Snowfighter ‘Roadeo’ competition prepares DOT plow drivers for winter

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - A special kind of rodeo has been taking place throughout the state.

It’s now October in South Dakota. In a typical year, we know that it’s not out of the realm of reason to expect snow.

“Winter is not too far away, unfortunately,” said DOT Director of Operations Craig Smith.

For more than 25 years, the orange cones get set up around this time of year and the snow plows are brought out for an event that is one-third competition, one-third education and one-third reunion for snow plow drivers statewide.

“This is called our Snowfighter Truck Rodeo,” said Smith.

You may not realize it, but driving a plow isn’t just getting behind the wheel and driving in whatever direction you need to go. South Dakota highways are twisty, they’ve got curves. Add in ice, snow, wind and low visibilities and it’s a challenge.

“This is my 12th rodeo with the DOT and yeah, been to quite a few of them,” said Highway Maintenance Supervisor Dave Jennings.

This most definitely isn’t Jennings’s first rodeo. He told Dakota News Now he likes the challenge the event provides.

“Just kind of helps us be better at what we do,” said Jennings.

Ideally, plow drivers can complete the course in under eight minutes. Jennings said it doesn’t always work out that way, but it’s not so much about time as it is about doing the job safely.

“It’s a good chance for everybody to get together and kind of share some of their ideas, bounce different things off of each other,” said Jennings.

The rodeo competition season doesn’t end in Sioux Falls. Next week, the top plow drivers will meet and compete in Pierre, and it’s not just bragging rights that are on the line.

“The three top finishers in Pierre, like any good rodeo, they get a belt buckle,” said Smith.

Jennings said the best-case scenario for this winter is that there’s no measurable snowfall, but of course, you can’t count on that.