‘Paint the Plow’ safety outreach winners announced

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently announced the District 4 regional winners of the “Paint the Plow” safety outreach contest.

“Paint the Plow” is a statewide initiative that highlights safe winter driving while showcasing the artistic talents of students across Pennsylvania. Students paint snowplow blades with original artwork reflecting a theme selected by PennDOT.

This year, North Pocono High School of Lackawanna County won the “Fan Favorite” award, determined by online voting. The fans decided their plow design best captured the spirit of this year’s theme “Don’t race. Allow some space.”

Members of the public were invited to vote for their favorite plow from eight area high schools that entered in this year’s regional contest. Votes were accepted from Dec. 8 through Dec. 14. North Pocono High School received 664 votes to earn the “Fan Favorite” honor.

The “Judges’ Pick” award was presented to Dunmore High School of Lackawanna County, selected by a panel of PennDOT representatives. Their design stood out for its creativity and connection to the winter safety message. An honorable mention in this category goes to Hazleton Area High School

Throughout the winter season, the student-painted plow blades are put into service on state-owned roadways.

Statewide, more than 78 participated in this year’s Paint the Plow, with nearly 22,107 votes cast in the online “Fan Favorite” competition. Photos of all the plows can be viewed at https://shorturl.at/r9bft.

PennDOT urges motorists to practice caution around snowplows. Always maintain a distance of at least six car lengths behind a plow, avoid driving in blind spots, never attempt to pass or drive between plows operation side by side in a “plow train,” and keep your headlights on to help plow drivers see your vehicle more clearly.