Slippery Weasel slides drivers into safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kaleb Snay
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Members of Misawa Air Base had the chance to practice winter weather driving techniques on a special course here, Jan. 20.

The Slippery Weasel Program is a specialized two-part course that teaches driving techniques to individuals who are not used to driving in the snow and ice. The course begins with classroom instruction which covers vehicle control techniques, braking techniques, and vehicle preparation for winter weather. The course then moves to an area where students are able to drive their cars around an oval and stop-and-steer track.

"A lot of people aren't familiar with driving in these types of conditions, coming from warm climate areas, so when they see a little snow on the ground they tend to panic," said Staff Sgt. Kevin Dotson, 35th Fighter Wing Ground Safety Office ground safety craftsman. "We want to help them learn how to drive in those types of situations and become accustomed to driving in the snow."

The course is meant to teach drivers the importance of knowing how their vehicle will react in the snow and ice, said Staff Sgt. Chad Michaud, 35th Contracting Squadron contracting specialist and Slippery Weasel instructor.

The Slippery Weasel will be held from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 3, 17 and Mar. 2. Requirements for the course are a valid U.S. driver's license; a U.S. Forces, Japan operator's permit for civilian vehicle and a privately owned vehicle.

"I wasn't aware what my car was capable of," said Airman 1st Class Richard Li, 35 CONS contracting specialist and Slippery Weasel student. "Now I feel more confident driving in snow."

If you have any questions or would like to sign up and reserve a spot in a class, just call the 35 Ground Safety Office at 226-2702.