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What to do and not to do in hazardous, icy road conditions

Posted at 3:39 PM, Dec 09, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-09 18:49:20-05

BOISE — Idaho State Police run their officers though an icy road simulation to prepare for potentially hazardous road conditions when out in the field.

The SKID car has four additional wheels connected, which take the weight off the four standard wheels; this gives the feeling of being on ice or losing control. The instructor controls the amount of control a driver loses through a special computer controller.

"We train every officer that comes through our academies," said trooper Jeff Fortner.

Officers run through a practice course a couple of times to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions.

"Even myself moving here from South Carolina, I had to adjust to the conditions," said Fortner.

“it’s a timed course, and they cannot hit any cones," said Fortner.

When the roads get slick in our neck of the woods, remember to slow down, countersteer when needed, and brake smoothly.

“This is as close to real-life as you’re going to get," said Fortner.