Skid Cars
Car Control uses specially adapted cars to teach skid control, rather than the traditional skid pan. The car sits in a cradle that uses hydraulics to raise and lower the car. When the frame is raised there is less tyre area in contact with the road surface, thereby simulating low grip conditions such as ice, snow and rain.
This method of skid control training is a highly efficient learning experience as the instructor controls the car directly and can set up specific scenarios to help the student learn more effectively.
This technology is patented by a Swedish company called Cedegrens, who developed the equipment to help train Scandanavian drivers who have to complete skid control training as part of their driving test.
Skid Cars & Road Safety
Skid Control training is a compulsory part of the driving test in several Scandanvian countries and is part of the Pass Plus course in the UK. Why? It gives drivers an opportunity to experience losing control of a car in a safe, simulated environment. Many people who experience a skid freeze because they don't know what to do. This often results in an accident whose consequences could well have been minimised or avoided by learning a few simple steering and braking techniques.
UK weather is changeable and road conditions can become slippery due to rain, snow, ice, hail and diesel spills. While it is always best to avoid driving too quickly in poor weather or too close to the vehicle in front to effectively brake, if your car does loose grip, then we can help you develop the skills to regain control.
Young, inexperienced drivers who have had their lessons cancelled due to icy roads have probably never had the opportunity to learn how to regain control, so often drive too quickly and too close in bad weather - hence why 18-24 year olds have the highest accident rate and the highest insurance premiums.
Advanced driver training such as Pass Plus a Skid Control course or joining a local IAM group (Institute of Advanced Motorists) will help young drivers develop the attitudes and skills necessary to become safer drivers.
"As a Road Safety Unit we often buy in other service provisions to make our programmes more rounded and professional. We have used Car Control for many road safety events and training programmes and they are extremely professional, well organised and nothing is too much trouble to arrange. They have been able to liaise with venues for us ensuring we get the best deal for our limited budgets.
The actual training is first class and the messages they deliver during the training further enhance the road safety messages we deliver. They have a real positive attitude towards road safety and have demonstrated this commitment at many of our events, which they have attended including Petrol Headz – our young driver event and our winter driving campaign."
L Shannon, Road Safety Officer, Halton Borough Council
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