To contact Snow and Ice Control call: 490-4000
Winter street safety is a partnership - HRM ’s Snow and Ice Control team does everything possible to clear and de-ice our streets, roads, and side- walks, but drivers have a responsibility to adjust their driving according to conditions. In Nova Scotia, weather conditions can change quickly so always leave plenty of time to reach your destination when traveling in winter.
Here are some other important points about winter driving:
- If at all possible, don’t drive during a storm. It ’s much safer to stay at home and wait until conditions improve.
- Remember that during a storm, major route ways are cleared first and salted more frequently, while other roads and sidewalks could be given a lower priority.
- Watch out for ice, especially on bridges, overpasses and in shaded areas.
- Never assume that because the temperature is above zero that the roads are safe - road salt doesn’t work miracles, and is not effective below -10 degrees Celcius.
- Adjust your speed to conditions.
- Follow at a safe distance. It can take up to 12 times further to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.
- Never pass a plow when it is clearing snow from the road. Whiteout conditions are often created in the front of plows which reduces visibility and increases the chance of an accident.
Other winter tips:
- Keep your vehicle in top working order.
- Have a winter survival kit in your vehicle.
- Don ’t plow or shovel snow from your driveway onto the street.
- Children should not play in the snow along the side of the road or anywhere a snow plow is likely to operate.
- Together, we can ensure that HRM streets and sidewalks are safe and accessible during Nova Scotia ’s harsh winter season.
(Excerpted from NS Department of Transportation and Commu- nications “Our Commitment to Service ”)
For further information check out our Questions & answers and Service Standards.
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