Warren gets new driver simulation program

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lisa Meiman
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo --  Warren members 24 and younger are the first in the Air Force to test a new driver simulation program Oct. 2 to Feb. 9 in an effort to increase driver safety. 

The class and simulator run by Excel Driver Services are inside a 30-foot trailer in Building 1501. Each class lasts 90 minutes, and there are several exercises at the simulator, each representing a different driving challenge. 

The simulator has three large panels that simulate the windshield and the driver and passenger side windows. Three small frames, one in each panel, represent car mirrors that show objects moving behind the driver. There is a chair, complete with seat belt, steering wheel, brake, accelerator, parking brake, headlights, gear shift and turn signals -- just like a normal car. The "car" is also an automatic so anyone can use it. 

But Airmen beware: A lead foot is a common affliction. 

The class focuses on developing critical thinking skills and hazard identification. Class instruction centers on the acronym SIPDE: scan, identify, predict, decide, execute. 

"You probably already do these things, but we want to bring these things to consciousness" said Clay Lee, lead instructor for Excel. 

Also covered are hazard perception, speed and space management, and internal and external factors that influence driving. 

"The intent of the program is to augment current programs," said Anthony Janssen, 90th Space Wing traffic safety manager. "Depending on its success it will become Air Force and possibly DoD-wide." 

In 1998, there was a rollover accident almost once a month in the 90th Space Wing. The Twentieth Air Force had 23 rollovers that year. That's when programs started being implemented, said Mr. Janssen. 

Programs like Skid Monster and gravel road training, local driver training at arrival briefings and defensive driver training at the First Term Airmen Center have decreased the number of incidents by one-third, said Mr. Janssen. But the numbers are still too high. 

In fiscal 2006, which ended Oct. 1, there were seven rollovers in the Twentieth Air Force. Three of those occurred at Warren. Costs related to the rollovers totaled nearly $45,000. There were also 38 government vehicle accidents on base. 

The target is to reach everyone on base under 24 years old, which is about 1,027 people, before Feb. 9, said Mr. Janssen. 

Sixty-one of the 73 rollover accidents in the 90th Space Wing since 1993 involved Airmen under 25. 

"With the current generation, there is less driving experience. About 10 percent of those who come here don't have driver's licenses at all," said Mr. Janssen. 

The reasons vary from Airmen who come from metro areas and used only mass transit to the current trend in states to push back driving age to 17 or 18. 

"Driving didn't used to be considered an intricate skill, but now it is. You can't fix the missile if you can't drive there and make it back home safely," said Mr. Janssen. 

Warren has about 60 percent paved roads and 40 percent gravel or dirt roads. 

Senior Airman Keanon Ingram, 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron, electro-mechanical maintenance team, took the training Nov. 1. He said he drives about 10 hours a week for work. 

"Probably the worst hazard is when it's snowing," said Airman Ingram. 

The feedback for the program so far has been positive. 

"I thought it was a good experience. I think it's a great program, especially for as much driving as we do here," said Airman Ingram. "It helps you recognize hazards you wouldn't normally look for." 

Warren received the simulator and training class after the Twentieth Air Force Fall Safety Council this year became concerned with the continuing issue of vehicle rollovers by missile field drivers. 

A demonstration of the simulator was held on base May 3 and 4, and was attended by Maj. Gen. Tom Deppe, Twentieth Air Force commander; Col. Michael Carey, 90th Space Wing commander; John Phillips, chief of ground safety for the Air Force and 10 Airmen from various wing units. 

After the demonstration, the Air Force Safety Center in Kirkland Air Force Base, N.M., obtained $320,000 to fund driver simulation training tests for all Space Command missile wings. Warren is the first field test to be followed by Malmstrom AFB, Mont., and Minot AFB, N.D. 

Excel Driver Services plans to provide 12 training slots per day. There will be a week break from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1 for the holidays. 

Wing units should schedule their Airmen against slots provided by 90th SW ground safety.