***** NS Gov Release
Drivers Reminded to Prepare for Winter Conditions
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No one expects to be stranded outside in the cold, but it can happen. That is why the Province is urging Nova Scotians to take steps to prepare for winter driving conditions.
“Winter is coming fast, and drivers need to prepare for the snowy and icy conditions we’re going to get over the next several months,” said Fred Tilley, Minister of Public Works. “Being prepared is important and so is making the right call on if it is safe to travel in stormy conditions. If you can, wait out the storm. If you have to be out on the roads, drive for the conditions and stay back from snow removal crews so they can do their job.”
This year, two new laws about winter driving were introduced under the new Traffic Safety Act:
- snow or ice must be removed from a vehicle so the driver can see
- it is an offence if ice or snow is not cleared from a vehicle and it comes off and causes damage or injury or endangers the safety of other road users.
To prepare for unpredictable winter weather, vehicles should have winter tires, cold temperature antifreeze and an emergency kit.
Other winter driving tips include:
- checking 511, Plowtracker and highway webcams before going out
- keeping a window scraper/brush in the vehicle
- clearing snow off the vehicle
- keeping the gas tank at least half full
- slowing down and leaving additional space between vehicles; it takes more time and distance to brake in winter conditions
- planning ahead and allowing extra time for possible delays.
To help remind drivers to prepare for winter road conditions, the Province is also running its annual Be Winter Ready campaign. The campaign features online ads that promote safe driving tips and share details about the tools and services that are available to make winter driving safer.
Quotes:
“Police often see more collisions when drivers are in a rush to reach their destination and don’t adjust to road conditions. Clearing snow and ice from a vehicle takes time, and poor road conditions can mean slower travel and unexpected delays. Winter driving requires a little extra patience and preparation. Allowing for that extra time can help reduce the risk of a collision.”
— Const. Kris Hansen, traffic unit, Halifax Regional Police
Quick Facts:
- the Department of Public Works is responsible for keeping provincial roads, highways and bridges safe and as clear as possible
- the Department operates more than 400 snowplows and other snow-clearing vehicles, and crews are on the job 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Additional Resources:
Department of Public Works winter time web page: https://novascotia.ca/tran/winter/
People with concerns about a provincial road can call the Department’s operations contact centre at 1-844-696-7737 or email: dpw-occ@novascotia.ca
Updates on road conditions across the province are available by:
- calling 511
- following 511 on X: https://x.com/511ns
- visiting the 511 website: https://511.novascotia.ca/
Provincial Plowtracker: https://novascotia.ca/tran/winter/plowtracker.asp
Department of Public Works on X: https://x.com/NS_PublicWorks
