Electric cooperatives in Louisiana are using a driving simulator to help reduce the risks of accidents by keeping the focus on safety. Kenneth Bailey, a journeyman lineworker from DEMCO, uses the simulator's text messaging reaction feature.

"Driver distraction is at an all-time high in utility vehicles," said Mike Bergeaux, director of loss control at the Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives. "We have two-way radios, laptop computers and nearly every driver has a cell phone."

While defensive driver training sessions and safety meeting discussions raised general awareness, Bergeaux wanted tangible results, so he kept looking for promising technology. A demonstration of the Virtual Driver Interactive simulator at the NRECA Safety Summit in April caught his attention.

El Dorado, Calif.-based Virtual Driver Interactive, Inc. (VDI) offers several simulator designs, including models that can be easily stored in a case and shipped to various training locations. The statewide association spent about $15,000 on a unit to share among eight Louisiana distribution co-ops. The computer interface and screen connect to a dashboard with steering wheel and mock brake and accelerator pedals.

Safety and loss mitigation managers can request the unit and keep it until anyone who regularly uses a digger-derrick, crew truck, bucket truck or any other on-road vehicle has a chance to take one of several training programs designed to reduce both at fault and not at fault vehicle accidents.

"There's a texting and driving component that has the operator actually text on their phone while they are using the simulator," Bergeaux said. "It throws a lot of curves and distractions at the driver and reinforces the need to stay alert."

With many co-op personnel spending three to five hours each day behind the wheel, cutting the risks of traffic accidents could pay big safety dividends. Time on the simulator is also an eye-opener.

"It's really made me change my mind about texting and driving," said Kenneth Bailey, a journeyman lineworker for Baton Rouge-based Dixie Electric Membership Corp. "I didn't think my phone was that much of a distraction, but I do now."

About 300 Louisiana co-op employees were expected to take the simulator training within the first year. The statewide association's safety and loss control staff is tracking the results. to stop this epidemic."

About Virtual Driver Interactive, Inc.
Virtual Driver Interactive is well known for its innovative simulation-based training. From training corporate fleets to new teen drivers, VDI delivers effective training. VDI offers highly portable, affordable and effective solutions. Titles include Virtual HD® (Virtual Hazard Detection), designed specifically for corporate fleets; One Simple Decision®, a deterrent to distracted or impaired driving; Virtual DE™ (Virtual Driving Essentials), a driver training and assessment program teaching critical skills; and Boating Skills VT™ (Boating Skills Virtual Trainer), industry's leading simulation-based boating safety program. VDI is a privately-held company headquartered in El Dorado Hills, California. For more information, please visit www.driverinteractive.com.