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NLIS 2 December 4, 2002 (Works, Services and Transportation) Be a wise winter driver The Department of Works, Services and Transportation is urging motorists to be wise winter drivers. "Motorists should realize they cannot drive the same in winter as they would in summer," said Works, Services and Transportation Minister Percy Barrett. "Our weather can change very quickly, resulting in rapid changes in road conditions. Motorists need to reduce speed and drive to the conditions. "Motorists need to do their part too in helping make our roads safer in the winter," said Minister Barrett. "Some people are more comfortable than others when it comes to driving in the winter. So I urge drivers to use good judgement when it comes to driving this winter." The department also advises motorists to check road and weather conditions before they drive. Motorists can get information on road conditions by visiting the department�s Web site at or by phoning one of the following numbers:
If motorists are already on the road and find themselves in severe weather, they should pull over until weather and/or road conditions improve or use extreme caution. Throughout the winter, supervisors assess road conditions night and day. Maintenance crews report for work between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., five days a week, depending on the area of the province. They work until mid-afternoon, unless weather conditions dictate they work additional hours. During storms, plowing continues until 9:30 p.m. or longer until all roads are open to traffic, if the storm is ending. If the snow is continuing, crews normally go home around 10:00 p.m. until 4:30 a.m. or 5:00 a.m. the next day. Between 10:00 p.m. and 4:30 a.m./ 5:00 a.m. crews are generally not in operation, except in emergency situations. During this period, vehicular traffic flow is typically very low. Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-3015. 2002 12 04 11:15 a.m. |
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