Spangdahlem driver course teaches Airmen to keep control

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Anderson
  • Detachment 9, Air Force News Agency
New steps toward driving safety are being taken here to keep Airmen in control when behind the wheel.

The Spangdahlem Air Base safety office is taking the next step in keeping USAFE Airmen safe on the road by installing the new Skid Monster Driving System on two vehicles they are using as part of the new base driving course.

"What the Skid Monster is going to teach is that you have to have a reaction time. You have to have an awareness," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Wolcott, 52nd Fighter Wing NCO in charge of ground safety. "If, for some reason, you lose control of your car because you pushed that envelope, you need to know how to recover without creating further problems."

The Spangdahlem Safety office reviewed nearly 1,000 motor vehicle accidents last year, so the goal for the driving course is simple -- cutting down on the number of vehicle accidents through education.

One of the benefits of the Skid Monster Driving System is the realism it provides. After classroom demonstrations, students will get the opportunity to get behind the wheel and feel what it's like first hand to lose control of a vehicle.

"We hope that a course like this can help increase their knowledge base and gain a better respect for their vehicle," Sergeant Wolcott said. "Because getting to and from work safely is the first step in being 'Fit to fight'."