that, I worked every Broncos game.”
She mentioned she was shocked to seek out out the coaching program for truckers on the time wasn’t one thing that was obligatory, noting that change didn’t come till 2019.
“I figured if that’s something that hasn’t been done, then there’s probably a lot of other things that haven’t been done to be able to support our drivers training, and then their health and wellness, and that’s why I’m here.”
She mentioned there’s a scarcity of truck drivers, noting her aim is to make it a greater work surroundings, entice extra drivers, and finally shield everybody else on the highway.
McKeown is on the lookout for long-haul truck drivers to participate in two totally different research.
The first is an on-line survey. McKeown mentioned it takes about 15-20 minutes to finish and they’re on the lookout for truckers’ opinions on truck cease facilities throughout Canada.
The second examine is extra concerned and desires truckers to take part in a questionnaire, goal well being evaluation, a battery of scientific checks and a while with the driving simulator.
Truckers trying to take part or who need extra data on the research can contact McKeown at mackenzie.mckeown@usask.ca or 306-966-1676.
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