{"id":9381,"date":"2019-11-18T16:01:50","date_gmt":"2019-11-18T21:01:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/?p=9381"},"modified":"2019-12-04T11:35:11","modified_gmt":"2019-12-04T16:35:11","slug":"divisions-drivers-test-their-skills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/divisions-drivers-test-their-skills\/","title":{"rendered":"Division\u2019s drivers test their skills"},"content":{"rendered":"

For more than a week, Melvin Davis closely studied a map given to him by his supervisor. After all, distribution drivers should be familiar with routes.<\/p>\n

However, this route was not for his regular school-to-school deliveries, but rather a matter of pride. It was a map of the first-ever Truck Road-e-o, a fun event organized by the division\u2019s Distribution Services to test driver expertise and build department camaraderie.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are skills they perform every day driving in and out of our schools,\u201d according to Distribution Services Director Brian Baxter, stating that the 10 competitors had to maneuver their way through a series of challenges–from parallel parking to backing up to looking out for pedestrians.<\/p>\n

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However, the one obstacle that Melvin studied closely for more than a week was the serpentine course.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis one was kind of tricky because it\u2019s kind of tight,\u201d he said. \u201cAs soon as you come out to the left, you have to turn right so you are constantly watching that mirror so that back tire doesn\u2019t hit cones.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was important because hitting cones or trash cans and not using signals were among several errors that resulted in time added to one\u2019s score. Course completion time was the deciding factor for awarding medals.<\/p>\n

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In addition to testing their skills, drivers enjoyed some friendly competition.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to bet on me winning,\u201d Davis stated. \u201cI have concerns about two drivers. They\u2019re veteran drivers so I have to watch out for those two.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the end, they knew that the most important reason for the event was to sharpen skills.<\/p>\n

\u201cSafety is first,\u201d Davis stated. \u201cWhen you are driving, you have to watch for everybody on the road.\u201d<\/p>\n

Congratulations to this year\u2019s medal winners:<\/p>\n