MONROEVILLE, Pa. -- Police pursuits are dangerous, but a new tool is helping local officers practice in controlled conditions.

The new device can help officers simulate all types of chasing, including high-speed chases, or inclement-weather chases.

Police are able to do the simulations in what is known as a "skid car."

"Skid car increases or decreases the amount of traction that's on a roadway," said skid car instructor Greg Russell.

Skid car works by lifting the car just a couple of inches off the ground. The higher the car , the less the tires touch the ground, which means less traction.

In a session with WTAE Channel 4 Action News reporter Ari Hait, Russell sits in the passenger seat and uses a device to control traction, creating wet, snowy or icy conditions.

"All I have to do is move it up one little notch, skid, and it changes the whole dynamic," said Russell. "Typically, your speeds will be anywhere from 5 mph to 20 mph. And yet, the student driver that's going to be behind the wheel will have sensations like he's doing 60, 70, 80 mph."

Skid cars are used around the world, but the Monroeville Police Department has their own for practicing.

"It's an eye-opener," said Lt. Steven Pascarella of the Monroeville Police Department. "The training itself is just fantastic. It's really impressive."

This week, Russell will be training some Pittsburgh officers so that they can pass along their knowledge to others in the force.

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