Frio deputies use new driving simulator

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Frio County sheriff’s deputies participated in a high-tech driving simulator training last week as part of an ongoing effort to reduce hazards during high-speed pursuits.
County law enforcement officers face danger whenever they are behind the wheel, according to the Texas Association of Counties (TAC), which offers a driving simulator to reduce those risks.
The three-day training includes real-world driving scenarios in a high-tech environment that replicates situations drivers may encounter while on the road.
“My goal is to use the driving simulator to reduce costs to the county by reducing collisions and injuries to county drivers,” Don Courtney, driving simulator consultant with TAC, said. “Studies have shown that driver-training programs effectively reduce risks while educating drivers on safe driving measures. Even professional drivers can slip into bad habits behind the wheel. The stimulator training reinforces good driving habits that help improve employee safety and make them better prepared for the unexpected.”
Frio County Chief Deputy Peter Salinas welcomed the program and said he believes there is always room and a reason to sharpen driving skills.
“With the continued increase in dangerous vehicle pursuits, we ask our staff to continually train and review our policies,” Salinas said. “This simulator, made available by TAC, is an amazing tool that will help us maintain the most safe and effective driving strategies while keeping our communities safe.”