Crews Ready for Winter

The province's snow and ice control service has not been reduced and allegations to the contrary are misinformed, said Transportation and Public Works Minister Clifford Huskilson.

"The winter service budget has actually increased by $300,000," said Huskilson.

The department has 400 pieces of equipment dedicated to winter road service and 769 trained winter-equipment operators on the job.

"Ramping up for winter is a big challenge," said the minister. "We've been tuning vehicles and filling salt domes since August to prepare for winter. "My area managers say they're ready."

The minister reminds motorists to adjust their driving for winter conditions.

"Our winter road crews work long hours under stressful and often difficult conditions. They're on the roads when most people wouldn't even think about driving," he said. "When the weather turns bad, our people go to work. It takes time to plow and salt our roads, and I'm asking motorists to play their part in highway safety by respecting weather and road conditions."

Tom Haney, executive director of the Nova Scotia Safety Council, applauded the minister's comments. "I welcome Minister Huskilson's concern and I want to take this opportunity to reinforce his message to Nova Scotia drivers. In winter, drivers need to expect the unexpected."

The Department of Transportation and Public Works clears major highways first during storms and salts them more frequently. But drivers should remember that even the best winter road conditions can be hazardous. Following these tips from Transportation and Public Works and the Nova Scotia Safety Council will help you avoid collisions:

• Keep off the roads in bad storms.
• Road salt takes time to work and is not effective below minus
  10 degrees Celsius.
• Adjust your speed to the conditions. Posted speed limits are
  for ideal conditions. Slow down on wet, slushy, icy or
  snow-covered roads.
• Watch out for ice, especially on bridges, overpasses and in
  shaded areas.
• Beware of "black ice," which can form even when the
  temperature is above zero.
• Follow other vehicles at a safe distance. It can take up to
  12 times farther to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.
• Don't pass other vehicles unless you're sure it's safe.
• Keep your vehicle in top working condition.
• Keep your windows ice- and snow-free.
• Call the Transportation and Public Works Road Report for
  highway conditions, toll-free 1-800-307-7669. In Halifax, call
  424-3933.