Winter driving means that motorists must recognize that they should drive according to weather conditions. The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Government Services, and the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works, today reiterated messages from two campaigns that encourage safe winter driving practices.

"We all know that winter does not have the most ideal driving conditions," said Minister Whalen. "On any given day, we can experience any combination of ice, snow, sleet and wind and we have to drive accordingly. The posted speed limits on our highways or our municipal roads are for ideal conditions. In poorer conditions, we have to adjust those speeds and our driving habits."

Minister Hickey says his department's annual Snow Means Slow campaign is self-explanatory. "As soon as the snow starts to fall, motorists have to ease their foot off the accelerator and drive for the conditions," said Minister Hickey. "Government launches this annual program in December but it�s important to keep these messages fresh in our minds throughout the winter months."

Motorists should remember the following key points when heading out on winter roads:

• slow down;
• know the road conditions by checking weather reports;
• leave plenty of room between your car and the one ahead of you to ensure you can stop easily under slippery conditions;
• allow extra time in your schedule so you can reach your destination on time and safely;
• clear snow and ice from your windshield, windows, head and taillights so that you can see well and others can see you too;
• look for black ice;
• wear your seatbelt; and
• use common sense.

The public can also visit the Transportation and Works Web site www.gov.nl.ca/tw for live camera pictures of road conditions in locations throughout the province.

"Recently, the Department of Government Services launched the YOU Are in Control highway safety campaign in partnership with the RCMP, the RNC, the Newfoundland and Labrador Safety Council, and the departments of Transportation and Works and Health and Community Services," Minister Whalen. "Now that we are experiencing winter with varying driving conditions, this is an excellent opportunity to remind everyone that You Are in Control of how you drive in the winter. Please remember that you can reach your destination safely when you drive safely."

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