The City of Petersburg has begun a driver safety-training program to help improve the safety of employees. All authorized City vehicle drivers will be trained utilizing a driving simulator. Successful training of all city vehicle authorized drivers will enable the City to receive reduced rates on auto coverage upon renewal.
“The safety of our employees is of foremost importance,” comments City Manager William E. Johnson, III. “This training helps prepare us to potential hazards of everyday situation, giving hands-on practice under safe, simulated driving conditions and serving as useful reminder to every participating employee about how they need to conduct themselves behind the wheel.”
The training was held Tuesday, September 16 through Thursday, September 18 and was facilitated by VACORP, the City’s insurance carrier. VACORP administered training for 210 employees. The training will be held quarterly to the end of the fiscal year, and will be offered annually thereafter.
The program comprises of an interactive driving simulator. The simulator creates common driving challenges found in the area, including difficult weather conditions, poor visibility, construction and scenarios in which other drivers fail to obey the rules of the road, such as making improper turns.
VACORP hopes to generate employee interest and excitement for Defensive Driving by providing a "hands on" driving experience for real world situations in a safe environment. The goal is to have fun in a learning environment. Simulated accidents will relate to better employee adoption of Defensive Driving principles.
For more information, please visit www.PetersburgVA.gov.