PI:  Derrick Parkhurst

Summary: The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) recently purchased a TranSim VS III snowplow simulator. Previous research suggests that virtual reality simulators can be used as a training tool and can lead to reduced operations cost and increased safety. Virtual reality simulations can also provide introductory operational experience in a realistic yet non-hazardous and non- intimidating environment. However, there exists little good evidence to suggest that simulator training is effective at improving snowplow operations.

This project will evaluate the effectiveness of a new snowplow operator training program that will provide operators both classroom training and hands-on training using the TranSim simulator.