The Tennessee Trucking Foundation (TTF) recently launched its newest educational asset: a high-tech driving simulator designed to replicate the experience of operating a commercial motor vehicle.
This acquisition marks a significant step in the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to highway safety and community outreach. At the 2026 Q1 Foundation board meeting, members had the opportunity to take the "hot seat" and experience the simulator firsthand.
We are pleased to offer high schools across Tennessee the opportunity to experience our new driving simulator. This interactive experience enables participants to operate a variety of vehicles, including passenger cars, commercial trucks, emergency vehicles, and semi-trucks.
Our Road Team Captains oversee each session and can dynamically adjust driving conditions from a dedicated control station. This allows participants to encounter a range of realistic scenarios, including variations in blood alcohol concentration (BAC), time of day, and weather conditions such as rain, wind, snow, and ice. Additional challenges—such as tire blowouts, engine malfunctions, and other unexpected hazards—can also be introduced to create a more comprehensive and educational experience.
The trailer also offers a virtual reality (VR) experience powered by Be Pro Be Proud.
In addition to our new driving simulator, we are pleased to offer a virtual reality (VR) experience powered by Be Pro Be Proud. This immersive program enables students to engage in a variety of hands-on technician tasks within a simulated environment.
Through this initiative, we aim to increase awareness of the diverse career opportunities available within the trucking industry and inspire students across the state to explore these in-demand professions.
By bringing the simulator to schools and events, the Foundation provides a controlled environment to see the realities of working in the trucking industry and the consequences of unsafe driving behaviors without real-world risk. The Tennessee Trucking Association (TTA) and the TTF are not just responding to safety trends but are actively shaping them through direct educational intervention.
By engaging with local communities, the Foundation humanizes the trucking industry and fosters a culture of mutual respect on the road.
Supporting the TTF Mission
As a 501(c)3 charitable organization, the Tennessee Trucking Foundation relies on the support of its members and the community to fund these initiatives. The Foundation’s work extends beyond the simulator. It includes the Tennessee Road Team, a group of professional drivers with exemplary safety records who serve as ambassadors for the industry. These drivers accompany the simulator to provide real-world context and answer questions from students and the public.
For those looking to get involved or request a visit from the simulator, the process is straightforward. Organizations can schedule a Road Team event through the TTA website. These events are essential for spreading awareness and ensuring that the next generation of Tennessee drivers is the safest yet.
