Two hundred and eight drivers completed two-hour snowplow simulator training in various Minnesota locations throughout December 2024.
Attendees receive an overview of the decision driving method known as “S.M.A.R.T.,” which stands for: Scan, Measure risk, Anticipate action, Reach a decision, and Trust your decision. The lesson stresses identifying hazards, actively assessing conditions, and measuring risk factors to improve driver perception and reaction time. The S.M.A.R.T. method, combined with fundamental speed- and space-management skills, helps drivers stay safe on the road while performing the job of proper plowing.
The simulator provides attendees with a basic plow cab control system, with everything from a 15-speed max manual transmission to an automatic transmission. Like a real plow, the simulator has a steering wheel, fans, horn, turn indicators, mirror and seat adjustments, interactive dashboard, and other controls. The view screen gives a 180-degree view with realistic graphics.
Participants from across the state agreed that the training was worth completing for new and seasoned drivers. Since it used a simulator, drivers expressed missing the actual feel of driving a snowplow, but they appreciated the simulator-to-classroom time ratio. Participants were in the simulator for four to seven minutes at a time, which helped those who experience motion sickness.
Trainers use the snowplow simulator to create an unlimited combination of hazardous situations involving winter weather, traffic, and road conditions that a driver may encounter only rarely in the real world. This prepares the snowplow driver to handle these potentially dangerous situations without the risk of being involved in an actual collision.
For local agencies, this off-the-road setting helps to reduce insurance, training, and fuel costs; fleet maintenance; liability exposure; and vehicle damage. For an individual, the benefits include performance evaluation after each simulation and safe opportunities to practice decision-making skills and driving maneuvers (once or many times).
MnDOT and LTAP staff are evaluating the overall value and effectiveness of this training and will make a decision in early 2025 as to what this training looks like moving forward.
The training is sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and hosted by Minnesota LTAP. The training was developed and delivered by L3Harris.