Michigan State Police Introduces Driving Sims into their World Renown Precision Driving School

Simulation Technology and The Michigan State Police Precision Driving Unit Introduce Cutting-Edge Driver Training Simulation Systems to Their World Renown Driving Programs.

Lansing, MI - August 31, 2010.  The Michigan State Police (MSP) Training Academy is no stranger to implementing the latest technologies into their training programs.  With a Precision Driving Facility located on a 42-acre site adjacent to the MSP Training Academy the facility already has a lot to offer, including a nine acre precision maneuvering pad (700"x500"), a three acre skid pad (500'x200'), an off-road recovery lane, an observation tower and 27 safety equipped vehicles.  Law enforcement officers from all over the world come to learn advanced law enforcement driving techniques from MSP driving instructors, who are regarded as some of the top professional driving trainers in the nation.



Another aspect of MSP's strength as a leader in professional driving is its seasoned vehicle-testing programs with the world's leading automotive manufacturers and suppliers.  So it's only logical that a Precision Driving Facility of this caliber would embrace the latest Driving Simulation System technology into their programs.

MSP's latest technological addition to their driving progams is a 2010 Dodge Charger Law Enforcement Driving Simulation System developed by Simulation Technology.  This industry leading Driving Sim provides MSP with the actual cockpit of the Dodge Charger surrounded by five 46" ultra-thin bezel LCD screens giving a true 230 degree field-of-view to the student.  This combination integrates the vehicle's exact spatial geometry fro the driver's eye point to create an actual view of the entire vehicle cockpit.  Simulation Technology worked directly with the automotive manufacturer to perfect the vehicle dynamics of this new simulation system, making it the most realistic driving simulation training tool available anywhere.  While driving the simulator, the students are fully immersed in the driving experience, with "the feel of the road" being provided by low frequency vibration generators, advanced steering feedback controls, and even ABS braking.

The Driving Simulation System, which is new to the market, provides unparallel learning opportunities in a safe and efficient learning environment.

MSP trainers are using the Driving Sim for teaching decision making as well as to reinforce the vehicle handling skills and tactivcs already being provided in their track and classroom training.  Whether training pursuit, emergency response, BOLO exercises...or simply learning a vehicle's maneuvering capabilities on a simulated track or roadways...this Driving Sim is a great way for new law enforcment officers to be introduced to specific driving situations and also provides excellent refresher training for even the most experienced law enforcement professional.

One of the key advantages of driving simulation training is its ability to continually build "mental markers" in each student's mind.  These markers, once established during "high-stress" training maneuvers, are easily recalled by the student when they need to react quickly and effectively to real-world driving situations -- and yet they are lessons learned in an environment that is both safe and economical for the student and instructor.

The Driving Sim is integrated within MSP's existing programs to augment their defensive driving, performance driving, skid control, pursuit driving, night driving, and other tactical driver training.  The Driver Sim is also being used in MSP community outreach programs such as Teenage Driving and advanced First Responder Driving Programs.

MSP's Lt. Keith Wilson states, "We've known for some time that Driving Simulators could become an important part of our driver training programs.  We've carefully observed and evaluated the available technologies, as they've matured, for a number of years.  Today, with the advancements in realistic vehicle dynamics that Simulation Technology's systems now provide - coupled with the reliability inherent in their single-PC system - we are confident that these high-tech tools can now realize the potential for safe and efficient training they've long provided in aeronautic and military applications.  We are delighted to have the opportunity to help contribute our yearsof experience in curriculum development and hands-on training to this growing industry."

Simulation Technology President Todd Williams adds, "...We are honored that Michigan State Police has chosen to partner with Simulation Technology in the development of their driving simulation training programs.  By creating the most realistic and reliable driving simulation systems available on the market today, we're providing vital training tools to help first responders safely and inexpensively prepare themselves for the decisions - and attendant dangers - they face every day in the course of their jobs.  These men and women have dedicated their lives to protect and serve us...and we've dedicated our business to serve them.  You couldn't ask for a better job than putting together the world's latest high technology driving simulation system, based on real-world experience, in partnership with the experts at the Michigan State Police Precision Driving School."


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About Simulation Technology
Simulation Technology is a leading developer and manufacturer of Driving Simulation Systems focused on teh First Responder markets.  Simulation Technology's training systems utilize actula vehicle cockpits and incorporate minimum 230 degree Field-of-View in their wrap-around array of LCD displays.  This industry leading hardware design includes the reliability and portability of a single PC operating system and is complemented by simple, user-friendly software controls that combine to deliver the most precise vehicle dynamics available.  The company is a privately held corporation with headquarters near Chicago, in Elburn, Illinois.