FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2019
MDTA CREWS SHOWCASE SNOW-FIGHTING
AND EMERGENCY SKILLS AT NINTH ANNUAL TRUCK ROADEO
Operators Show They’re Ready to Roll for 24/7 Mission
Truck drivers and mechanics from the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will hone their skills today at the ninth annual Truck Roadeo training exercise in Perryville. This training exercise prepares vehicle operators and mechanics for emergency incidents faced 24/7 on Maryland roadways, including the all-important battle against the winter elements. The agency’s top two winners will advance to the national training event, the American Public Works Association (APWA) Western Snow & Ice Conference and Roadeo, in September.
“The Truck Roadeo gives MDTA operations personnel an opportunity to participate in a team building event, while at the same time ensuring safe, effective and efficient operations and top-notch service for our customers,” said MDTA Executive Director Jim Ports.
The training is designed to test skills and abilities of vehicle operators, as well as their knowledge of laws, procedures, equipment safety and maintenance. The Truck Roadeo includes a series of obstacle courses for MDTA plow drivers that challenge their skills in backing up, maneuvering in tight spaces and accurately plowing on outside and inside curves or near vehicles.
MDTA tow truck drivers and Vehicle Recovery Technicians (VRTs) compete in challenges that include vehicle hook-up/towing and tire changing – two skills that are important for removing stuck or disabled vehicles from roads throughout the year. In addition, mechanics will undergo a challenge involving hands-on diagnostics of a vehicle that has been disabled, to test their knowledge and skill.
Sixteen plow drivers, 10 mechanics and 10 tow truck drivers will compete in today’s event, representing all MDTA’s toll facilities. During a snowstorm, MDTA has approximately 380 personnel on hand, including office staff, mechanics and operators, with about 520 pieces of heavy equipment including dump trucks, loaders and snow blowers.
To sign up for email/text alerts or view real-time traffic camera images on MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov. For real-time updates on major incidents follow MDTA on Twitter at twitter.com/TheMDTA. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheMDTA.