Student teams from Knoch High School, Moniteau High School and the Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School painted snow plows that cleared state roads in the region for an annual state Department of Transportation contest.

Paint the Plow, a statewide outreach initiative that promotes winter driving safety, asked the public to award a “fan favorite” after receiving submissions from area schools.

Keystone High School of Clarion County won the “Fan Favorite” award, which was determined by online voting, according to a news release from PennDOT.

Students painted a plow blade with an original design based on a provided theme, which was “Seat belts are always in season,” PennDOT said.

The submission from Butler Area Vo-Tech. Submitted photo

Knoch High School’s contest submission. Submitted photo

The entry from Moniteau High School in the contest. Submitted photo

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  The submission from Butler Area Vo-Tech. Submitted photo
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  Knoch High School’s contest submission. Submitted photo
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  The entry from Moniteau High School in the contest. Submitted photo

The project, which aims to foster appreciation for high school art programs and student creativity, also promotes Winter Driving Awareness Week from Jan. 21 through Jan. 27.

This week serves as a reminder to motorists to practice safe habits behind the wheel, and especially during inclement weather.

PennDOT advises drivers to stay in during snow events unless it's necessary to be out, but when traveling people are advised to use low beams in snowy weather, keep the gas tank at least half full, reduce speed, remove accumulated ice or snow from vehicles and increase the following distance between vehicles.