Driver Simulator

Located at the Cambridge facility, the Driver Simulator is a modified Freightliner cab which sits on a platform next to the main training room. Through leading-edge technology, the simulator can re-enact the actual weather and road conditions our drivers face, including panic stops, icy road conditions and other various scenarios. It has become an invaluable tool to improve driver safety and education.

Press "Play" to take a drive in our Driver Simulator!

Not only do new Challenger drivers go through the simulator program as part of their initial training, but it is the ideal controlled environment for experienced drivers to hone their abilities.

"[The Driver Simulator] is a great program for teaching defensive driving techniques." said Bob Halfyard, Director of Safety & Compliance. "We can have a driver going through fog, freezing rain, or the mountains at night. The simulator allows the driver to experience adverse driving conditions and practice corrective action, so if a real life situation occurs they have the confidence to safely handle the vehicle."

The simulator can also improve drivers' fuel efficiency. "We can reproduce what we call a stale green light, a light that has been green for a long time and is likely to turn soon. We can see how drivers react and whether they are conscious of it coming up. Then, if necessary, we can give them pointers on what they should have done." added Halfyard.

We go the Distance... in stormy weather

Furthermore, in the unlikely event a driver is involved in an accident, the simulator can be programmed to recreate the event; even showing flyover views of what happened. This is an exceptional feature, as it gives the driver an opportunity to learn and adapt so they can avoid being placed in that situation again in the future.

We go the Distance... in the dark of night.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of the Driver Simulator is its unwavering consistency and total lack of bias. "The system doesn't know whether the driver has 15 years or 15 minutes of experience." said Halfyard. "It just knows how that person is reacting at the time."