Adjust Driving For Storm Conditions

Highway maintenance crews remind Nova Scotia motorists to plan ahead and be prepared if they intend to drive in the next few days.

"Road safety is always our top priority," said Rodney MacDonald, Acting Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "Our work crews are out there in difficult, often dangerous conditions, clearing the different classes of roads in Nova Scotia. It takes time, especially when we get the amounts of snow that fell overnight and that continues to fall in some areas."

Motorists are urged to think long and hard before driving in poor weather. The department offers the following safety tips.

• If possible, avoid driving during a storm.
• Watch out for black ice.
• Remember that bridge decks freeze before adjacent roadways.
• Leave plenty of time to reach your destination.
• Prepare your vehicle for winter travel: check tires, wipers, washer fluid level, antifreeze and heater/defroster and make sure you have a safety kit.
• Pass only when safe.
• Allow for longer braking distances.
• Stay clear of snowplows.

Mr. MacDonald urges motorists to use the department's Winter Road Report, offered online at www.gov.ns.ca/tran or from a toll-free line at 1-800-307-SNOW (7669). Halifax Regional Municipality callers can dial 424-3933.