Drivers' Training for Wayland Police Officers

Several officers slid behind the wheel of a special simulator this week to test and practice their driving skills in a variety of scenarios.

MIIA, the insurance arm of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, has developed a program to allow emergency responders to step into a driving simulator and practice various emergency scenarios after spending about 90 minutes in specialized classroom instruction.

Dave Bastien, a one-time Rhode Island police officer and now an instructor with MIIA, said the program is designed to help officers think beyond the requirements of their everyday driving.

"The class is about making them think differently," Bastien said. "It's about helping them see the whole roadway."

Following the classroom portion of the class, officers ventured to a trailer in the back parking lot of the public safety building. Inside, a driving simulator complete with sirens, radio, mirrors and even windshield glare allows each student the chance to chase down cars that ran stop signs, respond to accident scenes and otherwise practice their skills.

, Wayland's newest officer, was the first to take the seat behind the wheel of the simulator. Following her scenario, Bastien offered immediate feedback and critique.

"It was hard," Sloan said.

Wayland Police Lt. Patrick Swanick said the department earns a discount on its insurance costs by participating in the training. In addition, he said, the hope is that it increases awareness and reduces accidents.