ALEXANDRIA, VA and GREEN BAY, WI - L-3 MPRI, a global provider of integrated training solutions that includes simulation-based training systems, services and training facilities, announced it has delivered a custom training solution on distracted driving to Schneider National, Inc., one of the largest truckload carriers in North America. The fully interactive lesson, which will be rolled out to Schneider's fleet of 12,000 drivers in the first quarter of 2011, is designed to increase driver safety and improve the company's performance in exceeding new federal safety regulations.

"Distracted driving is a recognized epidemic, accounting for 16 percent of traffic fatalities in 2009, and we are committed to ensuring our drivers and owner-operators are properly trained in the safest operating practices to combat this rising trend," said Don Osterberg, senior vice president of safety for Schneider National. "Based on past successes, we worked with L-3 MPRI to collaborate with, create and deliver a holistic, custom training program to support and advance Schneider's long-standing core value of safety first and always."

The lesson is designed to play on Schneider's in-cab mobile computing platform or on a standard Windows workstation, so it may be completed nearly anywhere and anytime that is convenient to the driver. Comprised of flash video instruction and three checks on learning exercises, it provides up to 30 minutes of training that can be taken all at once or separated into three topic areas. It will be delivered as part of Schneider's ongoing sustainment training initiative.

"Schneider is at the forefront of addressing distracted driving, from carrier policies and technology to legislation, regulation and research," said Dennis Corrigan, senior vice president and general manager of L-3 MPRI's Training Systems Group. "The company's decision to employ this state-of-the-art, custom lesson on a mobile platform underscores its commitment to safety-related education and innovation - Schneider is truly a safety leader among carriers."

A full range of driver distractions are detailed in the course, with an emphasis on those most common to truckload drivers. Led by an engaging, lifelike instructor, content features multiple videos captured from one of Schneider's L-3 MPRI driver training simulators to illustrate events that are difficult to replicate on the road without putting the driver, the rig or others at risk. Also featured are in-cab movies filmed at a Schneider training center.

The curriculum, content and avatar were custom designed by L-3 MPRI's instructional system designers to meet Schneider's specific needs. L-3 MPRI's experienced trainers employed a combination of computer-based training and video to promote optimum retention and embedded metrics in the system to effectively measure driver performance.