Earlier this winter MnDOT asked for suggestions for names to give eight of the snowplows in their fleet, and much to their surprise and amazement, Minnesotans submitted nearly 24,000 ideas. That massive list has been pared down to the final 50, and now it's time to vote.

I think Minnesota got the idea from Scotland, which names all of its plows -- with Minnesota dipping its toe in the pool by committing to name eight. I'll be surprised if that number doesn't grow again next year.

Some of the names given to Scotland's snow plows in include Buzz IceClear, Sweet Child O-Brine, Creedence Clear-Road Revival, Megameltasaurus, Salt Disney, For Your Ice Only, and License to Chill.

In Minnesota's big 2021 vote you can select up to eight favorites from contenders like Blizzard of Oz, Darth Blader, Flake Superior, Plow Bunyan, and Edward Blizzardhands.

My personal favorite: Duck Duck Orange Truck.

Voting will be open through next Friday, February 26th. Then MnDOT will choose announce the winners, one for each of their eight MnDOT districts.

MnDOT Snowplow Safety

Snowplows are all over the place during the winter in Minnesota, keeping the roads clear and treated for our traveling pleasure.

Snowplows travel much slower than the posted speeds because it is most effective for clearing roads. The driver’s field of vision is severely restricted behind the truck, and the driver must rely on mirrors to see to the rear and side of the truck. Remember to:

 

 

  • Be patient, and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.
  • Stay back at least 10 car lengths between your vehicle and a plow.
  • Stay alert for snowplows that turn or exit frequently and often with little warning. They also may travel over centerlines or partially in traffic to further improve road conditions.
  • Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions. Snowplows typically move at slower speeds.

Be patient with the snowplows and drive according to road conditions. Heavy traffic congestion affects snowplowing operations, so if you're stuck in traffic, so are the snowplows.

Advice from Minnesotans to Southerners Experiencing Winter

 

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