PLYMOUTH, Wis (NBC 26)-- With the potential of wet and heavy snow coming to Northeast Wisconsin, followed by several days of subzero temperatures, the roads will likely get a bit slick.
In Plymouth, Wisconsin the Road America racetrack traditionally showcases the skills of high-performance drivers, but when winter hits many drivers pursue a unique opportunity.
"In the winter we have our winter driving schools and winter autocross," says John Ewert the Road America Communications Director.
Ewert says this is the time of year when both adults and younger drivers come out to his track to brush up on some winter driving skills that are best learned on the road.
"Whether it be snow, whether it be ice, whether it be moving from pavement to snow," says Ewert describing the various conditions that can impact drivers' skills on the road.
Through a one day course, driving instructors at Road America take drivers onto their track to reinforce some of the driving habits all too many, tend to forget year to year.
"At the beginning of every winter people need to readjust to winter driving," says instructor Wesley Irek.
Irek has been teaching the winter course for six years now and one lesson he tends to focus on is teaching drivers to react to having no front tire traction.
"If you find all of a sudden the grip has drastically reduced, that's your warning sign to start slowing down and especially coasting."
Irek says it's important to not slam on your brakes if you don't have traction and to use the car's natural momentum to gradually slow down. That's why he says it's important to have several car lengths in between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
"In wet conditions, you might need 120 feet to stop. But in snowy conditions, you'll need 150, and on-ice you'll need 200 feet."
Driving in the winter can be tricky. Slowing down, avoiding travel altogether, or just knowing how to react can all make a difference. But perhaps above all, according to Irek, is practice. That's what can make you more prepared for whatever winter throws your way.
"Really what we focus on in the course is understanding what your level of grip (traction) is and how much more time you need to stop."
To find out more about Road America's Winter Driving Program, including how you can sign up for a lesson and how much it costs, check out this link.
