Dakota News Now: SDDOT drivers put their skills to the test at ‘Roadeo’

South Dakota Department of Transportation employees competed in hands-on competitions during the Snowfighter Roadeo, mirroring tasks they perform on the job.

“Kind of a good way, we’re kind of moving in that winter season, a good way to get our drivers back in that mode,” said Craig Smith, SDDOT director of operations.

The competition included experienced drivers as well as employees newer to operating snowplows.

“The best way to learn is hands-on. And so we’ve got some, a lot of experienced drivers, a lot of new drivers too. So kind of getting people back in that winter mode, getting them in the truck, seeing how some of that equipment operates,” Smith said.

Crews said staying safe during winter isn’t just up to the people operating the plows. Drivers need to remember that snowplows can move much slower than traffic, and following too closely can lead to crashes.

“That plow is going to be going a lot slower than traffic for the most part. And unfortunately, we do see quite a few of those rear-end crashes in the wintertime,” Smith said.

From inside the plow, visibility can be limited.

“If we can’t see you in our mirrors, or if you can’t see our mirrors, we can’t see you behind us and stuff like that,” said Brady Schmidt, SDDOT road maintenance tech.

Crews are asking drivers to slow down, give them plenty of space and move over when possible.

“We don’t like fast drivers going by us. We want to be safe. We want to go home to our families and stuff, just like everybody else does,” Schmidt said.

As winter approaches, the SDDOT said drivers should plan ahead, check road conditions and know what to expect before heading out.

The competition in Sioux Falls ended the day it was held, but the skills crews learned and practiced will be put to work throughout the winter season.

The Mitchell region will host its Snowfighter Roadeo Sept. 23–24. The Rapid City DOT Complex will host the next two competitions: Rapid City on Sept. 29–30, and Pierre on Sept. 30–Oct. 1. The top five drivers from each region will advance to the statewide competition in Pierre.

View the news clip here: https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2026/09/25/sd-dot-puts-their-skills-test-roadeo/