Equipment has ability to simulate features of any emergency vehicle, for ‘real-world experience’
This week, Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman announced the acquisition of two state-of-the-art driving simulators.
“The PatrolSim law enforcement driving simulator from L3Harris provides hands-on, experiential training for emergency first responders, offering real-world experience without risk to people or equipment,” a news release explains. “The purchase of the simulators was made possible through a $240,000 grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation,” the release adds.
“The simulators are replicas of actual commercial vehicle compartments,” the release points out. The size, weight, turning radius, tire, and suspension characteristics can be changed to simulate the features of any emergency vehicle, the release adds. “They’re able to present drivers with changing weather conditions, traffic densities, lighting parameters, and several other external factors” to create the most realistic experience possible, the release says.
“The simulators will enhance driver training and help reduce accidents, improve fuel efficiency and limit maintenance and damage to fleet vehicles,” it notes.
“I’m grateful to the Barancik Foundation for making this purchase possible,” said Hoffman in the release. “The simulators will better prepare our emergency first responders to anticipate and avoid potential hazards when responding to calls.”