Grand Canyon Times

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced the results of its third Name-A-Snowplow Contest. After counting over 14,000 votes, six snowplows have been given new names: CTRL + SALT + DELETE, Blizzard of Oz, Scoop Dog, Darth Blader, Plowasaurus Rex, and Sleetwood Mac. These names were chosen from a group of 15 finalists.

The named snowplows are stationed at various maintenance yards in Arizona's high country. Darth Blader and CTRL + SALT + DELETE will be located in Flagstaff; Blizzard of Oz and Sleetwood Mac will operate near Williams; Scoop Dog is assigned to Payson along State Route 87 and State Route 260; and Plowasaurus Rex will patrol highways near Globe.

This contest aims to raise awareness about the essential work performed by ADOT snowplow operators during winter storms to ensure highway safety. ADOT maintains a fleet of 200 snowplows with 400 operators working tirelessly to keep roads clear when winter weather strikes.

ADOT advises drivers to exercise caution around snowplows: never attempt to pass them, maintain a distance of at least four car-lengths behind the equipment, and slow down to provide extra room for the plow.

During January's first phase of the contest, approximately 2,100 name suggestions were submitted. The list was narrowed down to 15 finalists for public voting. Among these winners, "Scoop Dog" received the most entries with 46 submissions.

These newly named snowplows join previous contest winners such as Snowbi-Wan Kenobi and Fast and Flurryous. Although primarily used during winter months for clearing ice and snow from highways, ADOT’s snowplows are also employed throughout the year on other highway projects once their blades are removed.

More information on winter driving safety can be found at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.