In 2016, fatalities among truck drivers accounted for 40 percent of all work-related fatalities in the US. All too often, inadequate training is responsible for these fatalities. Because of this, the industry is looking for new, innovative ways to improve training and mitigate these risks.
Better training makes all the difference
The United Parcel Service (UPS), has recently incorporated virtual reality simulators into its training modules. Through this program, students can use virtual reality systems to go through a delivery route, learn how to navigate hazards on the road such as pedestrians and oncoming traffic, and learn how to properly handle dangerous materials such as liquid gases before they ever come in contact with them. "Drivers are able to gain confidence and experience in a fraction of the time while managers are able to have an accurate measurement of drivers.'"
UPS is also hoping that by adding this new, intriguing technology, they will appeal to a wider variety of potential employees to counterbalance the ever-present driver shortage within the industry. In 2017, there was a shortage of as many as 50,000 truck drivers. It's predicted that that shortage could be as high as 174,000 drivers by 2026. That shortage, combined with the fact that the e-commerce field continues to expand, means that it is now more important than ever to get as many drivers trained properly as quickly as possible.
Giving new drivers more confidence
Every year brings new companies that boast record delivery times. All of this demand means that truck drivers are needed now more than ever and the trucking industry is struggling to keep up. Without training simulators, many drivers don't get the proper training time before their first route. More focus is placed on getting the drivers on the road as soon as possible, whether or not they are ready.
By using virtual reality simulators to train before getting behind the wheel, those drivers can gain the confidence in their abilities and obtain the muscle memory they need for the job in a low-risk environment. Virtual reality training reduces training time and goes further to ensure that drivers on the road are fully qualified to be there.
Pennsylvania injury lawyers know that when a truck driver has not received proper training, they face the risk of sustaining an injury or causing an injury to someone else. The lawyers at O'Malley & Langan fully support any measure that will ensure truck drivers are not a danger to themselves or others on the road. If you have been injured on the job, contact us today. We will fight to get you back on your feet.
