ADOT’s Name-A-Snowplow Contest finalists revealed

PHOENIX – Six of the Arizona Department of Transportation’s snowplows will soon be named.

Beginning today, the public can go to azdot.gov/NameAPlow to vote for their favorite names as part of ADOT’s third Name-A-Snowplow contest. More than 2,100 entries were received in January and whittled down to 15 finalists. The six names that receive the most votes will be crowned the winners and placed on the driver’s side of snowplow cabs. Voting is open through Feb. 25. 

The 15 finalists are:

• Darth Blader
• Scoop Dog
• Blizzard of Oz
• Plowasaurus Rex
• Sled Zeppelin
• Snowbacca 
• Snowmater
• Jon Bon Snowvie
• Plow Patrol
• Sleetwood Mac
• Scoopy-Doo
• Han Snowlo
• Plowzilla
• Plower Ranger
• CTRL + SALT + DELETE

“Safety is our priority, and it’s exciting to see so many Arizonans participating in this contest,” ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said. “It’s a fun way to bring awareness to the important work our snowplow operators do to keep drivers safe and the highways open during snowstorms. We’re all looking forward to seeing this year’s creative, winning names!”

The top vote getters will be placed on ADOT snowplows at the Flagstaff, Williams, Payson and Globe maintenance yards.

They will join the six snowplows named in previous Name-A-Snowplow Contests. Last year, Arizonans helped name three snowplows located at the Mesa Maintenance Yard, and the winning names were Snowbi-Wan Kenobi, Fast and Flurryous and Scoopacabra. In the first contest, three plows were named Alice Scooper, Snowguaro and Frost Responder. 

ADOT has about 200 snowplows statewide.

Before and during winter storms, snowplow operators work around the clock to treat and clear highways of ice and snow. Remember, if you encounter a snowplow on a highway: 

• Never attempt to pass the snowplow. 
• Stay at least four car-lengths behind snowplows and do not tailgate the plow.
• Slow down and give the plow extra room. 

Find more winter driving safety tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.