Michigan students promote winter and road safety with their imaginative and colorful Paint the Plow project designs

LANSING, Mich. - Students from schools and educational organizations across Michigan unveiled their inspiring and colorful artwork as part of the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) annual Paint the Plow project. This initiative invites students to paint snowplow blades with designs that promote safe driving and raise awareness for snowplow operators who help keep Michigan's roads clear during the harsh winter months.

This year’s designs feature the safety message, "Give plows space; it’s not a race." The theme urges drivers to slow down, stay alert and give snowplows plenty of room to work safely. Each design showcases the artistic talents and hard work of Michigan students and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safe driving and the state’s commitment to achieving zero deaths on our 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 helped coordinate plow blade drop off and pick up for Bay Region the last two seasons and always looks forward to seeing the students creativity on display.

Participating schools and organizations include:

• Bay Region's Heritage High School
• Bay Region’s Bay City Boys and Girls Club
• North Region’s Bear Lake High School

The painted plow blades will be visible along various state trunklines in Michigan through the winter, serving as both functional maintenance vehicles and striking reminders of the importance of safe driving practices. Beginning in late autumn, MDOT snowplow names and locations will be accessible on Mi Drive, the department’s construction and traffic information website. Mi Drive also allows motorists to view traffic cameras and speeds, locate incidents, and search for construction projects throughout Michigan. To locate MDOT plows in action, select the plow layer on Mi Drive. A list of complete snowplow names is available on the MDOT website.

Paint the Plow applications and theme for the 2026-27 season will be available beginning in March 2026. Applications require a draft of the intended design and commitment from the school to complete the plow blade before the winter season. Applications are open to all Michigan middle and high schools, as well as educational organizations.  

As winter approaches, MDOT reminds all Michigan drivers to stay safe by following these essential winter driving tips:

• Adjust your speed: Always drive for conditions. Snow and ice may require slower speeds and an increase in following distances to allow for safe stopping.
• Stay alert: Always check the weather forecast and Mi Drive (Michigan.gov/Drive) before traveling.
• Prepare your vehicle: Keep your vehicle well maintained and stock it with supplies like an emergency kit and necessary fluids. Check out the Michigan State Police's Winter Driving page for more tips.
• Respect snowplows: Give snowplows room to work safely. Michigan law now requires individuals to keep at least a 200-foot distance between their vehicle and a snowplow.

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

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.