WFAA-TV

Curtis Carr drives a truck simulator.

Big rigs were involved in 446 deadly crashes in Texas in 2006.

Depending on the weather and road conditions, all big trucks can be top-heavy and hazardous, which is why a major trucking agency hosted some high-tech training Tuesday in Hutchins.

The training used a new simulator with specialized software that teaches decision-making on-the-go for big truck drivers.

Imagine getting behind the wheel of a 60,000 pound garbage truck and practicing how to control it when bad things happen.

Allied Waste runs about 300 solid waste trucks daily across North Texas. Just last year one rear-ended a car in McAllen, killing the driver.

Remember, in real life, you only have one shot to make the correct decision," said George Perez, an instructor with Allied Waste.

That's why they are stepping up driver training with a first-of-its-kind computer simulator. It can simulate a full garbage truck, in the rain, with a wreck ahead.

"We blew out his tire; he's in the rain, which makes for a very hazardous situation," said Perez. Hypothetically hazardous, but here no one's in danger.

The simulation tests and trains driver decisions with a realistic feel. The truck cab simulators can mimic everything from a four-door sedan, to an ambulance, to a big-rig.

"But I think the big issue is that we can do repetitive types of exercises," said Jim Lattimore, Allied Waste district manager.

It is empowering drivers while they're off the road, to make better decisions when they're on it.

A federal grant paid for the simulators used in the training. It's part of a nation-wide tour to train truck drivers.