KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas - Kaufman County Sheriff's Office employees recently received hands-on defensive driving training using a mobile simulator designed to recreate situations law enforcement officers can encounter behind the wheel.
Employees participated last week in Defensive Driving for Law Enforcement Officers training provided by the Texas Association of Counties.
The training uses the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool's mobile Driving Simulator Training Program, which allows county personnel to practice safe driving techniques and make split-second decisions in a controlled environment.
The customized simulator is housed inside a 20-foot trailer and uses technology that places participants in realistic driving scenarios without the risks associated with practicing those situations on public roads.
Training focuses on improving driver safety, awareness and decision-making while preparing participants for challenging situations they could encounter while operating emergency vehicles.
The program is available to members of the association's Risk Management Pool that participate in its Automobile Liability and Workers' Compensation programs.
While Kaufman County employees took part in law enforcement-focused training, the mobile program can also provide specialized driver training for road and bridge departments, emergency management personnel and volunteer fire departments.
The Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool launched its Driving Simulator Program in 2000 and has continued taking the equipment to counties across the state.
The Kaufman County Sheriff's Office thanked the organization for bringing the training directly to its employees, saying the program helps improve safety, awareness and decision-making behind the wheel.
