Photo by Scott McCloskey Dozens of Ohio County School bus drivers compete in the county’s annual School Bus Safety “Road-e-o” in the parking lot of Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack Wednesday.

Dozens of Ohio County School bus drivers had a chance to test various driving skills Wednesday during the OCS Transportation Department’s annual School Bus Safety “Road-e-o” in the parking lot of Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack.

Randy McCardle, coordinator of vehicle maintenance for OCS, said the event is a way for bus drivers to sharpen their driving skills while establishing a camaraderie among the group at the challenging event. He said the state requires a certain amount of in-service training each year for school bus drivers, and the rodeo provides that additional training.

He said the various maneuvers and obstacles set up on the challenging course simulate situations that the drivers might face during their day-to-day routes throughout the school year.

“They’re in bus turn-arounds everyday. … They get into some tight areas,” McCardle explained. Additionally, he said the rodeo can provide a way for transportation department officials to address maneuvers that may need additional attention within the department. “It also builds teamwork between the drivers. They get out here and get to talk to each other,” he added.

Some of the rodeo stations set-up across a large parking lot addressed backing and centering skills and driving through a serpentine style course without hitting stratigically placed cones. He said some of the maneuvers came down to parking between just inches on each side of the bus.

According to the West Virginia Association for Pupil Transportation, the School Bus Safety Road-e-o is an important part of the West Virginia Department of Education Policy, as it provides in-service training and skill development in an environment in which drivers can practice skills, win prizes, have fun and engage with fellow transportaion family members.

McCardle said 32 drivers were signed up for this year’s event and the individuals with the three best (lowest) scores will receive a monetary prize from Methany Motor Company of Parkersburg and will have the option to compete in the West Virginia Bus Safety Road-e-o scheduled for June 18-19 in Jefferson County, West Virginia.

“We really appreciate Wheeling Downs allowing us to use their facility,” he added.