School Bus Road-e-o Competition Set For April 29

ALPHARETTA, GA -- Fulton County bus drivers will compete for the system championship in the Annual Road-e-o Competition on Saturday, April 29 at the school system’s North Transportation Center in Alpharetta.

The event begins at 8:30 a.m. for special education drivers and 10 a.m. for regular education drivers.

The purpose of the Road-e-o is to aid bus drivers in improving and maintaining their driving skills and to test their skills and perception in handling a school bus. Drivers compete against each other using their skills in precision driving and by using all their mirrors and knowledge of the laws. Each event is either timed or measured to determine the score.

To be eligible for the district competition, bus drivers had to successfully compete in local events in North Fulton and South Fulton.

Regular education bus course events include an obstacle course of a curb line, backing up, stop line, straight line, serpentine, diminishing clearance, offset alley, parallel parking, railroad crossing, right and left hand turns, as well as student loading/unloading maneuvers. The 12 top scoring bus drivers will be competing for the countywide title, with the top scoring winner advancing to the state School Bus Safety Competition in Warner Robins on June 7-8.

The top four teams of special needs bus drivers will be competing on the same day but on a different course. Events include an obstacle course with bus pre-check, wheelchair loading, wheelchair securement, managing challenging student behavior, car seat securement, railroad crossing, serpentine, rear alley dock, and a simulated emergency evacuation. The top scoring team will advance to the State Road-e-o Competition in 2018.

Awards will be given to the Fulton County School Bus Road-e-o winners, and a picnic lunch and drawings for prizes will be provided for participants and guests.

The North Transportation Center is located at 410 South Main Street in Alpharetta.

Image via Patch