USask study looks at benefits of driver simulation for truck drivers

A USask study lead says her goal is to help create a better work environment for truck drivers, to attract more drivers and ultimately protect everyone else on the road.

A University of Saskatchewan study is looking to see what benefits simulated driver’s training can offer truck drivers in Saskatchewan.

Mackenzie McKeown is a PhD candidate at USask and said a Montreal-based company called Virage made the truck simulator they are using.

McKeown said participants have screens surrounding them almost in a 180-degree view, the seat has a motion-based platform, and there’s a screen for the electronic logging device.

McKeown said the mandatory entry-level training programs across Canada that drivers go through 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 said.

She said while there are guidelines in place, there are differences in how each province might spend its time on each module within 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 said the training program can give drivers opportunities to deal with situations like winter driving, animal crossings and night driving.