Training technology is helping to improve the understanding of driving behavior so that training becomes much more focused and effective. Amongst the variety of training tools available, an Australian-based technology company is captivating transport operators worldwide with their innovative on-road driver training and evaluation system which is being toted as the “real world” equivalent to a conventional simulator system. The VigilVanguard system is the brainchild of Australian firm Vigil Systems. This highly portable system can be used for both bus or rail operator training and is currently being used by some of the largest transit systems in the world, including Los Angeles Metro, Washington DC Metro, Toronto Transit Commission and Kowloon Motor Bus in Hong Kong.

Mark Anderson, director of training operations at Los Angeles Metro, said: “The major benefit [of VigilVanguard] is the way it allows trainers to accurately capture and document data and provide feedback on the driver’s ability to operate the bus”. It uses advanced GPS and sensor technology to accurately measure behaviors such as acceleration, braking, cornering, and following distances. The sensor system incorporates four video cameras which monitor the vehicle, the driver, surrounding traffic, and other factors. The system incorporates all these dynamic inputs onto a tablet computer which provides a moment-by-moment playback of the drive. Significant areas of driver performance can be isolated, reviewed and analyzed so that the root cause of errors can be addressed.

VigilVanguard is an ideal adult learning tool because the system provides an unbiased assessment of driving behavior. “It isn’t someone else telling them what they are or are not doing; it is them observing for themselves what they are or are not doing. Without awareness of a behavior, you cannot change it,” says Mark Andrews, senior bus instructor at Orange County Transportation in the US. VigilVanguard’s real world capability, with accurate on-road assessments, is also contributing to its growing popularity over driving simulators. A major issue with simulators has been the question of validity, as results obtained from simulator tests may not be applicable to real world driving and are still only estimates or projected outcomes.

Files: Transit_Magazine_UK_-_March_07.pdf