Mack Trucks has announced it will hold its annual "Driving Skills Safety Challenge" during WasteExpo 2010 on May 4 and 5 in Atlanta.

The Challenge allows drivers to demonstrate the skills necessary for safely operating refuse and recycling routes, while at the same time competing for prizes.

"Driving a refuse truck in a crowded city or a residential neighborhood takes special skills to do so safely," said Michael Reardon, Mack vice president of marketing.

The Challenge consists of seven events, including pre-trip inspection, turning radius, and reversing accuracy. Show attendees with a valid CDL 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 overall winners for the two-day competition will be announced Thursday, May 6, at 4 p.m., including first-, second-, and third-place winners for the team and individual categories. Mack and event co-sponsors Allison Transmission, Bridgestone and Michelin will give away more than $15,000 in prizes. In addition to trophies, prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers. All contestants will receive a Mack hat, money clip and duffel bag.

More info: www.macktrucks.com