The province is advising Nova Scotians to get ready now for winter driving.
“Although Nova Scotians have enjoyed unseasonably warm weather this fall, winter is coming,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Lloyd Hines. “Our staff and winter maintenance equipment are ready to go to keep our roads safe to drive this winter. It’s time to make sure Nova Scotians are ready for safe winter driving too.”
Make your service appointment now and take the necessary steps to be prepared for snow and ice conditions. Vehicles should have snow tires, cold temperature antifreeze and an emergency kit.
The following are some winter driving safety tips:
— wear your seatbelt
— slow down and leave extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you
— use brakes carefully and remember that it takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions
— don’t crowd the snowplow. Please maintain a safe distance behind the plow. Be patient and give the driver plenty of room to do the job
— keep you gas tank at least half full
— plan ahead and give yourself extra time for possible delays.
“Road conditions can deteriorate quickly,” said Inspector Dan Murchinson, officer in charge of traffic services for the Nova Scotia RCMP. “By planning ahead and following winter driving safety tips, you can help prevent a tragedy from occurring on our roads and highways. I know I speak for all first responders when I say we want motorists to arrive safely to their destinations.”
Nova Scotians can check road conditions, view highway cameras, winter driving tips, plowing priorities, follow plows using the plow tracker tool, and more at novascotia.ca/tran/winter.
During a storm or any winter event, follow @NS_TIR on Twitter for the latest road condition updates.