Friday, May 9, 2003

Smith fifth-time winner of school bus Road-e-o

For a fifth consecutive year, bus driver Wade Smith has won the Fulton County Schools Bus Road-e-o.

The annual event, held April 26 at Creekside High School, tested the driving skills of bus drivers through the use of an obstacle course. The top two finishers, Smith and Duane Debruler, will now compete in the district Road-e-o on May 17 in Floyd County, Georgia.

The purpose of the annual road-e-o is to aid bus drivers in improving and maintaining their driving skills through the use of varying obstacle courses. The 10-event road-e-o tests drivers' skills and perception in handling a school bus.

Events included:

The Serpentine ­ Drivers attempt to weave their buses through a row of traffic cones without hitting a cone.

Straight Line ­ Bus drivers drive along a line of tennis balls as close as possible while trying to avoid running over any balls.

Offset Alley ­ Drivers journey through a tunnel of varying obstacles, requiring drivers to make a sharp turn for another obstacle course.

Railroad Crossing ­ Tests drivers' skills and awareness of railroad crossing safety.

In addition to advancing to the district Road-e-o, Smith received a special Road-e-o jacket and trophy, a $100 cash prize, and a gas grill. He drives a Special Needs bus for the Hapeville/East Point area.