Greenwich, Conn.-based United Rentals last week signed an agreement with L-3 Communications’ MPRI subsidiary, a global provider of vehicle and maritime simulation training, products and services, to provide driver training to its company drivers during the next year. MPRI will use two self-contained mobile classrooms, each equipped with two TranSimVS IV driver-training simulators, to train drivers at various United Rentals branches throughout the United States and Canada.

The program, which began on Feb. 19, will deploy MPRI-certified instructors to train 8,000 United Rentals drivers. Using a custom curriculum designed specifically to meet United Rentals’ unique requirements, the MPRI course will teach drivers “space management” principles using techniques that focus on good decision making and reducing accidents. Three integrated methodologies have been designed to meet these specific requirements to help drivers achieve proficiency in the course objectives: instructor-led, computer-based and simulator training.

“Each MPRI driving course is developed to meet the specific training needs of a company,” said Terry Tucker, senior vice president of MPRI. “MPRI’s goal is to create an effective tool to integrate with our customers’ existing training models to provide optimal levels of safety to employees.”

The TranSimVS IV driver-training simulator combines three-channel plasma screens with 180 degrees of true-to-life viewing in a mobile environment; steering that provides real-time feedback to augment muscle memory in maneuver techniques; and a fully operational cab/dashboard with true-to-life instrument panel, gauges and other features.

“MPRI’s mobile classrooms offer the flexibility and accommodations needed to provide our drivers with state-of-the-art training using MPRI’s proven curriculum, including customized scenarios and computer- based training,” said Heidi Rawe, director of risk control services for United Rentals. “By using the simulators for training, our drivers have the opportunity to respond to real-life scenarios in a risk-free environment.”

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a provider of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, secure communications systems, aircraft modernization, training and government services.

United Rentals is No. 1 on the RER 100.