Deschutes County offers safety gift idea: SkidCar training
Searching for the perfect holiday gift? Deschutes County’s SkidCar training is the perfect present for people of all ages. Defensive winter driving skills training can keep your friends and loved ones safe on the roads this winter.
Deschutes County offers SkidCar Training classes seven days a week, by appointment, with a maximum of three participants per class. Permitted drivers (age 15 and older) are welcome to take the course.
Each class offers one hour of classroom instruction followed by three hours of hands-on driving. Each graduate is provided with a letter and certificate of completion. Many insurance companies will offer premium discounts for completing the course.
How does the SkidCar work? The SkidCar system uses a regular street vehicle, which is mounted on a heavy frame with outriggers. Driving demonstrations inside the SkidCar take place on an empty paved lot with plenty of open space. The instructor uses a hydraulic lift and a computer to raise the car, reducing traction on front tires, back tires, or both. The SkidCar can simulate the driving conditions of rain, ice, and snow, while allowing drivers to gain experience and confidence in a safe and controlled environment.
SkidCar training will teach participants:
Accountability behind the wheel: “100 percent vehicle control, 100 percent of the time”
Complete vehicle inspection techniques prior to operation
Principles of what makes tires work properly
Proper eye placement
Proper vehicle weight transfer management
Proper acceleration, steering and braking techniques
Trail braking techniques
Skid and slide prevention
Front-end and rear-end skid and slide control techniques
Front-end and rear-end skid recovery techniques
Line of sight cornering techniques
Class Hours: Daily, 8:00 a.m. to Noon, or 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $90 per person – gift certificates are available now
Please call (541) 385-1749 or (541) 330-4631 to make an appointment or to purchase SkidCar gift cards. Or, visit us at 1300 NW Wall St., Ste. 206, Bend.
For more information, visit www.deschutes.org//SkidCar for details about the Deschutes County SkidCar training program.
