Drivers can't avoid encountering slippery conditions on icy roads during Minnesota winters, sending vehicles skidding with little control behind the wheel.

A man in Minnetonka has come up with a way to change that.

It's called ICE: Integrated Coefficient Enhancement. Jim Skarie, a retired carpenter, designed a small air duct apparatus that's installed in your car.

A small tank near the bumper is filled with a material, like crushed granited, that sprays out when wheels lock up, improving a driver's ability to stop.

A somewhat simple idea, right?

Skarie says it's hard to get his foot in the door. He has a patent for the invention and is shopping it to automakers. So far, there's some interest, but no bites.

For more information, visit icyroads.net.

KSTP shows how it works.