KJZZ’s Fronteras Desk reports, although major snow accumulations are just now starting in Arizona’s higher elevations, the state DOT has been in “winter readiness” mode since September. Among other things, that means all snowplow operators — new and veteran employees alike — have been completing their annual four-hour course on equipment operation that includes time spent on a $130,000 simulator installed in an AZDOT office in Phoenix. A veteran operator says the device’s capability to simulate a multitude of environmental and infrastructure variables prepares workers to maintain highways in a safe and efficient manner. The article notes that simulator exercise “is only a small part of what it takes to be an Arizona snowplow driver.” In addition to obtaining a Class A commercial drivers license, all new operators have to complete 12 to 14 classes, as well as supervised on-the-job training.
