Great Lakes Wire

Students from schools and educational organizations across Michigan have revealed their artwork for the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) annual Paint the Plow project. The initiative encourages students to decorate snowplow blades with designs that highlight safe driving and bring attention to the work of snowplow operators during winter.

This year, the featured safety message is "Give plows space; it’s not a race." The theme emphasizes the need for drivers to slow down, remain attentive, and allow snowplows enough room to operate safely. Each design demonstrates the creativity and effort of Michigan students while reminding motorists about safe driving and supporting MDOT’s goal of zero fatalities on state roads.

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

Westendorf has been responsible for coordinating plow blade drop off and pick up in Bay Region for two seasons and enjoys seeing student creativity each year.

Participating groups this season include Heritage High School and Bay City Boys and Girls Club from Bay Region, as well as Bear Lake High School from North Region.

The painted plows will be visible along various state trunklines throughout winter, serving both as maintenance vehicles and reminders about road safety. Starting in late autumn, information about MDOT snowplow names and locations will be available on Mi Drive, MDOT’s construction and traffic information website. Mi Drive also provides access to traffic cameras, speeds, incident locations, and construction project searches across Michigan. Motorists can track active plows by selecting the plow layer on Mi Drive or view a full list of snowplow names on MDOT’s website.

Applications for next season’s Paint the Plow program will open in March 2026. Interested middle schools, high schools, or educational organizations must submit a draft design and commit to finishing their plow blade before winter.

MDOT also reminds drivers of several key winter safety tips: adjust speed according to conditions; stay alert by checking weather forecasts and using resources like Mi Drive; keep vehicles maintained with emergency supplies; follow additional advice from the Michigan State Police's Winter Driving page; and maintain at least 200 feet between vehicles and snowplows as required by law.

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

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 show off their artistic design for MDOT’s 2025-2026 Paint the Plow program.

Bear Lake High School art students show off their artistic design for MDOT’s 2025-2026 Paint the Plow program.