Idaho Students Participate in Statewide Snowplow Naming Contest

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has launched its annual "Name a Snowplow" contest for 6th to 12th-grade classrooms across the state, inviting students to submit creative names for snowplows in each of ITD's six regions. The contest, running throughout October, aims to educate students on winter driving safety and allows ITD employees to vote on submissions, with two winners chosen per region. Winning names will be displayed on snowplows, and the corresponding classrooms will receive visits from the snowplow and its driver for winter safety presentations. This initiative also encourages motorists to be patient around snowplows and supports teaching winter driving safety, especially for students soon entering driver's education. A similar contest is held in Boulder, Colorado, where students from pre-K to 12th grade can name 17 city snowplows, with winning names selected by city staff and highlighted in a naming ceremony. Both contests have been praised for engaging youth in local government and safety awareness through a fun, educational approach.