What's Yellow and Weighs 17 Tons?

Several thousand elementary school students in Nova Scotia are getting an up-close-and-personal look at 17-ton snowplows today, courtesy of the fifth annual Winter Safety Day promotion.

Weather permitting, Transportation and Public Works snowplow operators will visit 80 schools across the province. The real treat, though, is that crews are also taking their bright yellow rigs or salt trucks to the schools to reinforce the need for safe practices along roads and highways.

"We're amazed at the interest coming from the schools again this year," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "When it comes to making sure safety messages get across to our children, there's no better way than to let them see some of this massive equipment up close, in a non-threatening environment. We've had so many inquiries that, weather permitting, we've had to schedule visits throughout the week."

Paul Dugas, operations supervisor in Saulnierville, Digby Co., is one of many plow operators who'll share stories and safety lessons. Mr. Dugas is attending presentations at schools in Church Point, Corberrie and Saulnierville, all in Digby County, and in Dartmouth and Halifax.

"It's a privilege to work closely with the youngsters," said Mr. Dugas. "And I think the schools are to be commended for inviting us to work with their students. This kind of hands-on display works wonders," he said.

Louise Poulin, principal at École Bois-Joli in Dartmouth, said her school was attracted to the safety promotion because it involved the children in a very dramatic way.

"We'll have about 300 students from primary to Grade 3 take part in this event," she said. "We know younger children are attracted to snowbanks and forts, but we want them to know how to avoid potentially dangerous situations. This event is a first for us, and we're excited to be taking part."

Each participating school will also receive a supply of How Big Is That Snowplow? colouring books and a Winter Safety Day certificate signed by Mr. Russell. Safety messages in the colouring books include:

• don't slide or walk on snowbanks close to the road
• don't make tunnels or snow forts in snowbanks near the road
• do stay well back from big plows and trucks, even if they're not moving
• do dress properly for winter weather

"We know the kids go home at the end of the day excited about these visits," said the minister. "It also creates an opportunity for parents to follow up and reinforce what their children have learned at school."