December 7, 1998
(Works, Services and Transportation)

The following statement was issued today by Lloyd Matthews, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Every year, preventable accidents occur with the onset of winter.

Freezing rain and snow conditions dictate a change in driving habits.

In conjunction with the Department of Government Services and Lands, the Department of Works, Services and Transportation has begun an educational campaign to make drivers aware of the hazards of winter driving. This campaign begins in conjunction with Safe Driving Week, with important messages delivered to drivers in the electronic and print media.

Motorists have an important part to play in safety. They can make a significant contribution to reducing the number of accidents by becoming better informed before they drive.

Information on road conditions can be very helpful. It is updated regularly and available in several ways:

Beginning tomorrow, a 1-900 number will be in service during business hours.  This service provides information on road conditions for all or selected regions.  It requires a touchtone telephone and callers will be billed 75 cents for each call.

The information will also be available on the Highway Conditions segment of the Weather Channel as well as on our website:  www.gov.nl.ca/wst/roads/ .

We also ask that drivers be patient. We know that this winter, there will be times when the roads will be icy and roads blocked due to heavy snowfall, regardless of the amount of equipment or crews assigned to a particular area.

I strongly encourage all motorists in the province to drive safely. The Department of Works, Services and Transportation does its best to ensure the province's roads are safe in winter. I take this opportunity to remind motorists that they must do their part too.

1998 12 07 2:15 p.m.