TMCnet News
Simulator reminds bus drivers of the real thingJan 25, 2009 (The Hawk Eye - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- WEST BURLINGTON -- As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. What makes practicing driving a bus better is when accidents can be quickly forgotten by the press of a button and no one was hurt. Burlington Trailways acquired a bus driving-simulator for three days earlier this month. The simulator was used to complement training of three new drivers and to remind the seasoned drivers of the challenges they face while on the road. "This will help everybody be a better driver," said Bob Hoxie, who oversees driver training for Burlington Trailways. "You figure airline pilots have training every six months." Burlington Trailways provides traditional bus transportation, charter-bus service and escorted tours. No matter what kind of trip it is, bus drivers face a busload of challenges. Hoxie said Burlington Trailways currently has 50 drivers. The simulator puts a driver in a typical bus-driver seat equipped with all the normal functions of a bus. Surrounding the bus seat are large monitors that display a variety of environments bus drivers face, from metro-city rush hour to a layer of ice on a rural, two-lane highway. Appearing much like an oversized video game, the driver actually maneuvers the bus through those situations. "Simulators help reduce accident risk in a non-risk environment," said Delbert Steele, who operates the simulator. There are two actual simulators within the semi trailer that houses the entire operation. Walls of the trailer expand to create more room during simulator operation. The simulator has room for six people to set in front of traditional computer screens to learn about some of the mechanics and nuances of operating a passenger bus. The simulator is owned by the Paducah, Ky., Area Transit System and valued at $2 million. Hoxie said the simulator is available through a lease agreement and the Missouri Department of Transportation helped Burlington Trailways acquire the simulator for three days. Hoxie would like to have the simulator at least once a year to train new drivers and provide refresher courses for veteran drivers. "We still have an excellent safety record," Hoxie said. Steele informed the drivers how much impact distractions have on drivers, also included in the simulator. He said one study showed driving a car and using a cell phone at the same time is equivalent to a driver with a .08 blood-alcohol content, which is legally drunk. The driver is more focused on the phone call than operating the car. "Statistically, you have the same probability of having an accident," he said. He also said a Virginia Tech University study followed 100 drivers with cameras in their cars while the car was driven. After a cumulative 2 million miles driven among 242 different drivers, there were 82 crashes among the 100 cars. Of those accidents, 66 accidents happened within three seconds of a distraction to the driver. Operating a multi-ton bus with as many as 55 people on board, the need for distraction-free driving increases. Randy Kester, general sales manager for Burlington Trailways, said the simulator comes at a key time. He said more drivers are being hired because of their record-setting business in 2008. "2008 was a record year for tours and charters. We had a strong 2008 and so far 2009 looks promising," he said. Kester said the bus was popular mode of transportation last year even when diesel fuel, which runs the buses, retailed at more than $4 a gallon. "This is still an efficient way to travel," he said. "When our buses get 8 mpg and we have 55 on the bus, look at the savings." But being a bus driver may not be for everybody. Because of the variety of routes and destinations Burlington Trailways has, some drivers may be gone for consecutive nights before coming home. Other routes can have a driver going to Cedar Rapids one morning, for example, and be back home in Burlington that same night. But because of the schedules and meeting employee work hours, one driver can't always be dedicated to the same route. "We do have a mix of work," Kester said. Some routes include driving a charter bus full of people who want to see the popular, fall colors in New England states. Although the driver may be gone for 10 days on trips like that, Kester said the driver does get to experience some of the fun with the customers. To see more of The Hawk Eye or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.thehawkeye.com. Copyright (c) 2009, The Hawk Eye, Burlington, Iowa Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. |