CASTLEGAR, B.C. -- Natural Resources Canada wants to find out if a truck driving simulator can reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

To find out, it's turned to one of the most respected truck driver trainers in Canada, Mountain Transport Institute Ltd., to run a new pilot project based on NRCan's SmartDriver for Highway Trucking program.

The initiative will recruit 100 truck drivers from carriers in Western Canada -- half of which will receive an on-the-road driving evaluation while the other half will receive their driving evaluation through a sophisticated driving simulator.

All drivers will then receive classroom training in the SmartDriver program before hitting the road again in the simulator or on-the-road. The results will be compared to the pre-classroom results to determine the cost savings and GHG emission reduction.

SIM CITY: MTI's simulator can teach drivers how to save
fuel on the highway as well as how to safely navigate heavy
trucks up and down the toughest grades in North America.

 After training, the drivers will receive access to daily reports on their fuel usage from the Fuel Coach driver reporting system. Participating carriers will have the opportunity to develop a gain-sharing bonus program in conjunction with Fuel Coach to reward drivers for saving fuel.

"By using both a driving simulator and on-the-road training, this program provides individual driver feedback which will maximize the savings for the carrier, the customer and the environment," says Andy Roberts, president of MTI.

NRCan's contribution has dropped the fee for the SmartDriver and Fuel Coach program from $1,000 per driver to $200.

"We expect that up to five different carriers and companies in BC and Alberta will gladly participate and send up to 20 or so drivers through the program," said Roberts.

Carriers and companies interested in participating in the program are urged to contact Andy Roberts at MTI 1-877-965-3748 for full details.