Sask. Safety Council Programs offered to teach, reinforce winter driving skill

Whether you are a young driver, a driver new to Canadian winters, or just someone who wants to shore up on their skills behind the wheel, there are options out there to help you learn winter driving skills.

The Saskatchewan Safety Council offers several courses, including the Skid Smart Program.

“We actually go onto a skid pad which is basically like a hockey rink and we teach people how to control their vehicle,” said instructor Lee Carlson.

In a safe environment, he explained how drivers are given the opportunity to test out how their braking system and traction control are affected by slippery conditions. Pylons are set up and Carlson takes drivers through at different speeds, practicing what they’re taught in a classroom setting prior to going to the ice pad’s location at Fleet Street North.

Carlson said the pad won’t likely be ready for another month, but when it’s operational, it’s usually quite popular among all ages of drivers. He explained how sometimes those drivers forget that even though they might have winter tires on, they can still be prone to accidents.

Court proceedings

'The impact of this trauma will echo for generations': court case surrounding La Ronge woman's death reaches conclusion

13h ago

Going Global

P.A.'s Zablocki named to Team Canada for U18 Women's World Championships

13h ago

Election 2024

Birch Hills staff won't share election decision

14h ago

“Quite often we allow technology to take over from the human element of driving,” he said.

Not surprisingly, he stated that speeding is without a doubt the biggest mistake people make on icy streets, adding a lot of people don’t focus on what they’re doing even when conditions are poor. Carlson said you need to be aware of what other drivers are doing, all while looking at least 12 to 15 seconds, or about one city block, ahead of you.

“You do not want to do any knee jerk, panic reaction to the steering or the brakes.”

If a situation arises where you don’t have much time to react, Carlson stated how there are two basic principles to follow to avoid a collision.

“Look where you want to go and steer where you’re looking,” he said.

“If you don’t want to hit something don’t look at it.”

Carlson outlined how the courses aren’t mandatory and they aren’t free either. The Skid Smart Program could cost you up to $300 for a full day of instruction. However, even though they might cost you money, they could also save you from being in a collision.

Find more winter driving tips from SGI here.

news@panow.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow