"THINK MORE, DO LESS"

A little evidence from the medical field to support our curriculum foundation of "THINK MORE, DO LESS".  Click the link below for the full article.

Brain training could save distracted drivers from road accidents

2013 International SKIDCAR Conference

SKIDCAR SYSTEM, INC. USA and Cedergrens I AB of Klintehamn, Sweden are sponsoring an International SKIDCAR Conference in Las Vegas, NV, USA, April 8th through the 11th, 2013. The conference theme is Training with Advanced Technology.

This event has historically been an informative and educational experience for SKIDCAR™ owners, operators, and instructors. We are pleased to announce that this year, it will also be of great interest to all those in the driver training industry. Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, and Military, as well as Municipal Fleet, and private driver training academies should attend. Participants will be exposed to new technologies and equipment, and ways to use them to create a more time efficient, cost effective, and valid driver training program. In a climate of economic challenges and resulting budget consciousness, the tips and techniques that will be demonstrated for using modern technology to accomplish advanced training in small areas should not be missed!

SKIDCAR™ and SKIDTRUCK® Service clinics will be presented throughout the event, along with Instructor/Operator clinics and re-certifications. Speakers and attendees from many different countries will be in attendance, including Peter Bjelkedal of Örnsköldsviks Halkbana in Sweden and Kelvin So of Safe Roads China. Featured presenters will include Era Horton and Doug Bolthouse of the nationally recognized Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Skid Avoidance for Fire Apparatus Drivers Program (SAFAD).

There are also some major surprises scheduled for this conference! The official introduction of a new member to the SKID Family will be presented to attendees during the conference, with an official world announcement on the last day. For more information, contact SKIDCAR SYSTEM, INC. at (702) 395-2896 or info@skidcar.com.

ALERT International Conference 2012

The ALERT International Conference is fast approaching. This is the only organization of its type and focus in North America, and this opportunity comes only once per year. The presentations will focus on important EVOC driving topics, and the contribution from vendors will also be informative.

In addition, as attendees, it is your opportunity to interact and communicate the challenges of EVOC operation that has always been the important baseline for this group from the start. You cannot duplicate this face-to-face experience with other EVOC instructors anywhere else on the planet.

We will be in attendance as a vendor and are planning a SKIDCAR driving competition to support the conference’s focus on ESC and new vehicle technology, as well as benefit the ALERT Scholarship Fund.

Please take a moment to watch the video below. I hope we will see you all there.

http://vimeo.com/47906849

August Newsletter

Did you see the August issue of Public Safety Training Newsletter featuring the "Train to Win" article about SKIDCAR?

Click below to check it out:

http://tinyurl.com/cfror9n

Train to Win - SKIDCAR Article

What makes the SKIDCAR such an important tool in EVOC training?

Why is it important for LE drivers to be educated on new ESC vehicle technology?

Find out the answers to these questions and more in this month’s Cruiser Corner article from Law Officer Magazine.

http://www.lawofficer.com/article/training/train-win

2012 PRIMA Conference

Now that the 2012 PRIMA Conference has concluded, we would like to congratulate the PRIMA staff for a very well run conference for the vendors. Short, sweet, and a real effort to get the attendees in the room to see us made for a great experience.

It is very plain to see that with the changing of the guard in Risk Management, driver safety has made it to the top levels of importance as a means to mitigate the costs associated with vehicle accidents and crashes. Whether it be for local police officers, mass transit drivers, or sanitary service truck drivers, statistics show that driver training programs must be improved.

With the overwhelming number of attendees we talked to, it was clear that the virtual training world has its limitations. The need for well thought out driver safety programs that put the driver behind the wheel are needed now more than ever.

Considering that budgets, facilities, and time all remain as challenges to training, our SKIDCAR equipment and driver training products are a solution that many of the PRIMA conference attendees now recognize and are considering as they move forward.

We are very proud of our long term associations with the Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation and Nevada Public Agency Insurance Pool who are members of PRIMA. Furthermore, we are proud to be part of an industry that learns from the past to help build a safer future.

Modern Benefits of Using the SKIDCAR Correctly

The end of April and the first week in May I spent in DeKalb County, Georgia. Our current customers, Piedmont Technical College in Lithonia, needed new instructors trained. Following that I delivered a refurbished SKIDCAR and trained instructors for the DeKalb County Police Department at their training academy also in Lithonia.

Every new police vehicle made by all the major manufacturers as of 2012 comes standard with electronic stability controls. Our STABLE PLATFORM CONCEPTS©, and “IT’S ABOUT GRIP, NOT SLIP”® curriculum fit perfectly into modern driver training and operation of these new police vehicles. It is exciting to see that the concepts we have been teaching for 20 years will have to be used for successful operation of these new technologies.

Historically, we have found that as driver training programs are handed down by certified instructors to new driver training staff, the details of how the SKIDCAR should be used are forgotten. As this happens, if the SKIDCARs are to be used at all, they are inefficiently blended into a decades old curriculum of skid control and skid recovery.

What is bothersome is the fact that many law enforcement academies nationwide refer to these “SKIDS” to be rear wheel in nature and are referred to as over steer, fish tail, power slide, and the rear wheel skid. Push, plow, or under steer (the front wheel skid) are not even considered into the curriculum! However, if you walk through any municipal or police bone yard, you will see that the majority of wrecks span from the front to the back of the vehicle.

Further to the detriment of this myopic idea of skid training is the fact that every vehicle in Law Enforcement operation today is designed from the factory to be prone to under steer or push or plow. Mismanagement of the front wheel skid is what usually happens first, and then turns into a loose or over steer or rear wheel skid.

With the new ESC systems it is almost impossible to get the rear to slide. But if you go fast enough, a driver of even the most modern vehicle can make enough bad decisions to even crash a vehicle with ESC. Just look at all the single car, loss of control accidents with the Dodge Charger. That car has ESC and somehow the drivers have still found many hard objects to run into since its introduction to Law Enforcement.

So, my excitement is this; if you drive technically correct in regards to the car’s grip, then ESC will never be an issue! Using the tried and true, simplistic objective of training the driver to use the big three (vision, proper use of steering, and using the brake for more than an anchor) properly, can not only meet your state’s standard of rear wheel skid recovery or control, but also at the same time train proper basic and advanced vehicle control. If the driver learned to avoid the rear wheel skid by properly controlling the front wheels of the car, would this not lead to a better driver?

Ok, I admit there is not much more FUN to be had in a car while it’s moving than by sliding sideways. It’s slap on the back, high five, bull’s eye behavior. But that’s it. The most dangerous front wheel skid takes total technical skill to overcome once it’s made. It’s the skid where you get to see what you hit. It’s the skid that creates that sick feeling in your stomach. It’s the skid that happens most often, but for some reason is not taught how to stay out of it or how to correct it once it has been started! It’s why the SKIDCAR was invented in the first place. The SKIDCAR allows training to show what drivers do to make the skids they are lousy at getting out of. The SKIDCAR teaches you most importantly how to think, then drive technically correct in order to stay out of the front or rear wheel skids in the first place.

ESC was designed to activate when mistakes are made by the driver. If the driver is engaged in his duty to drive the car within the vehicle’s and his/her own capability, then this is all that can be asked. What is the fruit of technically correct driving? Higher performance and lowered risk of a loss of control event.

I am asking that if you have a SKIDCAR, find out how to use it wisely. If you don’t have one, please look at your current skid control or recovery training and realistically assess its value in a modern world.
- Dane Pitarresi

SKIDCAR SYSTEM, Inc. is presenting an ESC Workshop for EVOC Instructors on November 6, 2012. Space is limited, so contact 702-395-2896 or info@skidcar.com for details.
SKIDCAR ESC Workshop

We will have a SKIDCAR representative at each of the upcoming events/conferences. If you are at any of these, we hope you will stop by and see us!

PRIMA 2012 Annual Conference: June 3-6, Nashville, TN
http://conference.primacentral.org/userFiles/file/PRIMA2012ConfBroch.pdf
http://www.primacentral.org/content.cfm?sectionid=108&EventID=47

IADLEST 2012 Conference: June 10-13, Savannah, GA
http://iadlest2012.org/

ALERT International 2012 Conference: September 10-14, Knoxville, TN
http://alertconference.org/

Today's EVOC driver training is more important than ever. With current technologies and old curriculum coming together, there is much upgrading to do. Adding to the modernization of EVOC training, there is still a need to constantly validate and retain driver training in the budget. This very well written and researched article is a must read, not only for driving instructors but also for administration staff to keep the importance of EVOC training in focus. http://origin.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=144649

Miller Motorsports Park Gets Second SKIDCAR

Miller Motor Sports Park In Tooele, Utah received their second SKIDCAR this week.

The world-class driving programs at MMP, including The Mustang Boss Attack, high performance, racing courses, personalized driver coaching courses, manufacturer events, and their Teen Driver Safety Program, all use the SKIDCAR SYSTEM™ mounted to Ford vehicles equipped with modern Electronic Stability Controls that can be turned on and off.

Because of the incredible assets avaiable at MMP, the driving school operates many different combinations of courses at one time. Their first SKIDCAR (purchased 5 years ago) often needed to be used in several programs at once. The delivery of a second system will allow all the driver programs to effectively utilize the SKIDCARs to their full potential, as well as allowing MMP Driving Academy students full benefit of their training programs.

Dan McKeever, Director of the MMP Driving Academy, says the SKIDCAR is "one of the best tools we have for training drivers in the basics before they drive on the race course" or in any of their street driver training programs.

CFSI Honor Awarded to DPSST for Fire Driver Training Program

We are extremely proud of the Oregon DPSST and their entire EVOC Police and Fire Driver Training programs. The following is the link to a press release issued April 3, 2012 by the Congressional Fire Services Institute, acknowledging the DPSST as the 2012 recipient of the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award for their Skid Avoidance for Fire Apparatus Drivers (SAFAD) Program using the SKIDTRUCK®. The award recognizes organizations for their outstanding contributions to firefighter health and safety. Based on their hard work and dedication to saving lives through this program, this honor is definitely well deserved!

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=bskxugcab&v=001PAHSyKgq2IqRkeM0IiCtlN2Q9mLHz0XI5GG6UEa3T3urVXYBEp7O1zv_PmTaInJzlvSi7gz8f5HObG8VeHpnHhjOvnACZfl8VNrEvmpcebiS40hTHskkOw%3D%3D

SKIDCAR Article and Demonstration

Great new SKIDCAR article by Bill Booth of IBG.

http://www.theinteractgroup.com/articles/Skidcar_March.html

Our March demo is quickly approaching. Call (866) 754-3227 or e-mail info@skidcar.com to schedule your reservation for this event.

SKIDCAR System Demo - March 2012

SKIDCAR Demonstration coming up in March in Las Vegas! See attached for details.

The Long and Winding Road - An Opportunity to Practive What We Preach

I recently spent a week at Malmstrom AFB training new SKIDCAR instructors. It was -17 degrees in Montana and upon arrival I was trying to stay warm in the HumVee as best I could (“What do you mean there are no seat heaters?”) which was keeping me very busy… Busy stuffing heat packs in my shoes and back pants pockets, busy whining about all the holes in the roof and floorboard, and busy trying to duct tape those holes to stop the incessant cold air and snow from coming in.

But if you ever think today’s young Air Force personnel are not committed to training the younger generation coming into the service, I am here to tell you these kids are full of the “Right Stuff”! I was absolutely humbled by their energy and commitment to absorb the correct thing to do. They just wanted to learn how to use the SKIDCAR equipment to save lives. Concern over my impending hypothermia was quickly overshadowed by my excitement about the younger generation and their desire for driver training.

After a brilliant week with the new instructors at Malmstrom I headed for Lewiston, ID and another customer, Lewis Clark State College. The drive between the two was more than 200 miles in snow, ice, and ever-changing conditions. As I drove the Jeep without the SKIDCAR, I went through the same ESC on-and-off driving scenarios I use when we are in sunny conditions, a dry parking lot, and using the SKIDCAR. And I proved again that the SKIDCAR duplicates those conditions with amazing clarity.

Most importantly, I spent hours in practice of what we preach: that if you can concentrate on being technically correct, you can drive quickly, have a blast, and not endanger any other human being.

I utilized the techniques we as instructors are all trying to pass on; use of thought process, use of vision, technically correct use of the steering, brakes, and gas, stable platform, and not relying on ESC but rather trying to drive so that you don't activate it. Only going as fast as you would be able to stop within your line of sight as a speedometer. No over the perceived center line was allowed. No leaning on the snow banks as you passed startled drivers was encountered; only one solo, multi-hour stint behind the wheel, practicing the craft of driving, with passion, and without mistake.

With the help of Joe Bonamassa (Black Rock) and Joe Satriani (Crystal Planet) I cut 22 minutes off of the GPS arrival time. Seriously, no human or animal life was sacrificed in this drive. Given that the GPS estimate was based on dry, perfect roadways, the outcome was simple: drive with good thought process, using what we teach, and your performance will be more than adequate to get you where you need to be as fast as is practically possible. Plus, more safety and less risk is the reward.

The opportunity to drive "99 Miles of Uninterrupted Winding Road" in snow and ice-covered blacktop is something that is very hard to find. Over the years I’ve gotten to do a lot of winter driving in the North of Sweden. But this year on Lolo pass is unquestionably the finest and longest uninterrupted, long-distance, technically correct drive I have had in a long time, if ever.

I wish you all could have been there. Even the screamers.

~Dane

Type B SKIDCAR Delivery

A photo of our most recent delivery; a Type B SKIDCAR to Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana.

Technology is Here - Use it to Save Your Budget and Improve Training

The New Year has arrived and the challenges faced by everyone in the training industry are not getting any easier. Training technologies are moving ahead, but in some sectors “technologies” may just mean more equipment to purchase.

In our component, driver training has taken a huge hit where operating budgets are concerned. Driver training of all types is very expensive. New equipment, old curriculum, lack of understanding of new driver safety technologies that have been built into new vehicles of almost every type; all of this has been put on the back shelf to be dealt with later. Or even worse, not thought of at all until we are forced to by catastrophe!

Will someone be injured or lose his or her life due to ignorance or the lack of ability (funds) to affect improvement or change? Here are a few curriculum topics that need to be addressed and are only the tip of the iceberg:

How many agencies have written curriculum to address driving new vehicles equipped with Electronic Stability Control or Traction Control?

What about Pursuit Intervention Techniques (P.I.T.) against a vehicle with ESC, and what if both vehicles have ESC?

What policies have been thought of regarding when to push the ESC/ESP or related button to change the ESC program for different traction and control needs?

What do the Driver Instructor Staff tell their students or in-service personnel about these new technologies that are already in the field and will be in every new unit that goes into service as of this model year?

Should the local agencies ask for help from NHTSA to work with A.L.E.R.T. to develop current standards for training with these federally mandated safety systems?

These are just a few of the questions that the Emergency/Pubic Safety driver training industry is starting to be aware of.

Now, let’s fast forward to the emerging training landscape 2012…

Because of budgets, new technology, and OLD driver training curriculum, it is still possible to survive.

I can ask any of my contemporaries in the driver training technology business: “What is our biggest problem?” Categorically the answer is “improper use of the equipment.” Whether it be a driving simulator or our SKIDCAR™, the statement is the same. The training that we give gets diluted, the originally trained staff disappears, a newly assigned instructor comes into training and tries to understand and use new technology with an old curriculum. Curriculum that was designed with 30-year-old technology called ABS as new!

In many cases academies have invested in SKIDCAR™ and simulator technology but don’t integrate the two into a cohesive program. With best-case scenarios, these assets can be combined and customized to streamline the benefits and cut costs in training.

With thought, new technology used correctly can speed up the learning curve, cut hours from behind the wheel exercises, lessen the need for multimillion-dollar high-speed, high-risk faux race courses, and produce a safer modern driver that beyond all other tasks can operate in the environment where Public Safety comes first and foremost.

We would be most interested in and invite your comments.