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Participants and Press Quotes
Press Quotes
Alistair Darling said “A highly trained professional
haulage industry is essential if we are to move goods around the country
efficiently and safely. By improving the driving skills of truck drivers,
haulage companies can make financial gains through fuel savings, reduced
accident damage and staff retention and drivers are better able to deal
with driving conditions on the road.”
Freight Industry Times, Winter 2004
“Attention to detail is incredible. Every bump and
pothole feels just as it would on the road. The cab nods, pitches and
rolls in exact accordance to your driving behaviour….A big advantage
of driving a simulator is the vast array of conditions that can be replicated.
In the space of 30 minutes we had driven in daylight and darkness while
tackling fog, rain and snow…It’s also perfect for subjecting
drivers to extreme conditions such as stationary hazards in the road,
blow-outs and even potential truck hi-jacks. At one point a crash scene
appeared out of the fog, resulting in a frighteningly realistic emergency
stop.
Candidates are able to sample a number of different trailer types and
loads, including notoriously unstable swinging beef. We opted for a slightly
less challenging oil tanker, but still got more than we bargained for.
It was three-quarters full and with every bend you could feel the trailer’s
centre of gravity shift.”
Will Shiers in Motor Transport 26.02.2004
“TRL’s new simulator, called TruckSim is built
by EADS Dornier and features a full-size, fully-fitted Mercedes Actros
cab in a capsule on computer controlled hydraulic rams. Wrap-around audio
visuals and the motion of the cab create a highly effective impression
of driving in a variety of environments.”
SMMT CV News Brief 24.11.2004
“The experience was enjoyable; it has a great role
to play in the evaluation of prospective drivers, the improvement of skills
and in spotting weaknesses. The staff were extremely helpful and I hope
that I was able to contribute to their research.”
George Roberts in letter to the editor of Commercial Motor 18.12.2004
“For those lorry drivers who do not have years of
experience on the road, the simulator provides an opportunity to begin
their career on the right foot, showing best practice. For others who
have a wealth of driving experience it can enhance good driving and detect
bad habits which have been picked up over the years, finding the necessary
ways to deal with and remove this type of behaviour.”
Karen Blanchette in Care on the Road February 2004
“It was very realistic, so much that so that each
of us looked in the wing mirror before we opened the door to get out.”
Angie Low in Road Pro Newsletter
“All in all an impressive piece of kit and, although
we’re ashamed to admit it, great fun. We await the addition of virtual
reality Yorkie bars with interest.”
Driving January/February 2004
