Still A Need for Cautious Winter Driving

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Still A Need for Cautious Winter Driving

The following feature is part of a series of stories from the Department of Transportation and Public Works.

Although spring is around the corner, Nova Scotia is still being bombarded by snow, ice and cold temperatures. Safe winter driving is still necessary. There are many things motorists can do to help ensure they reach their destinations. One of the most important is to have common sense to know when to slow down.

"I've often seen people going way too fast for the road and weather conditions," said Monique Howell, a resident of North Sydney who travels to Halifax regularly. "I think some drivers expect that having winter tires means they can drive like they're on summer roads. People need to slow down when the weather is bad."

Driver attitude and attentiveness are also important components of safe winter driving. Driver fatigue and stress can be obstacles to safe driving at any time of the year, but are bigger concerns during the winter when complete alertness is essential.

In addition to slowing down and being attentive, the Department of Transportation and Public Works offers these safety tips to help drivers prepare before heading out on the road: -- if possible, avoid driving during a storm -- check vehicle fluid levels, and replace or repair any faulty lights, brakes, wipers, defrosters, and hoses -- fill windshield fluid reservoir -- keep a scraper, snow brush, salt, sand, and a shovel in the car, as well as a safety kit -- keep gas tank well fueled -- at least half-full -- to prevent freeze-ups in the gas line -- check weather and road conditions before heading out and allow extra travel time -- clear car roof, windows and signal lights of snow and ice -- plan the travel route and let someone know where you are going

Before she goes out on the road, Ms. Howell has her own routine. "I check to make sure I have my road-side assistance card, fill up my windshield washer fluid, and make sure there's a bag of sand or salt in the trunk," she said. "I also tell a friend where I'm going and when I'm expected to arrive. I check in once I get there."

The Nova Scotia Safety Council agrees that preparation is an important part of safe winter travel. For people looking to enhance their winter driving skills, they offer seminars that focus on the many challenges of safe driving.

"Driver attitude, common sense and the driver's sense of responsibility for their own safety are all key ingredients in safe driving," said Noel Facey, traffic safety coordinator at the Nova Scotia Safety Council. "Those three factors, plus preparation before heading out, help make the roads safer for the driver and for everyone else on the road."

Information about courses offered by the Nova Scotia Safety Council is available by calling 902-454-9621, ext. 29.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works continues to help motorists prepare for road and weather conditions through the winter road report telephone line. The service provides updated road and weather reports three times a day, seven days a week in winter, by calling toll-free 1-800-307-SNOW (7669) or 902-424-3933 in Halifax Regional Municipality. The service is also available online at www.gov.ns.ca/tran.