News release

Getting Nova Scotians Ready for Winter Driving

Public Works

With temperatures dropping and wintery weather around the corner, the Province advises Nova Scotians to get ready now for winter driving.

“Although we’ve been enjoying warm weather this fall, our temperatures, as we all know, can change quickly, causing deteriorating road conditions,” said Public Works Minister Kim Masland. “Our staff are ready to keep our roads safe to drive this winter. Now is the time for Nova Scotians to get ready for safe winter driving.”

Nova Scotians should book a service appointment now and ensure vehicles have snow tires, antifreeze and an emergency kit.

Other winter driving safety tips include:

  • wearing seatbelts (seatbelts are required year round)
  • slowing down and leaving additional space between vehicles – it takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions
  • not crowding the snowplow – maintaining a safe distance and being patient
  • keeping the gas tank at least half full
  • planning ahead and allowing extra time for possible delays.

The Province is once again running its annual Be Winter Ready campaign, which includes television, radio and online ads that promote safe driving tips and information on the tools and services that are available to make winter driving easier and safer.

Quotes:

“Winter driving can present unique challenges for even the most experienced drivers. Being prepared is just one way you can help make the roads safer for everyone. Take time to clear your vehicle of snow and debris, don’t drive distracted and drive according to road conditions.”

– Staff Sgt. Ben Parry, Traffic Services, Nova Scotia RCMP

Quick Facts:

  • Public Works operates more than 400 snowplows and other snow-clearing vehicles
  • during a winter storm event, the Department works 24/7 to ensure roads are safe
  • provincial highway cameras are available online so Nova Scotians can see first-hand how weather may affect their route

Additional Resources:

Department of Public Works’ Winter time web page: https://novascotia.ca/tran/winter/

Information on road conditions across the province is available by calling 511 or following https://twitter.com/511ns on Twitter

Nova Scotia highway cameras are available at: https://novascotia.ca/tran/cameras/all.asp

Nova Scotians with concerns about a provincial road can contact the Department’s operations contact centre at: 1-844-696-7737 or dpw-occ@novascotia.ca

Department of Public Works on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NS_PublicWorks

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