Reminders for Safe Winter Driving

While winter weather can be unpredictable, there are ways to prepare for the challenges of winter driving.

"Road safety is important all year round, with additional challenges during the winter months," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "Throughout the winter season, crews are often working in difficult conditions to make the roads safe. We're asking motorists to adjust their driving to the conditions."

To advise drivers of road conditions, the province's winter road report, or SNOW line, provides updates three times a day, seven days a week, in winter. Additional reports may be issued from time to time to reflect severely worsening driving conditions.

To reach the SNOW line, call toll free 1-800-307-SNOW (7669) or 424-3933 in Halifax Regional Municipality. The service is also available on the Internet at www.gov.ns.ca/tran/winter/roadconditions.asp . The winter road report can also be heard daily in the Halifax and Dartmouth area on 97.9 FM radio.

Drivers must also remember to share the road with snowplows when they're out during a storm. Plows must travel at slower speeds than regular traffic. It's important for motorists to slow down so that operators have room to do their jobs properly. Passing a plow can be very dangerous, since it is difficult to see around them. Drivers are asked to be patient and wait for the plow to pull over.

"One of the most stressful parts of the job for snowplow drivers is trying to guess what other drivers are going to do," said Jim Furlong, manager of occupational health and safety for the department. "Plow drivers never know if a driver is going to try to pass them, pull out or just pull over. It's important for all drivers to understand the dangers of winter driving and to drive safely in winter conditions."

The department's highway camera website is another useful tool drivers can use to check road conditions. This website, at www.gov.ns.ca/tran/cameras/camera.asp , shows images of Nova Scotia's highways during daylight hours at 21 locations in the province. The images are not meant to replace official weather and highway report information, but are provided as an additional source of information to the travelling public.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works also offers the following safety tips for motorists during the winter season:

• Prepare your vehicle for winter travel: check tires; wipers; washer fluid level; antifreeze; and heater/defroster.
• Keep your gas tank well fuelled -- at least half-full -- to prevent freeze-ups in your gas line.
• Keep a first aid kit in your vehicle, as well as other items like a shovel, blanket, flashlight, sand, and extra clothing.
• Check weather and travel conditions before heading out.
• Plan your travel route and let someone know where you're going.
• Leave in plenty of time to reach your destination.
• Clear all snow off your vehicle.
• Watch for black ice, it can form any time the temperature dips below five degrees Celsius.
• Remember that bridge decks freeze before adjacent roadways.
• Stay clear of snowplows.
• Pass only when safe.
• Allow for longer braking distances.
• If possible, avoid driving during a storm.

The province is responsible for 23,000 kilometres of roads and highways, and spends between $36 million and $40 million a year on snow and ice removal. More than 400 plows -- including graders, trucks and four-wheel drive vehicles -- are used for winter maintenance.