Animated Snowplow Pushes Safety

Elementary school children will have a new friend to teach them how to be safe around snowy Nova Scotia roads this winter.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works today, Dec. 8, introduced Sammy Snowplow to the children at Enfield District Elementary School. An interactive DVD featuring Sammy Snowplow, an animated character who promotes winter safety, will be taken to schools all over the province by the department's snowplow operators to give students an in-depth look at winter safety.

Through fun, memorable, entertaining, and educational messages, the "Sammy Says -- Be Safe!" program creates awareness about the importance of winter safety and ensures that children remember the key safety tips throughout the season. The video is backed up by materials such as bookmarks, toques and puzzle books that can be left behind at schools by the department's snowplow operators.

"We think this video will be very effective in grabbing and holding the attention of elementary school children," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "The program also helps parents and teachers realize the importance of passing on winter safety messages to their children."

Mr. Russell said the safety points covered in the video are a direct result of input from the department's road maintenance staff. "They do the work and they see the dangers," said Mr. Russell. "Having them deliver these messages through Sammy will have a real impact."

Heather Douglas, principal at Enfield District Elementary School said: "The lessons learned here today with Sammy the Snowplow may prevent a tragic situation from happening. We welcome the opportunity to get this important winter safety message out to the children in our community of Enfield."

For more information and to meet Sammy Snowplow see the website at: www.sammysnowplow.ca . Sammy the Snowplow was produced by Communications Nova Scotia.