Through the controller, the SKIDCAR framework lifts or lowers the front and rear tires of the vehicle independently. Customized settings either reduce or increase the amount of traction between the tires and the asphalt. These adjustments simulate speed and other inclement driving conditions that can make a vehicle unstable and cause it to lose grip. The settings can be altered when the vehicle is either stationary or moving. Realistic driving dynamics can be experienced at a very low speed, within a small paved area, and in complete safety. Follow this link for a video example of the SKIDCAR in action.

The SKIDCAR SYSTEM equipment is more consistent, more realistic, and longer lasting than any other driver training technology. Even in its most slippery settings, the SKIDCAR allows the driver to experience real dynamics, real emotion, and real physical response. Other devices which allow only sliding sideways, operate in total disregard of global road safety practice. Real car control cannot be learned by just drifting sideways. Only SKIDCAR can be adjusted while either stationary or in movement, so the driver learns technically correct lessons in safety. SKIDCAR SYSTEM training capabilities will be relevant for years to come, unlike screened simulators whose technology must be updated frequently at high expense, or other devices which are incompatible with modern vehicle technology such as ESC.

Understanding grip is vital to preventing skids or managing them after they have occurred. The rear wheel slide or skid is great fun, easy to train, and gets all the attention. But the skid that kills is the front wheel skid (understeer). Every car in the USA today is designed from the factory to allow the front wheels to skid first. Understeer recuperation is entirely technical and not much fun. However, front wheel skids that are poorly acted upon then cause the rear wheels skids that most drivers recognize. Therefore, training to avoid understeer is vitally important.

The incorporation of Electronic Stability Control in most new cars, trucks, and SUVs, means that skid control will now be regulated by the ESC. The actual physics of slip (while nice to know) are not as critical to drivers today. Anti-lock brakes and ESC technologies can correct errors faster and more accurately than the driver. Therefore, driver training courses and exercises should address strategies of managing and maintaining grip. Exposing the student to skids, slides, and small losses of grip demonstrate the results of being technically correct (or incorrect) with regard to grip and safe driving.

The SKIDCAR’s electronic HAL controller is operated by a trained SKIDCAR Instructor. Unlike other rear wheel lifts or tire rings, the SKIDCAR features multiple “safe” buttons. While other training devices may effectively produce a skid, they offer no means of regaining control of the vehicle if an emergency develops. In contrast, the SKIDCAR is totally controlled throughout the lesson. Full grip levels can be reinstated almost instantly. The chances of the vehicle overturning are next to none. This feature removes the risk of injury and allows SKIDCAR the flexibility to be used in a variety of areas.

Every usable training area has a SAFE SPEED THRESHOLD which the SKIDCAR can be adjusted to for safety. In this manner, the vehicle can duplicate various speed and traction conditions while traveling between just six and 25 miles per hour. This lends the SKIDCAR to an array of userfriendly environments including multiple use areas such as skill pads, skid pads, parking lots, or airport runways to name a few.

A space of 175’ X 500’ is ideal. But since this size of an area is not always available, many other paved areas can be used. Narrow airport runways, odd shaped lots, and even areas with broken pavement, frost heaves, and pot holes can still be utilized successfully. Paved areas with elevation changes can be used, and wonderfully challenging courses can be built to suit the personality of the imperfect pavement. Of course the ride quality may be compromised and it is helpful to work around the rough areas if possible.

There are over 300 SKIDCAR SYSTEMs in North America, scattered over 38 States. Police, Fire, EMS, and the Military are the primary customer base. Automobile manufacturer testing facilities, racing schools, private driving schools, and community colleges also use the SKIDCAR SYSTEM for their driver training academies. Please contact us for a list of customer references in your area.

Yes! We are proud to offer several additional products and partner with a small selection of complementary technologies to enhance your training curriculum.

FOS: The FOS is a folding outrigger system available for the Type A SKIDCAR. It provides the perfect solution for agencies, academies, and private companies who require moving their SKIDCAR to offsite training areas. This folding system allows the frame to be loaded onto an open or enclosed trailer with ramp overs while totally assembled.

Conversion Kits: The lifespan of your SKIDCAR equipment need not be cut short by obtaining a new or updated training vehicle. Conversion kits are available which allow for transitioning your SKIDCAR to another host vehicle, as long as it is of a similar weight and can be accommodated by the same size SKIDCAR frame.

ATSS: Designed by a Law Enforcement Officer specifically for police use, the Automated Traffic Scenario Simulator mimics real world situations for driver training. Using extremely bright and efficient LED lights, the ATSS provides the situational realism of oncoming cars or stopped traffic for EVOC exercises. The system is completely automatic and can be used in either “Accident Avoidance”, “Intersection Clearing”, or “Critical Braking” modes. Add a new degree of realism to your closed-circuit or parking lot course. Check out the ATSS page on our site.

APEX PRO: APEX Pro is a digital driver training coach that offers real time feedback in the vehicle and easy to access performance information via the APEX App. APEX is a stand-alone piece of hardware that pairs with an Apple/iOS device with Bluetooth. APEX offers driving instructors the ability to easily access objective performance data from their students. The proprietary grip display shows how a driver’s effectiveness can be evaluated in real time and APEX Pro instructors can easily compare a student’s data with their baseline. Measure these performance parameters more simply than ever with the APEX Pro! Check out the APEX PRO page on our site.

VIRTUAL (VR) SKIDCAR TRAINER: The Virtual SKIDCAR Trainer is an advanced simulation system designed to meet rigorous driver training needs. VR Motion has designed this technology to provide a new level of realism using a Portable Desktop platform and the latest Virtual Reality software. The system simulates a wide spectrum of real-world conditions in order to increase competency, situational awareness, muscle memory, retention, coordination, and safety of people and equipment. With the Virtual SKIDCAR Trainer, trainees can experience changing weather, day or night driving, hazardous conditions, blind spots, sensory distractions, and scenarios that cannot be easily duplicated or safely experienced in the real world. All data is recorded and stored for future comparative analysis, enabling both risk and performance assessment. Virtual Reality training can be delivered 24/7, 365 and in any weather conditions. Check out the Virtual SKIDCAR Training page on our site.

SKIDBIKE for Motorcycle Rider Training: The SKIDBIKE is the safest technology ever offered in the history of motorized 2-wheel training. Many accidents that occur on training ranges across the globe daily can be prevented or eliminated with SKIDBIKE. Not only does it make motorcycle training safer, but also reduces the required time commitment for student understanding. Visit the website for further information at www.SKIDBIKE.com.