HyLife simulator sharpens drivers’ skills

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This article was published 07/12/2024 (483 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A newspaper editor gets behind the wheel of a big rig for the first time, piloting the tractor pulling a 53-foot trailer through a snowy landscape. He gets the big truck up to and beyond the speed limit, uses both lanes, narrowly misses taking out the crossing gates at the railroad tracks and concludes by clipping a roadside pole with the trailer.

After he relinquishes the controls a local radio journalist and personality takes over, taking the rig through the same course before steering through obstacles in a parking lot challenge.

The opportunity, given to local media by HyLife did not take place on actual roads, and other motorists can rest easy in knowing that they were not given a complimentary Class 1 licence.

Instead, local journalists were given the chance to try out the HyLife simulator, purchased in 2023 to educate drivers on techniques that can mitigate incidents and accidents.

The simulator itself is in a 53-foot semi trailer so it can be taken to wherever their employees work from southeast Manitoba to the Neepawa area.

While other simulators exist in the province, this set-up, which offers drivers a realistic experience to hone their skills across various road scenarios, is not typical.

“In Manitoba, we are one of the only ones to have a driver simulated classroom like this on wheels,” Sean Mitchell, driver relation supervisor for HyLife said.

The simulator uses a points system to evaluate drivers, offering instant feedback on performance to encourage continuous improvement.

More than 160 drivers have benefited from the scenarios.

Mitchell said while it’s a benefit for new drivers, it’s also great for veterans.

“Some of the veteran drivers that have been through have touched on areas where they weren’t very sure on the technique to mitigate that incident,” he said. “It gives them new tools and techniques.”

The simulator can be programmed to offer driving in all four seasons, and truckers can operate different types of equipment including a feed trailer, grain trailer and B-Train.

They can encounter ice, skid paths, negotiate parking lots filled with hazards, practice backing-up scenarios and even attempt mountain passes, though Mitchell admits that particular scenario isn’t very relevant since their trucks only operate within the province.

“It has scenarios for all seasons, for all situations,” he said.

Instructors can also plan a tire blowout, add deer hazards, emergency vehicles, cars that turn onto the road suddenly, and trains crossing.

Some of the drivers are moving livestock and that too comes with a responsibility.

“We have to make sure that not only do those pigs get loaded on the trailers properly but get secured properly and make it to the plant,” Mitchell said.

The simulator is added training for the truckers, who in the past would have received training in the truck. That training is still being done, and Mitchell said they are committed to safety.

“We’re going to move on and update and put better and newer technology into it so we can make sure the extra tools that we’ve given the drivers to succeed in different driving situations can help,” he said.

Mitchell said they’ve received good feedback from truckers of all experience levels.

The simulator will also be used to give some of their newer employees from the Philippines winter driving experience.

Currently HyLife operates a fleet of about 120 trucks across all divisions including feed, grain and livestock.

Mitchell has 25 years of experience in the industry having managed refrigerated fleets, flatbeds, dry vans, and over-dimensional loads.

He said those that take on the responsibility of moving livestock are dedicated to their jobs and the safety of other motorists as well as their precious cargo.

“It’s a different type of driver,” he said.

In a press release, Ron Schellenberg, chief supply chain officer for HyLife said as winter arrives it’s crucial for the fleet to be well-prepared.

“Our investment in the driver simulator highlights our commitment to being a responsible corporate steward and ensuring our team is ready for what is ahead,” he said. “We share the roads in our communities, and the main goal is always a safe drive.”