Drivers Urged to Prepare for Stormy Conditions

Motorists across the province are urged to drive with caution and to prepare their vehicles for stormy weather conditions expected this weekend.

"Weather warnings have been issued for several areas of the province, and our snowplows will be working hard to keep our roads clear and safe," said Murray Scott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

"While we work to clear roads as quickly as possible, we ask Nova Scotians to drive with extreme caution during stormy weather to protect everyone's safety."

Every year the department has about 1,000 staff and more than 400 pieces of road clearing equipment that keep the province's roads as safe as possible during and after storms.

Motorists are advised to check road conditions before getting behind the wheel:

• For provincial highway conditions dial 511 and enter the route number
• For local road information dial 1-888-432-3233
• For more information on winter road safety visit the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/tran .

If staying home during a storm is not an option, the department asks that drivers follow basic safety precautions while behind the wheel:

• check road conditions before driving
• adjust speed to road conditions
• follow traffic at a safe distance
• beware of black ice
• keep vehicle in top working order
• have a winter survival kit in your vehicle

"We will be working hard to clear the roads as safely and as quickly as possible this weekend, and thank Nova Scotians for their patience while we get the job done," said Mr. Scott.