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Grand Canyon Times

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Arizona invites public participation in annual Name-A-Snowplow Contest

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Greg Byres, State Engineer / Deputy Director | Arizona Department of Transportation

Greg Byres, State Engineer / Deputy Director | Arizona Department of Transportation

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced the return of its Name-A-Snowplow Contest for a third consecutive year. This initiative invites residents to propose creative names for six snowplows operating across the state.

According to ADOT, snowplow operators are essential in maintaining clear highways during winter storms, particularly in areas like Flagstaff, the Mogollon Rim, and southeast Arizona. Last winter, these plows covered approximately one million miles.

ADOT Director Jennifer Toth emphasized the importance of this contest: "Our snowplow operators help keep Arizonans safe on the highways when winter storms hit," she said. "This contest is an engaging way to remind the traveling public how to safely drive around snowplows, highlight the work our snowplow operators put in each winter and give a few creative Arizonans bragging rights."

Participants can submit their name suggestions at azdot.gov/NameAPlow until February 3. There is no limit on entries, and participants can include their email addresses for potential contact if their submission wins.

After reviewing all submissions, ADOT will select 12-15 finalists. The public will then vote on these names, with the top six receiving decals on the respective snowplows.

Last year's winners included names such as “Snowbi-Wan Kenobi,” “Fast and Flurryous,” and “Scoopacabra.” Approximately 3,400 names were submitted last year with 9,500 votes cast to determine the winners.

ADOT reminds drivers encountering named snowplows like “Snowbi-Wan Kenobi” to follow safety guidelines: never attempt to pass a snowplow, maintain at least four car-lengths distance behind them, and slow down to provide extra room. Additional winter driving safety tips are available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.