LaGRANGE — On a cool windy Saturday morning bus drivers showed up on their day off to demonstrate their safe driving skills during the annual School Bus Road-e-o Competition.

Thirty-one Troup County School System bus drivers gathered to compete on a complex driving obstacle course. During the course, they were judged on proficiency, accuracy, attention to details and other elements that emphasize their skill set.

Bus drivers maneuvered through the 11-course trail as if they drove the same route every day. For them, the number one daily priority is safety and this competition gave them another platform to showcase their expertise and to also learn areas of improvement.

Some of the tests included curb line, an event that helps the driver learn to parallel park in a forward direction and learn to use their mirrors to get close to the curb without touching it; parallel parking; railroad crossing; proper stopping procedures and diminishing clearance, where the contestant drives the bus in a straight line with diminishing clearances along each side of the bus in a smooth and continuous manner.

While scores were tallied, the group came together to celebrate with a cook-out provided by Striffler Hamby Mortuary Services, a Partner in Education with TCSS.

“We had very good participation this year and everyone left with more knowledge and improved driving skills,” said Kim Harcrow, assistant director of transportationfor TCSS. “A good time of learning and fellowship was had by all. We also would like to thank all our judges and sponsors who provide for the Road-e-o, without their support, this wouldn’t be possible.”

Third place winner was Chris Watts, second place was Steve Williams, and Mark Siersma took home first place honors. Everyone who participated in this Bus Road-e-o event was a winner as they put safety first for all our students who travel many miles on our buses each school year.

To find out more information about TCSS, visit troup.org.