Test Driver Rescue Team of Toyota's Unutilized Ambulance
At Toyota's Shibetsu Proving Ground, safety is a top priority during car testing. The facility is equipped with emergency vehicles, including an ambulance and a rescue truck, stationed on site in case of an accident. A nurse is permanently stationed at the proving ground to assist in emergencies, and the team members are trained in emergency response and the use of specialized equipment.
The Shibetsu Proving Ground is known for its creative ideas to ensure safe testing. One such innovation is the use of blue lines painted along the roadside snowbanks at the winter courses. Initially, these lines were marked using a converted mini truck due to the unavailability of vehicles capable of spraying water. The blue lines were chosen for their visibility in both day and night, and their non-harmful ingredients similar to food coloring. They help drivers differentiate between road surfaces and the surrounding walls of snow, improving safety during testing.
Another creative safety measure at the Shibetsu Proving Ground is the planting of approximately 2,000 snow poles around the facility during the winter months. However, around 30-40% of these poles become frozen and unable to be removed. A former test driver, Toki, was transferred to course management at the proving ground and focused on finding a solution to this issue. Toki successfully developed a jig to make snow poles easier to pull out of the ground.
The Shibetsu Proving Ground is a key facility for making ever-better cars. The work of test drivers at the proving ground involves pushing vehicles to their limits in various conditions. Despite the challenges, the number of cars running into snow walls and getting stuck fell drastically after the implementation of the blue lines.
In addition to the safety measures in place, the Shibetsu Proving Ground is a vital part of Toyota's commitment to creating safer roads. The facility continues to innovate and find new ways to ensure the safety of its staff and vehicles during testing.
[1] While detailed information about specific safety practices at the Shibetsu Proving Ground is not available in the current sources, it is clear that the facility takes safety very seriously and is continually working to improve its safety measures.
- In light of Toyota's focus on safety, it's plausible that they collaborate with the industry, finance, transportation, automotive, and technology sectors to continually innovate and invest in safety enhancements at facilities like the Shibetsu Proving Ground.
- The implementation of creative safety measures such as snow poles and blue lines at the Shibetsu Proving Ground demonstrates the potential for collaboration between Toyota's automotive division and the technology sector, showcasing Toyota's commitment to safety and the future of transportation.
