Waste management driving simulators for training sanitation drivers

Waste management driving simulators for training sanitation drivers

Sanitation drivers operate large, specialized vehicles that require specialized training. Drivers must understand the mechanics for safe operation, making training on a waste management driving simulator crucial to maintaining the safety of your waste collection fleet. 

Discover the training sanitation drivers need to stay safe on the road.  

1. Basic safety course

Of course, all drivers should take an introductory safety training course. The course should cover basic road rules and provide experience operating a garbage truck. Drivers must also understand the unique challenges of driving this type of vehicle, such as the increased chance of rollover accidents. 

A basic safety course should also cover:

• The dangers of distracted driving

• Managing driver fatigue 

• Various standard maneuvers (backing up, parallel parking, etc.)

• Reacting to other drivers’ behaviors properly

• Working with a spotter 

• Adjusting to the vehicle’s blind spots

• Route planning (if drivers plan their routes)

2. Defensive driving

Defensive driving focuses on defending against other drivers and obstacles. It occurs through communication (lights and horns), proper following distance, speed management, and visual searching. 

The course should cover how factors such as bad weather, limited visibility and erratic drivers can harm garbage truck drivers. While they cannot control these elements, they can control their reactions.

3. Close-quarters driving

Close-quarters driving is crucial for waste collectors. They will spend most of their time in cities and neighborhoods, constantly interacting with or driving around cars, pedestrians and buildings. 

Training drivers should learn how to properly:

• Change lanes

• Cross intersections

• Make various parking maneuvers

• Manage their space 

4. Emergency maneuvers/post-accident actions

While you would hope your waste collectors would not experience an emergency or an accident, it is best to be prepared if they do. Typical emergencies your waste truck drivers may encounter include:

• Tire blowouts

• Brake failure

• Hydroplaning

• Rear-ending other vehicles or being rear-ended

• T-bone accidents

The emergency and post-accident course should teach drivers how to steer evasively, use skid control and use their heavier center of gravity to their advantage. It’s also important to know when to pull the emergency brake. 

In addition, they need to know how to react after an accident. In the training, cover the following actions that need to be taken after an accident:

• Collecting evidence

• Who to contact and in what order

• Where to find the first aid kit

• The worker compensation process

• Perform basic first aid

5. Fuel management 

Fleet managers always prioritize fuel management. Fuel prices continually fluctuate, so having drivers who understand proper maintenance, speed management, and when to turn off the vehicle instead of idling can save a company thousands of dollars. 

This concept especially applies to waste collector vehicles that stop frequently and require idling for the collection arm to work. 

Recommended: Efficiency Improvements in Waste Collection: Optimizing Routes and Operations

6. Get out and look 

Get Out and Look, also known as GOAL, is a specific safety measure for large vehicles like waste trucks. It is designed to encourage drivers to get out of the vehicle and inspect all around it before leaving any area. 

This step will allow drivers to see potential hazards such as potholes, other drivers speeding along or parked cars. This simple act can prevent many accidents for garbage collectors who often have to hop in and out of the vehicle.

7. Vehicle maintenance

All garbage truck drivers should understand how their vehicles work and how to fix basic issues. This knowledge can help prevent problems such as brake failure or blown tires while on the road. It will also empower drivers to take their safety into their own hands through frequent inspections.

The maintenance training course should also include information about performing pre-trip inspections. All drivers should be able to examine their assigned vehicle to see if it is safe to operate. 

The role of a waste management driving simulator in driver training

How does a waste management driving simulator assist with training sanitation drivers? First and foremost, a driving simulator offers the opportunity to get behind-the-wheel training in a safe, controlled environment. 

A Driver Training Solutions simulator provides physical feedback by engaging its users' various senses. This feature allows learning through repetition and experience. Research shows that learning through repetition is vital for skill-based roles such as operating a waste collector. It will create muscle memory—a vital factor in any emergencies your drivers may encounter on the road.

Learning through experience is also one of the best ways to learn skilled-based tasks. However, before driving simulators, the experience could only come through operating physical vehicles, resulting in more accidents, vehicle damage and driver injuries. The simulator utilizes all the best aspects of learning behind the wheel without the dangers for the drivers and the community around them.

A Driver Training Solutions simulator offers realistic scenarios that waste collectors face every day. It also allows drivers to practice the skills needed to hit the road safely and build confidence that will translate to driving.

Recommended: The Growing Sanitation Market and Key Solutions

Invest in a high-quality training program for your sanitation drivers

Extensive training prevents accidents and injured drivers. If sanitation drivers aren’t at the top of their game, the environment and society suffer the implications. Show your drivers how much they matter by investing in proper training and a waste management driving simulator so they can learn safely. 

Request more information about our driving simulators today.