Snow plow ‘roadeo’ prepares drivers for winter weather
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AURORA — Snow plow drivers from the City of Aurora showed up at the City’s Public Safety Training Center early Wednesday morning, each itching to jump into snow removal equipment.
There wasn’t a single flake of snow on the ground and the forecast projected 90-degree weather later that afternoon. The drivers weren’t there to plow snow; they were there to compete in the annual Snow Plow Roadeo.
City of Aurora hosts the Snow Plow Roadeo every year, inviting snow plow drivers from multiple municipal departments, including Public Works, Water and Parks and Recreation and Open Spaces, to compete in a course meant to test the drivers’ skills.
Video: Chase McCleary, Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
The obstacles — made up of orange cones and two-by-fours — emulated cul-de-sacs, tight alleyways and other cars so drivers can learn how to maneuver between the potential real-life hurdles.
Drivers are encouraged to get through the obstacles safely and efficiently while fellow employees, acting as judges, score the competitors.
“These trucks, man you have to be experienced to drive them — they sit high, they’re very heavy, you got a big plow in front,” said Andray Thomas, a judge at the event.
Mark Tamburro, street operations manager for the City of Aurora, said that two days leading up to the competition, employees take training courses so they’re prepared to operate the vehicles after the summer months.
Unpredictability of snow storms make snow plow drivers an essential part of the city’s everyday function in the winter months. During a major storm, the city may plow up to 1,500 lane miles of roadway.
Because of this, the event takes place just before potential snow storms hit, prepping drivers for the season ahead.
Because of this, the event takes place just before potential snow storms hit, prepping drivers for the season ahead.
“This ‘Roadeo’ showcases the skills and the maneuverability of the plow and the equipment,” Tamburro said. “You get to learn the parameters of your equipment and all those things together help when you’re actually out there plowing snow.”
Winners from the event will represent the city at the Regional Snow Roadeo in Loveland later this month, where they will compete with drivers from other western states.
Type of story: News
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. To read more about why you can trust the journalism of Rocky Mountain PBS, please visit our editorial standards and practices page.
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. To read more about why you can trust the journalism of Rocky Mountain PBS, please visit our editorial standards and practices page.