As a professional race car driver, Robin Buck knows a thing or two about driving in dangerous conditions and in Manitoba that means winter.

"People forget that we're in the winter,” said Buck. “And then it snows, and what happens? Everybody starts to fall off the road, get into collisions."

In town to give winter driving demonstrations, Buck talked about the sophisticated traction control systems most new vehicles come equipped with.

He said they can make a big difference in winter driving conditions.

"So, we're just going to accelerate really hard and get the traction system working and then I'm going to come in and hit the ABS and see I'm full brakes but I can still steer,” he said while deftly handling a brand new SUV on an icy track.

Buck advises against turning the wheel too sharply with the anti-lock braking system engaged because then the vehicle will continue to slide forward.

Instead, he says turning the wheel slightly while braking will allow for maximum control.

He also said people’s instincts will be to keep their eyes locked on an obstacle when braking quickly, but looking in the direction you want the car to go will help a driver’s instincts guide their hands on the wheel.

"You just may not have the distance to get stopped so you've got to do something and it's all based on vision,” said Buck.

On the racetrack, Buck likes to put the petal to the metal, but his best advice for the rest of us is to slow down and drive to the winter conditions.