Friday, June 20, 2003

Fulton drivers in top ten at Bus Road-e-o

Duane DeBruler and Wade Smith, both veteran bus drivers for Fulton County Schools, placed in the top 10 at the state Bus Road-e-o June 12.

Smith placed sixth and DeBruler placed seventh at the 25th annual Georgia School Bus Road-e-o held in DeKalb County. Fulton County was the only system to have two drivers place in the top 10.

DeBruler, who placed first in the district competition in May, has been a bus driver with Fulton County for six years and is a driver trainer in the north transportation office. He has competed in the county-wide competition for four years. This was his first district competition.

Smith, who placed second in the district competition, has been with Fulton County for 16 years and drives a special needs bus in south Fulton. He has consistently placed highly in Road-e-o competition at all levels and has won the county Road-e-o for five consecutive years.

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.