Plainfield purchases driving simulator for teaching purposes

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Updated: November 9, 2011 5:20PM

PLAINFIELD — A virtual driver computer system soon will allow Plainfield drivers to experience danger in a safe environment.

The Plainfield Village Board on Monday approved the purchase of the desktop system for $9,315. Approximately $5,000 would come from an Illinois Department of Transportation grant awarded to the Plainfield Police Department, which must be used toward traffic safety equipment. The remainder would come from drug forfeiture funds.

Police Chief John Konopek said the equipment would be used for officer defensive driving training, impaired/distracted driving training at high schools and by the traffic unit at other community activities.

Konopek said the system is expected to reduce destructive decisions made behind the wheel by immersing young drivers into real-world consequences. Students “live” through consequences including arrest, jail intake, emergency room treatment and court.

The virtual defensive driving course, designed by the National Safety Council, teaches and reinforces defensive driving skills for experienced drivers.

Trustee Garrett Peck thanked Konopek for securing the grant.