MPRI And Bison Transport Combine Simulation Technology And Driver Training To Deliver Superior Safety Results

Salt Lake City, UT - MPRI announced recently that their joint effort to integrate simulation technology into Bison's driver training program has been recognized by The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). TCA named Bison the grand prize winner of its prestigious 2005 National Fleet Safety Award for Bison's commitment to overall safety on and off highway. Since the implementation of MPRI simulators in 2002, Bison's annual accumulated safe driving miles for their fleet of 800 trucks have increased by nearly 50 percent, while greater fuel efficiency resulted in annual savings of $1,120,000.

"There is no greater testament to the success of our simulators than the qualitative and quantitative results that Bison Transport has seen in its customized training program," said Stewart Wallace, senior vice president at MPRI. "Bison's program has captured the full potential of our technology and translated that into safety standards that deliver cost efficiencies and, most importantly, the safety of their drivers and the motoring public. We are excited to be a part of that success and to work with Bison to continue this trend."

Bison won the safety award in the category of companies operating more than 25 million miles annually, and was selected from 18 division winners in the National Fleet Safety Division Awards announced in January. The award was presented to Rob Penner, vice president, operations of Bison Transport at TCA's annual conference in March. Bison is the first Canadian trucking company to utilize stationary and full motion simulators into its training program.

Bison uses MPRI's full suite of state-of-the-art driver simulators to expose drivers to a broad range of driving scenarios designed to strengthen and refine safety skills over the road. MPRI driver training simulators, which include the Mark III and TranSim VS models, are aimed at transforming safer driving techniques into greater profitability for companies. The simulators feature leading-edge software for clear visuals across three screens for a 180- to 360-degree field of vision, precision motion platforms for a realistic feel, steering that provides real-time feedback to augment muscle memory in maneuver techniques, and a fully operational cab/dashboard with true-to-life instrument panel, gauges and other features.

"For Bison, the protection of our people, our environment and those we share the roads with is of critical importance," said Don Streuber, president and CEO at Bison Transport. "Our investment in technology and in the people who deliver our programs and our customers' freight clearly demonstrates that safety is our collective responsibility, not just that of our drivers. We foster a culture of continuous learning for all, and our skills development program using simulation is the focal point of our road safety program. We have seen an 83 percent improvement in meantime between incidents after simulator training for preventable accidents -- these results speak for themselves."

Drivers are applauding Bison's use of simulators as well. Said one Bison driver, "With the instruction I received on the simulator, I have markedly improved my driving skills. The "seven second rule" training course was invaluable in helping me better gauge the time I need to come to a complete stop in any scenario. When the situation presented itself in reality, I instantly assessed the situation and reacted to avoid hitting a truck that spun toward me in oncoming traffic. Because of the training, I was a witness to the accident - not a participant."

TCA is the only national trade association in the United States whose collective sole focus is the truckload segment of the motor carrier industry. It represents dry van, refrigerated, flatbed, and intermodal container carriers operating in 48 contiguous states as well as Alaska, Mexico and Canada. Representing operators of more than 200,000 trucks, which collectively produce and annual revenue of more than $20 billion, TCA is an organization tailored to specific truckload carrier needs.

SOURCE: MPRI