Imagine steering a school bus in and out of five cones set at a close proximity and then doing it again, backwards, without stopping or bumping the markers. This and other grueling tests is what Michael Dixon, driver of bus #259, had to successfully complete to place in the top 10 at the annual Georgia School Bus Roade-o competition in Warner Robins.

A total of 44 drivers from across Georgia participated in the state event after winning their local school bus safety competitions. Dixon placed eighth among the Georgia drivers.

Contestants compete in three separate tests over a two-day period to demonstrate their knowledge of driving skills and safety: a written exam covering state laws and policies, a pre-trip inspection that includes finding five mechanical defects and maneuvering a skills course of seven obstacles, such as serpentine mentioned at the beginning of this article.

The overall purpose of the competition is to reinforce safe driving skills and practices among drivers. Safety competitions have proven to be one of the most effective instructional tools to improve a person’s driving skills.

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