Alaska Truckers Association challenge of safety.

• Author: Cutler, Debbie
• Position: From the Editor

On May 16, KTUU Anchorwoman Megan Baldino and I competed against each other at the Alaska Trucking Association s 10th Annual Truck Driving Championship and Spit 'n Shine Contest at Change Point Church in Anchorage in the first ever Media Challenge.

We had to drive a HUGE truck (single-unit, two axles, six tires) and hit markers, straddle a line of tennis balls, and stop within inches of a strip of tape on the ground. It was no easy task and "terrified" was a word to describe how I felt as I got behind the wheel of a vehicle bigger than I ever fathomed of driving. But that was not what this event was really all about.

We got a lot of laughs out of our inability to handle a truck like the pros, but others there had exceptional road skills and proved it to an audience of about 100, including about 40 drivers, 20 volunteers and a multitude of family members. There was a free barbecue and plenty of sunshine to go around.

In this event, which started at 9 a.m. and ended at 4 p.m., there were six categories of safety. The event "tests ATA's best drivers in a skills course, written knowledge test and pre-trip inspections," according to a release put out by Bruce Pozzi Public Relations. "Winners advance to the National Championships. In 2007, an Anchorage FedEx driver won a national championship."

An ATA press release states, "We strive to enhance the industry's image, efficiency and competitiveness while promoting highway safety and environmental responsibility."

I won the Media Challenge and received an iceberg plaque with "winner" embedded in the ice. Megan received a "loser" plaque of the same design. We both were treated to ATA T-shirts and hats. But never did we forget the real reason we were there.

"This is to show our drivers are the best," said Aves Thompson, executive director of ATA. "They compete against each other to demonstrate their skills and also to...