UPS makes use of digital simulator to coach Chicago space drivers

FRANKLIN PARK (CBS) — Jaywalking pedestrians, distracted drivers, double-parked vehicles — navigating metropolis streets could be a problem for anybody behind the wheel however issues get particularly tough for folks making deliveries in massive vehicles.

Morning Insider Lauren Victory takes us inside driver coaching at one firm targeted on hazards and excessive tech.

Multiple packages in tow, UPS driver Sergio Garcia let CBS 2 tag alongside for a supply. Well, type of. His truck he hopped into was truly a simulator that cooks up situations drivers would possibly encounter when out on the street. It sits parked inside a UPS coaching facility in Franklin Park. Garcia was one of many first trainees to make use of the expertise.

“It’s like driving without actually being out there on the road so it taught me what to look out for,” Garcia mentioned.

Manager Julio Robles tells us gamifying coaching helps with recruitment.

“The new generation of candidates that we’re seeing out there, they learn a different way. They want to be able to feel and see things before they’re actually out on the road,” he mentioned, displaying CBS2 examples of the truck “driving” previous building crews and pedestrians.

The simulator additionally places the particular person behind the wheel in a crowded parking zone or a good avenue. Lessons embody find out how to gradual a heavy truck stuffed with packages and the significance of a protected following distance. UPS additionally gives digital actuality headsets to follow dropping off containers as one other modernized, hands-on drill.

“I trained drivers not coming from here and you can see the difference not only in their confidence level but even their skill set,” mentioned coach Roxy Diaz who has spent 21 years alongside rookies, serving to them studying find out how to the navigate the large brown vehicles. “The simulator prepares that student for what to expect,” she added.

CBS 2 requested how a lot utilizing digital coaching has minimize down on accidents.

“We don’t really have a measuring tool at this point because this is so new,” mentioned Robles. “But I can tell you that definitely by giving the candidates an experience to identify the hazards on the road, it’s gonna cut down on crashes and safety infractions overall.”

Consider Garcia after every week of digital follow. Despite by no means navigating something as hefty as a UPS automobile, he is had zero issues in his now-three months of constructing deliveries.

“It really helped me a lot because it really showed me what to look for and it was like a real-world experience,” he mentioned.

Simulation vehicles are used at a number of UPS coaching facilities throughout America.

About 45 drivers have gotten to follow behind the digital wheel in Illinois to this point.