Snow Means Slow campaign launched

As part of National Safe Driving Week, Transportation Minister Trevor Taylor today kicked off the beginning of the province�s annual Snow Means Slow campaign to remind motorists of the dangers of winter driving and to adjust their driving habits accordingly.

The Snow Means Slow campaign includes newspaper advertising and television and radio spots. The messages contained in the campaign are designed to remind people to slow down and to be aware that road conditions can change quickly.

�We do our best to assess road and weather conditions and to make our roads as safe as possible,� Minister Taylor said. �At the same time, people must be aware that winter road conditions can deteriorate faster than our crews can possibly respond. A sudden drop in temperature can result in black ice and we must all be vigilant and do whatever we can to reduce the risk of an accident or injury. This includes slowing down, equipping your vehicle with appropriate tires for the season and wearing a seatbelt.�

The campaign will run throughout December and into the New Year. The spots include contact information for road conditions and they encourage people to call ahead for continuous road and weather updates, or visit the government Web site at //www.gov.nl.ca/wst for live camera pictures of the highways in their area.

During winter, the professional highway personnel at the Department of Transportation and Works are constantly on the road, assessing conditions, clearing snow and spreading salt and sand. Motorists need to remember that the safest place to be is behind a snow plow, even if it means being a few minutes late for your destination.

�We believe that reminding motorists to be careful and to not take any unnecessary risks when heading out over winter roads will assist them in adjusting their driving habits and making wise decisions,� Minister Taylor said. �We all need a reminder sometimes to slow down to ensure that we, and our families, arrive safely. At the end of the day, that is really all that matters.�

Media contact: Tracy Barron, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 691-3577

2005 12 05                            10:10 a.m.