Master winter roads with confidence
Winter driving in the Midwest can feel uncertain. Snow, ice, and changing road conditions can turn ordinary trips into stressful moments. The Winter Driving Program at Road America helps you stay calm and in control when conditions get tough.
Hands-on training for real-world conditions
You will work directly with professional instructors through customized in-car drills and classroom lessons. Each session focuses on skills that matter on winter roads:
• Skid control and recovery
• Emergency braking and stopping techniques
• Safe lane changes on slippery surfaces
• Driving on snow, ice, and mixed pavement conditions
The goal is simple: give you the confidence to react safely when the road surface changes without warning.
Ideal for new drivers and experienced drivers
Whether you want to sharpen your winter reflexes or you are new to driving in snow, this program gives you practical tools you can use right away. Parents often enroll new drivers to help them gain experience before winter hits. Experienced drivers join to refresh their skills and stay prepared.
Pricing
• $195 per person
• $120 for West Bend Insurance Company customers
Contact your West Bend agent for a promo code before registering.
Take the next step
You can make winter driving less stressful. Click the box below to view available dates and register for the program.
REGISTER
Classes are offered January-February (weather permitting) and run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. A valid driver’s license or learner’s permit is required. Participants will use Road America supplied vehicle provided by Sheboygan Chevrolet. Supplied cars include Chevrolet Cruze, Impala, Malibu, Trax, or similar. Participants will partake in intense car control drills behind the wheel with up to three other students in the vehicle. Please consult your doctor if you have motion sickness or any other medical condition that might affect your experience.
A 40-minute lunch break is provided during the day. Please feel free to bring a bag lunch, order one of our chef selections (in advance) or take advantage of the local restaurants in Elkhart Lake or Plymouth.
1. Check All Fluids, Lights & Functions on a Regular Basis
- Get regular maintenance to ensure all fluids are topped off and all lights are in working order
- Install snow tires for the winter months and inflate tires per manufacturer’s specifications
- Fill washer fluid with freezing-temps specified fluid
- Install new wiper blades prior to winter weather
- Have your battery tested (often a free service at auto parts stores)
- Repair any exhaust leaks prior to winter weather
2. Pack Emergency Supplies Prior to Winter Weather
- Blanket plus an extra jacket, hat, and gloves
- Jumper cables
- Tow strap, ratchet straps or a tow chain
- First aid kit
- Flares and lighter/matches
- Basic tool kit
- Flashlight
- Compass
- Sand/Gravel
- Shovel
- Cell phone with car charger
- Non-perishable snacks like protein bars and bottled water
- Always let someone know where you are headed and your route
3. Check Weather Forecasts before Departing
4. Prepare Vehicle before Departing
- Warm up vehicle for several minutes
- Make sure front and rear defrost is working
- Clear the ENTIRE vehicle of snow and ice
- Remove ice buildup from under wiper blades
5. Maintain Control while Driving
- Allow extra time and reduce speed
- Don’t use your phone while driving
- Don’t use cruise control in wet, snowy or icy conditions
- Don’t use e-brake unless necessary
- Be aware of changing road conditions
- Be aware of a way out/alt path to avoid other motorists
- Increase follow distance by 3x
- Don’t pass snow plows
- Use the available road surface to maximize grip
- If visibility is low, use low beams and fog lights
- Avoid sudden/abrupt stops and steering
- If driving conditions are unsafe, pull off the road into a parking lot to wait for conditions to improve
Safe winter travels!
