Research indicates that 80-90 per cent of vehicle collisions are the result of driver error, such as speeding, so once again the Provincial Government reminds motorists that at this time of year, Snow Means Slow.

The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Transportation and Works, launched the annual Snow Means Slow campaign today in conjunction with National Safe Driving Week.

"Motorists in Newfoundland and Labrador have to be prepared for all types of weather throughout the year but particularly in the winter, when there are often hidden dangers such as black ice," said Minister Whalen.

The Snow Means Slow campaign, which runs throughout December and into the new year, includes contact information for road conditions and encourages motorists to visit the Provincial Government web site at //www.tw.gov.nl.ca/ for live camera pictures of highways in their region.

Minister Whalen points out that while professional staff at the Department of Transportation and Works address road conditions in a timely fashion, the weather is constantly changing so motorists have to take some responsibility.

"When you get behind the wheel in winter, you need to put on your seatbelt, reduce your normal speed and ensure you have appropriate tires," said Minister Whalen. "It is also prudent to embark on your journey earlier than normal, to allow for the necessary adjustment in speed."

The Provincial Government invests approximately $45 million annually on snow and ice control and is in the second year of a five-year $50 million strategy to purchase new snow-clearing equipment.

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Media contact:
David Salter
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 691-3577
davidsalter@gov.nl.ca