Mack Driving Skills Safety Challenge set for May 1-2 at Waste Expo

The Mack Driving Skills Safety Challenge is scheduled for May 1 and 2 at Waste Expo 2012 in Las Vegas. The Challenge allows drivers to demonstrate the skills necessary for safely operating refuse and recycling routes, while at the same time competing for prizes.

The Mack Driving Skills Challenge consists of seven events, including pre-trip inspection, turning radius and reversing accuracy. The event is open to show attendees with a valid CDL. Mack is co-sponsoring the event with Allison Transmission, Bridgestone and Michelin.

Competitors will demonstrate their skills by driving through a closed course in a Mack TerraPro model to emulate real-world operations.  Scoring will be based on safety, accuracy and following safety procedures. Specific scoring rules will be provided at the event.

The competition will be conducted 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 2. The Driving Skills Challenge will be in the Silver Lot No. 4 outside the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The overall winners will be announced at 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 2, including first-, second-, and third-place winners for the team and individual categories. Winners will be announced at the EREF Auction. In addition to trophies, prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers, including gift cards to the Mack Shop. All contestants will receive a Mack ceramic travel mug, as well as gifts from Allison Transmission, Bridgestone and Michelin.

“Driving a refuse truck takes special skills to safely negotiate city traffic and residential neighborhoods,” said John Walsh, Mack vice president of marketing, in a press release. “The Mack TerraPro model is designed specifically for safety, maneuverability and durability, but the most critical safety component is the driver. Mack is pleased to again be sponsoring the Driving Skills Safety Challenge at Waste Expo.”