Twenty-two drivers showed off their skills behind the wheel of some large plows at the annual Simcoe County Safety and Truck Roadeo.
The event, at the City of Barrie Operations Centre on Ferndale Drive North, features drivers representing municipalities from across Simcoe County.
There are six obstacles to drive through, a written test and a safety check test.
The trucks have a plow and a wing.
"They have to find five defects on the trucks that the mechanics take off. Then they do the drive through - serpentiine, table top, keyhole, right turn, back up alley and diminishing lane," explains Alan Barker, Roadeo Master with Association of Road Supervisors.
Barker and his team set up the courses for the local competitions.
The first and second place contestants today then compete at the provincials next week in Cornwall on Sept.10.
Then they'll be up against 40 drivers.
"The big title is bragging rights and the title of 'Mr. Plow' and they get a trophy to keep at their municipality for a year," said Barker.
The speed limit while driving is 40 km/h an hour for sanding or salting and no faster than 60 km/h if plowing in an open area.
It takes lots of 'seat time' or experience to become a skilled driver, Barker says.
And then there's the weather that helps hone skills.
"Lots of snow," Barker jokes.
"Be very cautious, well rested and patience,' adding that patience goes for motorists too.
