What has become a friendly competition between co-workers also works as a learning tool as well. The Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 Annual Rodeo tests drivers' skills.
Trucks and front loaders are maneuvered around an obstacle course replicating situations drivers would face out on the job. All 8 counties in District 1 are represented in the rodeo as the competition is a favorite among operators. The course also allows drivers to improve on their skills.
"We're here for, to obviously serve the public, we are in the mode of being a safe organization, and we want to make sure that our drivers are developing skill sets to make sure they're in a position to protect the public as best they can," said Deputy Director of ODOT District 1, Kirk Slusher.
District 1 employees were also recognized at a luncheon for being number one in the state when it comes to hours worked without an accident.
The winner of ODOT District One's Paint the Plow Contest was also announced at Tuesday's rodeo. The honor going to Kalida High School. 18 schools participated in the design and painting of snow plow blades. The blades will be used on the roads this winter to remove snow and ice.
