TYLER, TX (KLTV) -
Smith
County Sheriffs spent Thursday practicing how to react to unexpected driving
situations.
The deputies got a change of
scenery from behind the wheel of a driving simulator.
"This gives them a chance
to do something that is as close to real life as they can," said Don
Courtney, driving simulator specialist with Texas Association of Counties.
The simulator allows deputies
to practice for pursuits and perfect their defensive driving skills.
The operator can do just about
anything to test drivers, like change the weather or cause tire blow outs.
Simulators like the one brought
to Tyler can cost around $300,000.
Still, The Smith County
Sheriff's Office says the lessons it provides deputies are priceless.
"On something like this,
if they make a mistake we can go back and they can actually see the mistake no
fine, no harm," said Smith County Chief Deputy Bobby Garmon.
Deputies go through a two-hour
class before taking the drivers seat.
Courtney then grades them on
their simulated drive and can play back the video to show any mistakes.
There is more behind the
training than just tests though.
"Safety to me is the main
thing. I want to make sure they go home to their families at the end of the
night," Courtney said.
Smith County deputies have used
this simulator before.
Chief Deputy Garmon says it
won't be the last time the simulator is in Tyler because deputies can never
have too much training.
TAC says the simulator reduces
cost to the county by limiting the number of collisions and injuries to county
drivers.
Thursday's training was free
for the Smith County Sheriff's Office.
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