Va. State Police dedicates new driver training complex by Virginia Guard Public Affairs Via Flickr: Senior government officials and current and former members of the Virginia State Police cut the ribbon Sept. 20 for the new Virginia State Police Driver Training Complex adjacent to Fort Pickett in Nottoway County near Blackstone. It is a first of its kind for the Virginia State Police and, due to its size, unique design, and topography, unlike any other public safety driver training course in the state. The Virginia Secretary of Public Safety Marla Decker, Virginia Senator Frank M. Ruff Jr., Virginia Delegate Thomas C. Wright Jr., Nottoway County Vice-Chairman Sherman C. Vaughn and Blackstone Mayor William D. Coleburn joined Virginia State Police Superintendent, Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, with celebrating the completion of the new facilities. The complex includes 4.5 miles of interstate, urban and rural highways. From the interstate “cloverleaf” to the Urban Response Course’s railroad tracks and cul-de-sacs, the track features asphalt, concrete and gravel surfaces to provide Virginia State Police personnel with the ultimate driver training environment. In addition, the site includes a 342,000 square foot “precision driving course” and 25,000 square foot “skid pan” to simulate various inclement road conditions. (Photo by Cotton Puryear, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs)
