We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded a grant from Workers’ Compensation Trust (WCT). MARC is one of the few selected from 128 applicants in the 2021 Safety Grant competitive process.

The $10,120 was used to purchase a virtual driving simulator from Virtual Driver Interactive. With a fleet of over 35 vehicles that include large vans and buses with up to 14 passenger seats, MARC is at risk of increased motor vehicle accidents and damages.

“Vehicles are becoming safer with new technology, yet outside risk factors continue, including distracted driving, which has increased over the years,” said CEO/President Linda Iovanna. “Now we can provide hands-on, fully immersive training for situations that are either impossible or too dangerous to be done in real life.”

The desktop simulator is equipped with a monitor, steering wheel, pedals, and Advanced Driver Safety (ADS) software that includes lessons on following distance, backing, intersection management, distracted driving dangers, and pedestrian distractions. It offers various vehicle types, including cars, SUVs, Pickups, Utility Trucks, Bucket Trucks, Box Trucks, and Cargo Vans.

Workers’ Compensation Trust is a comprehensive workers’ compensation insurance program designed to meet the unique needs of the Connecticut healthcare and human service industries. The Trust was formed in 1981 for the sole purpose of providing a cost-effective alternative to the traditional insurance market for healthcare and human service employers in the State. “We’re grateful for this opportunity and WCT’s commitment to making a safer workplace,” added Iovanna.