Driver Training Program With State-of-the-Art Real-Time Simulator
SALT LAKE CITY--Jan. 16, 2001--"Primedriver" Training Program Will be Unveiled in Hawaii This Month
and Expand Nationwide Thereafter
KQ Corporation, a national leader in high-fidelity simulation-based training solutions, announced today it is now making simulation training technology a cost-effective alternative for driver education. It is the first driver training program of its kind in the nation.
KQ is introducing Primedriver, a state-of-the-art technology training program that integrates the educational components of behavioral based classroom instruction, high-tech behind-the-wheel simulation, and on-the-road instruction to train new drivers--especially teens--at developing risk prevention habits that improve safety. The program's open learning environment actively involves students, parents, and instructors in partnership to enhance novice driver safety.
Primedriver's fully interactive, real-time driving simulation technology--with high-definition graphics--is similar to that used to train military and commercial airline pilots. The simulator design mirrors the driving experience, providing, for example, a 180-degree forward field of view, safety belts, a dashboard with instruments and controls, force-feedback steering and brake controls, and an audio system producing life-like sounds and high-frequency road vibrations.
"The high percentage of traffic accidents caused by inexperienced teen drivers is a public safety issue that can now be addressed in a safe, non-threatening learning environment," said Kevin Curtis, KQ chief executive officer. "Primedriver allows student drivers to make mistakes in the simulator, while building self-confidence in their driving ability before they ever hit the road."
Primedriver not only trains student drivers but also analyzes their performance and provides feedback on developing safe and conscientious behavior skills while behind the wheel. A series of interactive simulation scenarios are designed to allow students to progressively master driving concepts and improve their skills before advancing to increasingly demanding environments and situations. The program is based on curriculum recommendations from the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association (ADTSEA).
KQ will begin introducing Primedriver in markets nationwide during the coming year. Hawaii is the first state to utilize the new technology, with the driver training program beginning January 22 in conjunction with the YMCA of Honolulu and Drive Safe Hawaii, a private driving instruction company. The YMCA will be capable of providing driver education to 5,000 teens in 2001, and up to 7,000-8,000 teens annually thereafter.
"One of Primedriver's most valuable features is that it makes a powerful training technology cost-effective for the general public," said Curtis. "This unique driver training program will not only produce safer, smarter, and better prepared drivers, but will be affordable for families."
A computer-based educational package, targeted for release in fall, is in development to enhance classroom instruction. The on-line program will complete the driver training components, making Primedriver one of the most advanced and comprehensive curricula available.
KQ Corporation, based in Salt Lake City, has developed simulation-based training solutions since 1993 when it was formed as the Systems Engineering Division of Jason Associates Corporation. KQ recently merged with Hyperion Technologies expanding its product portfolio, which includes aviation, maritime, construction and ground vehicle training applications.
KQ's technology reduces the cost of offering the most advanced visual, sound and motion capabilities using high performance, high fidelity hardware and software. These state-of-the-art systems, coupled with the latest in behavioral based training curricula, offer an affordable and fully integrated solution for many new training applications.