WINNIPEG — Bison Transport, one of Canada’s largest truckload carriers, has had its driver training program recognized by The Truckload Carriers Association in the U.S.

Based mainly on Bison’s implementation of the MPRI driver simulator, TCA named Bison the grand prize winner of its prestigious 2005 National Fleet Safety Award for the fleet’s commitment to overall safety on and off highway.

Since purchasing the 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, the company says.

“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 is the first Canadian trucking company to utilize stationary and full motion simulators into its training program.

The MPRI’s full suite of state-of-the-art driver simulators expose drivers to a broad range of driving scenarios designed to strengthen and refine safety skills over the road. The training simulators, which include the Mark III and TranSim VS models, feature leading-edge software for clear visuals across three screens for a 180- to 360-degree field of vision, with true-to-life instrument panel, gauges and other features.

Today’s Trucking editors had the opportunity to test out the simulator at Bison’s head office in Winnipeg a couple years ago.

“The brake, clutch, and throttle control are linked to the computer, which calculates drivers’ actions and produces a logical reaction without missing a beat,” wrote Jim Park. “When my Bison trainer triggered a left steer-tire blow out, complete with a bang and a six-inch drop to the right front, the cab started to shake and pitch from side to side as I pulled off the pavement on to the shoulder, and then onto the grass. Three video projection screens mounted at the front and sides of the simulator and two simulated side mirrors provide a full view of the action.”

The machine can conjure up different weather and road conditions, loads, and traffic environments ranging from a cramped city street to an open freeway. It can also mimic over 100 different transmissions and shift patterns, coupled to hundreds of different engine configurations. With that kind of variety at hand, the simulator can throw a challenge at even the most road-hardened veteran.

“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,” said Don Streuber, president and CEO at Bison. “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 too are applauding Bison’s use of simulators. “With the instruction I received on the simulator, I have markedly improved my driving skills.,” one commented. “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.”