New snowplow driving simulator helps get roads cleared safer, more efficiently
NDOT invested in technology to train both new and experienced snowplow operators even when there is no snow on the ground
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Complete with power steering, plow control, and a salt spreader it’s just like you’re driving a snowplow, but it’s all a simulation. It’s not too often that Nashville’s snowplows are needed out on the roads - but the drivers always have to be ready.
“I can kind of control all aspects of what’s going in in the cab right there. We can control day, night. It has ways on there we can make it the road slicker, add sun glare,” NDOT’s JD Lane said.
It’s NDOT’s new technology that allows both new and experienced snowplow drivers a safe way to practice without wasting gas.
“They can get up here and train and not be burning fuel and then also not be putting them at risk of being on the road. Putting themselves at risk, and putting everybody else on the road,” Lane said.
Safe enough that even a WSMV4 reporter was allowed to test it out. Scoring a barely passing 72 out of 100 with four violations.
NDOT invested in the simulator after a major snowstorm last year took some by surprise. Now they want to make sure they’re always prepared, even if there’s no snow to practice on.
“We’ve redone our routes. We’ve added some routes to our existing system. So we’re really hoping to be better prepared for an event like we had last year,” NDOT’s Phillip Jones said.
So next time snow that sticks, the roads could be cleared a bit faster. Jones said as far as he knows, NDOT is the only place in the state with the practice technology.
“Always safer first, but faster, more productive,” Jones said.
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