News release

Winter Driving, Maintenance Information Available on Website

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

Winter driving tips, plow priorities and other maintenance facts are some of the information available on the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal's website to help people stay safe this winter.

The information, which also includes plow safety, recommended emergency car kit supplies and more is available at www.gov.ns.ca/tran/winter/ . It has also been distributed to Access Nova Scotia centres across the province.

"The safety of the traveling public is our top concern, and we want to empower drivers with the information they need to help keep our roads safe for everyone," said Murray Scott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

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

  • check road conditions before driving by dialing 511 for provincial highway conditions, or 1-888-432-3233 for local road information
  • 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

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.

"Our operators are out day and night, often in severe weather, working hard to clear the roads for their fellow Nova Scotians," said Mr. Scott. "We thank people for their patience and co-operation while we get the job done."