Macomb County partners with Richards Middle School to paint the plow

Department of Roads snowplow gets fresh paint and a splash of sunshine

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. - Salt is stocked, equipment and crews are ready, and when snow falls in Macomb County, the Department of Roads (MCDR) will be clearing the roads with a freshly painted snowplow, known as Think Sunny Thoughts. As part of the agency's annual Paint the Plow program, MCDR partnered with Fraser Public Schools to paint one of the department's snowplows with the hopes of brightening the spirit of the motoring public during the winter months.

Art students from Richards Middle School submitted designs to paint the plow in the fall. The winning artwork, designed by seventh grade student Ruby Magnotte, was voted on by Macomb County and MCDR staff. The snowplow was unveiled by Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, MCDR director Bryan Santo, principal Huston Julian, art teacher Amanda Gottardo and students from Richards Middle School.

"As Macomb County braces for frigid weather, Department of Roads crews are prepared to keep the roads clear of ice and snow to ensure that motorists are as safe as possible this winter," said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. "Thanks to the creativity of students at Richards Middle School, one of our snowplows will be brightening our roadways and making the coldest days feel a little warmer this winter."

To keep the fleet on the road and up to date with technology and equipment, MCDR purchased several tandem axle trucks that will be delivered to Macomb County's service centers in Washington Township, New Haven, Clinton Township and Shelby Township. MCDR has more than 100 snowplows, salt trucks and graders in its fleet and more than 100 maintenance employees that are dedicated to keeping the roads clear. This is the fourth plow that has been painted as part of MCDR's Paint the Plow program.

"Road safety and winter readiness are top priorities for our department, and we work relentlessly to ensure our snow and ice removal operations maintain a drivable road system for all Macomb County motorists," said MCDR director Bryan Santo. "The Paint the Plow program serves as a friendly reminder to the motoring public to drive safe and steer clear of snowplows during winter weather. We look forward to putting the freshly painted snowplow to work this winter."

Previously, MCDR has partnered with Switzer Elementary School, Collins Elementary Schooland Anchor Bay High Schoolto paint county plows, which all remain in service today. Residents can catch a glimpse of all the painted snowplows patrolling Macomb County this winter.

"We are very proud of each of our students for their paint the plow submissions," said Richards Middle School principal Huston Julian. "Ruby's design embodies the essence of Richards Middle School virtues of having an encouraging mindset as the return of the spring and summer seasons always brings smiles and positivity around Michigan and our County."

Schools and teachers that are interested in participating in MCDR's annual paint the plow program can contact the Department of Roads at 586-463-8671 or [email protected]for additional information.

"I am incredibly grateful that our students had the opportunity to participate in this year's paint the plow competition. When we think of winter, many of us dream of summer and that was exactly the inspiration behind Ruby's artwork," said Richards Middle School art teacher Amanda Gottardo. "As an art teacher, I always want the very best for my students. Art allows young people to express who they are, feel welcome and discover their unique voices. Opportunities like this help them experience new things, build confidence and continue to grow as artists."

Photos and video of the snowplow painted by Richards Middle School students are available online.

Rules of the road around snowplows

Drivers should remain a safe distance behind any active snowplow. To help protect snowplow drivers and motorists and reduce winter crashes, Michigan law, Public Act 72 of 2024, makes it a civil infraction to drive closer than 200 feet behind a snowplow that is actively salting, sanding or operating to remove snow and ice. The required distance behind a plow is 20 feet when the plow is stopped at or in an intersection. Drivers following a snowplow too closely could face a $100 ticket. For more information about snowplow safety and Michigan's snowplow laws, visit michigan.gov.

Drive slow on ice and snow

While MCDR works on maintaining Macomb County's roads, the agency is also urging the public to help keep the roads, fellow motorists and snowplow drivers safe during winter operations. Many winter driving crashes are caused by drivers going too fast or not driving accordingly for roadway conditions. Follow these tips to stay safe on winter roads.

• Buckle up
• Drive with caution
• Slow down and allow more room between you and vehicle ahead of you
• Accelerate and brake smoothly and gradually
• Avoid distractions
• Allow extra time to reach your destination
• Don't crowd the plow

To stay up to date of what's happening on Macomb County's roadways this winter, the public can sign up for real-time winter operations and traffic updates online at macombgov.org/roads.