Prepare for Winter Driving

With another wave of cold weather and snowfall upon us, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and the Emergency Management Office are reminding Nova Scotians to check road conditions before getting behind the wheel.

"Winter driving can be difficult, but with the right information drivers can prepare themselves for what's on the road," said Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

Drivers are urged to check the latest road conditions before leaving home by viewing highway webcams on the department's site or by calling 511 or mobile 511. Also available on the department's website are a list of safe winter driving tips and the department's plowing priorities.

The department plows roads according to a schedule based on road type and traffic levels. The 100-Series and trunk highways and other high traffic roads are plowed first, followed by secondary routes and medium volume roads, local paved roads including residential streets, and then gravel roads.

Information on preparing an emergency kit for homes and vehicles is available on the Emergency Management Office website at www.gov.ns.ca/emo.

More information on winter road maintenance and road safety in Nova Scotia can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/tran/winter.