(Cedar Rapids, IA) — Iowa snowplow operators are using some pretty high tech equipment to prepare for the winter.
Beau Weimar, an IDOT Highway Maintenance Supervisor, says advanced simulators are offering plow drivers a hands-on virtual training experience.
“You start the truck it vibrates, when you hit the brakes the seat moves around, the steering wheel has some feedback to it, when you put the plow down you kind of feel a little vibration,” explained Weimar.
Weimar says the equipment can simulate a variety of scenarios plow drivers may encounter.
“Pedestrians, cars, accidents, animals; it will simulate that… weather, low visibility, night time, headlights.”
The mobile simulator trailer is currently travelling around the state getting drivers ready for the coming snow.
