National Corvette Museum Unveils One-of-a-Kind Driving Simulator

Visitors to the National Corvette Museum can participate in a new, first-in-the-nation, driving simulator that is open to the general public who visit the museum. Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear joined NCM’s Executive Director Wendell Strode, GM Bowling Green Assembly Plant Manager Bob Parcell and a who’s who of Bowling Green dignitaries to have the official ribbon cutting for the driving simulator.

“We cannot stress the importance of responsible driving enough,” Gov. Beshear said. “These simulators can teach drivers how to correct mistakes virtually, within a safe environment without the potential consequences of actual crashes. I applaud the Corvette Museum for taking the lead on this safety priority.”

“The simulators will not only enhance a visitor’s experience at the National Corvette Museum, but also result in having better educated drivers on Kentucky’s roads, making them safer for everyone,” said Wendell Strode, executive director of the National Corvette Museum.

The one-of-a-kind theater has multiple wide screen televisions and two driving simulators within stationary driver controls, to give the driver lifelike effects of the road.

Virage Simulation Inc built the simulators which are designed to present a limitless number of scenarios that drivers can face… challenging situations on city streets and freeways and in all kinds of weather conditions.

Realistic driving scenarios are simulated in urban and rural settings and in varying weather conditions.

Drivers will feel tension on the steering wheel; feel the car react to the road surface; and hear highway and vehicle sounds. The experience will include a variety of common driving tasks, taking drivers through situations involving some of the most prevalent factors in highway crashes. Visitors 16 or older to the museum in Bowling Green can participate in this educational experience.

“The National Corvette Museum has been a mainstay of our community for years, and we’re proud to support its growth and its announcement today. We congratulate and thank the Museum for bringing two simulators, which will promote safe driving, to South Central Kentucky,” said Warren County Judge Executive Michael Buchanon.

The Corvette museum received a $198,000 Transportation Enhancement award in 2007 to fund the project.

Mark Leevan, writer for the Corvette Examiner contributed this story.

Source:
National Corvette Museum

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