USAF Global Force Strike Command to Incorporate SKIDCAR Training

United States Air Force contract for equipment, service, and training, awarded to SKIDCAR SYSTEM, Inc.

SKIDBIKE at Cycle Gear Las Vegas

Join us this Thursday, January 9th, at Cycle Gear Las Vegas for SKIDBIKE and Hit-Air Vest Demonstrations from 5:00 to 8:00pm.
344 S. Decatur Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89107

AIMExpo 2013 to Feature SKIDBIKE™

SKIDCAR System, Inc. and Cedergrens Mechanical of Sweden have chosen the 2013 American International Motorcycle Expo in Orlando, Florida, October 16 - 20, for the largest International showing of the patented SKIDBIKE™ Motorcycle Rider Training Technology.

With a 25 year history of developing, marketing, and training with driver training equipment called SKIDCAR™ and SKIDTRUCK®, SKIDCAR System, Inc. has introduced SKIDBIKE as a perfect companion technology to allow all road users a more advanced learning path to safe vehicle operation through training.

SKIDBIKE, designed with safety wings, allows a rider to make mistakes while learning core concepts and techniques that professionals deem essential for safe riding without falling over. The patented electric-powered lifting mechanism adjusts the grip to duplicate hazardous conditions at low speeds, which can only be learned otherwise at real speed with the real danger of a crash.

The SKIDBIKE's potential has been realized through testing many different rider groups. It is clear that this technology will be a useful tool not only for motorcycle rider training schools and academies, but also motorcycle dealers who know the value of basic insight gained through positive experience learning how a motorcycle can be safely operated without the anxiety of risk, injury, or embarrassment.

We are delighted to be able to show our new rider training tool to an International audience at this targeted event. SKIDBIKE representatives will be located in Booth 1525.

Visit the AIMExpo website at www.aimexpousa.com for more information on this expo.

Additional SKIDBIKE information can be found at www.skidbike.com, or via telephone at (702) 395-2896.

ALERT International Conference 2013

Will you be at the ALERT International Conference in Austin? We will! We're hosting an Electronic Stability Control Workshop and demonstrating the SKIDCAR, SKIDBIKE, Hit Air Motorcycle Rider Vests, and Automatic Traffic Scenario Simulator.

www.alertconference.org

SKIDCAR Lap Timer Accessory

The SKIDCAR Lap Timer is now available for purchase! Click this link to read a few of the reasons why every driver training instructor should have this indispensable tool.


http://www.skidcar.com/enewsletter/LapTimerAccessory.pdf

2013 IADLEST Conference

SKIDCAR System, Inc. was honored to be a part of the "Oregon DPSST Academy Tour" during the 2013 IADLEST Conference in Portland last week. With such an impressive turnout, we unfortunately didn't get a chance to talk to everyone who attended.

Were you there? If so, we'd love to hear your feedback on the event.
   

SKIDBIKE Demo Report from North Dakota

During our SKIDBIKE Debut Event in April, we were pleased to be joined by Sgt. Ryan Dorrheim of the Fargo Police Department.  Sgt. Dorrheim wrote a very insightful report about his experience to present to the North Dakota Department of Transportation who sponsored his attendance, and was kind enough to share it with us as well.  Click the link below to read his evaluation of this new training tool and its teaching applications.

http://www.skidcar.com/enewsletter/SkidBikeDemoReport.pdf

SKIDCAR EVENTS – APRIL 2013

The 2013 International SKIDCAR™ Conference / Global SKIDBIKE™ Debut, and ESC workshop for EVOC Instructors will all be taking place the second week of April in Las Vegas, NV. All events are ramping up quickly and generating much excitement.

We understand that due to budget concerns, making the case for attending out of state conferences and events can be a difficult task, but for this Conference, we are offering a host of compelling reasons why EACH event at this meeting is a high value all on its own. When combined, they are a powerhouse of important, timely, relevant, and valuable driver training information, the likes of which simply cannot be found anywhere else.

Within those solutions will be a brand new product, as we premiere the World Debut of SKIDBIKE™ to the Law Enforcement Industry. With this tool, THE ROAD AHEAD for Motorcycle Rider Training has been changed. Experience the dramatic, educational moments that previously could only come from dangerous life experience. On the SKIDBIKE, the human interface is as real as it gets. The crash occurs…you just don’t fall off.


International SKIDCAR Conference

This Conference is shaping up to be the best driver-training event we have ever produced. We are featuring a truly International attendee list with speakers and events specific to solutions for driver training programs.

Event Schedule

Monday, April 8, 2013
Welcome reception sponsored by Cedergrens MEK and SKIDCAR SYSTEM, Inc.

Tuesday April 9 and Wednesday April 10th, 2013

Driving Pad events:
1. Demonstration: Quick and efficient separation of SKIDCAR frame from vehicle.

2. SKIDCAR Service Clinics presented by the Swedish SKIDCAR manufacturers Anders Cedergren and Ulf Nordin

3. SKIDCAR Instructor Re-Certifications

4. Modern SKIDCAR Test Drives

5. SKIDBIKE™ demonstrations

6. ESD Electronic course markers


Presentations:

Vigil Solutions
Mark Anderson and Ian Haynes presenting “Behavior Based Safety”. How to use technology in your driver training program to support behavior based safety. Vigil Solutions is the world leader in collecting, managing and improving driver behaviors in training and operational environments.

Fire /EMS Training with SKIDTRUCK™
Training Specialists Era Horton and Doug Bolthouse from the Nationally Award Winning Oregon DPSST Skid Avoidance for Fire Apparatus Drivers Program (SAFAD).

The Risk Industry and Training with SKIDCAR™
Stanley Fant, Retired Alabama State Trooper and Lead Instructor for the Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation, presenting actuarial evidence from their 10 year Mobile Driver Training Program now using a SKIDCAR with ESC/TC technology.

SKIDCAR and Simulator training: How to use them together for more streamlined and modern Driver Training
Steve Capellas (retired Vancouver Police Department) and Bob Reid (retired LAPD), both Senior SKIDCAR™ and driving simulator specialists, will present curriculum guidelines for combining the use of SKIDCAR and Simulation for advanced modern driving training curriculum.

Swedish Road Safety Risk Training
Peter Bjelkedal from Örnsköldsvik Skidcartrack Driving School in Sweden will be presenting the progress of the Swedish Road Safety way of Risk Training. Sweden is the perennial leader in International Road Safety.

SKIDCAR Course Design
SKIDCAR President Dane Pitarresi and Senior Instructor Steve Westerberg will discuss how to design a short course for modern SKIDCAR use when time and resources are in limited supply.


Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Final Gala Dinner:
Sponsored dinner boasting an enjoyable atmosphere to network with SKIDCAR users, owners, and Instructors from around the world. Personal access to the exclusive manufacturers of SKIDCAR products, the Cedergren family of Klintehamn, Sweden.


World Debut of SKIDBIKE™

Thursday, April 11, 2013

The Law Enforcement Industry will be officially introduced to SKIDBIKE. Find out for yourself what this truly revolutionary training tool will mean for your Agency or Academy. Save lives, build better riders, and streamline training with safe exercises never before possible.

Available to registered Law Enforcement Motorcycle Instructors, program administrators, and invited industry representatives, the SKIDBIKE unveiling event is free of charge, but limited to 50 registered guests.


Electronic Stability Control Workshop for EVOC Instructors

Thursday, April 11, 2013

*Please note that this event is separate from the Conference, but offered at the same location for those who would like to attend both.

Training with new driver safety technologies must be included in current curriculum. Depending upon the type of vehicle being driven, possible changes in driving habits could be necessary. The first of its kind to address ESC technology, this workshop brings an up-to-date understanding of Electronic Stability Control systems installed in all new Police Vehicles as of the model year 2012. An Electronic Stability Control system is a new safety technology designed to prevent rollovers and loss of traction by keeping your vehicle in contact with the ground during dangerous situations. When a vehicle accompanied by ESC reads a complex situation such as curves or sudden swerves to avoid obstacles, it takes over and allows the driver a better chance to get through the situation, further improving the advantages of the Antilock Brakes and Traction Control. Although each manufacturer has different detail operations of their ESC System, they all work within the same premise and are therefore exposed, explained, and understood during the workshop, which includes both a classroom and behind-the-wheel element.

This event is limited to 24 registered attendees.

For additional information on any of these events, please contact SKIDCAR SYSTEM, Inc. at (702) 395-2896, or via email at info@skidcar.com.

"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.