Snowplow simulators offer operators training for winter in a no-foul environment
Snowplow simulators offer operators training for winter in a no-foul environment
With winter well on its way, ADOT’s snowplow operators have been training on snowplow simulators since September to prepare for winter storms.
What are these snowplow simulators?
They’re an immersive tool we use that can be programmed with different scenarios that snowplow operators might encounter when they’re out plowing Arizona’s highways. The instructor running the course can change all sorts of variables of the course.
Operators could practice plowing in daytime or nighttime conditions or driving on extremely icy or wet surfaces. Instructors can add extra challenges for operators to navigate, such as blowing out a tire, to see how the operator will react. This way, operators can get a feel for how the machinery would work during adverse conditions — but in this environment, if they hit a car or guardrail, they can start over.
This all helps snowplow operators learn how to handle a plow more safely and, ultimately, help clear highways as quickly and safely as possible when snowstorms hit Arizona.
Take a look at the video below to see how the simulators work.