Capitol News

Students from several Michigan schools have taken part in the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) annual Paint the Plow project, creating artwork for snowplow blades to promote winter road safety. The initiative involves painting plow blades with designs that encourage safe driving and highlight the work of snowplow operators during winter.

This year’s theme is "Give plows space; it’s not a race," which asks drivers to slow down, stay alert, and give snowplows enough room to operate safely. The painted blades serve as reminders about safe driving and support MDOT's goal of reducing traffic fatalities.

"It's great that the students are helping us get the word out on the importance of giving us room to work,” said Adam Westendorf, an MDOT Transportation Maintenance Worker. “I think it's good that they're involved with getting these important safety messages out in a fun way."

Westendorf has coordinated plow blade drop off and pick up for Bay Region over the last two seasons and appreciates seeing student creativity each year.

Participating organizations this season include Heritage High School, Bay City Boys and Girls Club, and Bear Lake High School. Their painted snowplow blades will be visible on state trunklines throughout Michigan during winter.

Beginning in late autumn, information about MDOT snowplows—including names and locations—will be available on Mi Drive, MDOT's online construction and traffic information resource. Mi Drive also provides access to traffic cameras, speed data, incident reports, and construction project searches across Michigan. Motorists can use the site’s plow layer feature to track active snowplows. A complete list of snowplow names is posted on the MDOT website.

Applications for Paint the Plow’s 2026-27 season will open in March 2026. Schools or educational organizations wishing to participate must submit a draft design and commit to completing their plow blade before winter begins. The program is open to all middle and high schools as well as educational organizations across Michigan.

MDOT reminds drivers to prepare for winter by adjusting speeds according to conditions, staying alert by checking weather forecasts and Mi Drive before traveling, keeping vehicles maintained with emergency supplies on hand, and respecting new state laws requiring at least 200 feet between vehicles and snowplows.

"Safe roads start with all of us! Drive smart, give plows space and let’s make this winter a safe one for Michigan," MDOT advises.

Heritage High School art students show off their artistic design for MDOT’s 2025-2026 Paint the Plow program. The Bay City Boys and Girls Club also participated alongside Bear Lake High School art students.