(Newington, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Transportation is thrilled to announce this year’s “Snowplow Naming Contest.” Schools across Connecticut will be able to submit their best and most creative names for four snowplows, which represent the four CTDOT maintenance districts in Connecticut. Winning schools will have their snowplow names featured on the side of a CTDOT tandem axle Tow Plow that operates on our state roads clearing the ice and snow during inclement weather.
Connecticut K-12 schools will have until December 15, 2023, to submit their most creative snowplow name. In January, CTDOT will reveal the winning names.
“Our snowplows, including previous winners Buzz Iceclear, Husky McSalty, Plowzilla, and Scoop Dogg keep our highways and roads clear for safe passage during winter events,” Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. “So, while the snowplows are out, we want to ensure people are aware of the snowplow safety guidelines to help keep travelers and our snowplow drivers safe. The Snowplow Naming Contest is a memorable way to connect our youth to snowplow safety and the work of CTDOT.”
“This creative opportunity not only engages our students in a fun and educational activity but also reinforces the importance of snowplow safety, making our roads safer during winter events,” Connecticut State Department of Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker said. "I encourage all districts to participate and look forward to seeing the winning names proudly displayed on CTDOT's snowplows this winter."
December through February marks our busiest time of the year with snow activities. During snow and ice events, we encourage drivers to delay their travel if they can until the roads are clear. However, if they must drive, please follow these guidelines for driving in winter weather:
- Check CTroads.org before you leave for real-time travel conditions and receive traffic alerts around the state that are customized for your specific route.
- Slow down. Increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface.
- Don’t crowd a snowplow or travel beside the truck. Snowplows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay at least 300 feet behind it during a snowstorm.
- Watch for black ice. Black ice, a thin and nearly invisible layer of ice that makes the road look wet, is another reason to slow down this winter. Stay alert for black ice on bridges, ramps, and overpasses, after sudden temperature drops and in shaded areas.
Connecticut schools can submit an original and creative snowplow name here: Snowplow Naming Contest. All names from schools must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on December 15, 2023. The complete set of Rules and Regulations can be found here: Snowplow Naming Contest Rules (ct.gov).
###