MDOT makes call for student artists

Paint the Plow program is open to all high schools across state

School districts looking to get kids involved in a largescale project that challenges their creativity are asked to check out a program offered by the Michigan Department of Transportation.

MDOT is accepting applications for the 2024-25 Paint the Plow program.

It offers an opportunity for MDOT to partner with area schools, using students’ creativity to communicate safe winter driving practices for all Michigan residents.

The Paint the Plow program is open to all Michigan high schools, including technical and vocational programs. Students are invited to submit a creative and original design, reflecting their individual school, while promoting a selected safety theme.

This year’s safety theme is “Go hands-free. Just drive. It’s the law.”

According to MDOT, the safety theme serves as a reminder to motorists that new legislation has made it illegal to hold and use an electronic device while driving in Michigan.

Despite the fact the legislation has been in place since June 2023, research shows drivers across the state continue to engage in unsafe driving practices using electronic devices.

Communicating the importance of this message on MDOT plow blades tasked with clearing roads of ice and snow through the winter will serve as an additional reminder of the responsibility all drivers are asked to take when operating their vehicle.

MDOT will accept Paint the Plow design applications through Friday, May 17.

Selected schools will be notified before the end of the 2024 school year and arrangements will be made for the delivery of their plow blade in the fall.

Depending on location through the state, schools will have approximately six weeks to complete their design before MDOT staff return for the completed plow blade in time to ready trucks for the winter maintenance season.

Painted plow blades will be visible in various parts of the state through the winter.

Interested schools can visit Michigan.gov/PaintThePlow for more information for more information, and to submit their design.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MDOT Ovid-Elsie High School honors art students completed a design for the 2023-2024pilot season of MDOT’s Paint the Plow program. It incorporated the safety message, “Don’t rush in ice and slush.”