ODOT drivers compete in the roadeo

LIMA – Ohio State Department of Transportation (ODOT) District held the annual Roadeo Truck and Forklift Truck; for the first time since 2019. The event also featured works from high schools in the area, which participated in this year’s competition “Paint the plow.”

The Roadeo was a friendly competition among ODOT equipment operators, requiring drivers to maneuver a truck or forklift through a series of obstacle lanes designed to replicate what they may encounter at work. Employees from each of the eight ODOT District 1 districts: Allen, Defiance, Hancock, Hardin, Polding, Putnam, Van Wert and Viandot were eligible to participate. In autumn the winners will go to the state competition.

The goal of the Roadeo is to allow drivers to test their driving skills. Everyone hired during the last two years must participate. The competition helps them improve their maneuvering skills with large vehicles. It also increases membership because it is one of the few cases where all eight counties of District 1 can unite. There were 40 participants in two events – driving a forklift or driving a truck with a snow shovel. Then the two best personalities will be held in a state competition.

Richard Gutman participated in forklift competitions. He has been driving forklifts for four years. He has a little more experience of driving trucks – 18 years. When asked to rate his run through the obstacle course, his comment was, “Okay, I guess. I have no idea how I did it. ” Judges are in strategic locations on the track to evaluate drivers. Gutman likes to leave the store and spend time with other ODOT employees whom he doesn’t see daily.

Jeremy Peel has been an appraiser in several positions on the truck’s obstacle course. He also trains drivers. Each driver of District 1 underwent initial training in Pila. He praised the competition, saying: “It’s pretty good. They make amazing. Excellent to demonstrate all your skills. It’s more fun, but they still take it pretty seriously and have a good time. “

Also on the Roadeo were exhibited 28 painted plow blades from high schools in the area, which participated in the competition “Paint the plow.” Students were asked to draw a design of their choice on the ODOT plow blade. Voting will continue on social media until Friday. The winner of the ODOT Choice and People’s Choice will be announced by May 31, following a public vote on social media.

Also on the Roadeo were exhibited 28 painted plow blades from high schools in the area, which participated in the competition “Paint the plow.”

Voting will continue on social media until Friday. The winner of the ODOT Choice and the People’s Choice will be announced by May 31st.

Students were asked to draw a design of their choice on the ODOT plow blade.

Workers of the ODOT District 1 Roadeo are maneuvering forklifts at a friendly competition in the garage.

The driver reversed the truck within a few inches of the barrier in the ODOT District 1 roadeo.

Contact Dean Brown at 567-242-0409