Most of you have heard of Jack Frost and you know the misery and suffering he can cause on Nova Scotia highways. Here are some tips that will help you have a safe drive this winter.

Before you go on the road:

• Install snow tires (all-season tires may not be good enough) and make sure they’re properly inflated.
• Put on winter wipers and make sure you’ve got plenty of windshield washer anti-freeze.
• Have a winter survival kit in your vehicle complete with shovel, blanket, first aid kit, booster cables, mittens, etc.
• Pay attention to weather and traffic reports. There are many ways to check road conditions. Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal’s road condition website provides up-to-the-minute road conditions as does our 511 travel information phone line. Both services are bilingual. Our department’s highway webcams are also a useful tool for checking out road conditions before you travel.
• Clear off all your windows of ice, snow, and fog before you go out on the road. Also clear off your lights, mirrors, and roof.
• Plan your travel route and let someone know where you're going.
• Keep your gas tank well fuelled -- at least half-full -- to prevent freeze-ups in your gas line.
• Don’t drive during a storm.

Once you’re on the road:

• Adjust your speed to conditions.
• Avoid the use of cruise control in slippery conditions (check your owner’s manual).
• Leave extra space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
• Avoid sudden stops that throw your vehicle into a skid.
• Don’t pass snowplows that are clearing the road. They have limited visibilty and may not be able to see you and the snow they are stirring up limits your visibility, too.
• Watch for ice. It can be on shaded areas even on a relatively warm day. Watch also for black, shiny areas on the road as they may be black ice.
• If the temperature is below -10 C during the day (or -7 C at night) be aware that road salt is not effective at removing ice from the road.
• Drive with your headlights on and don’t just rely on automatic daytime running lights. Having your headlights on also turns on your taillights making it easier for you to be seen by trailing vehicles.

Hear the department’s winter safety radio ads:

Winter's Coming

• Jack Weather Report
• Jack Survival
• Jack Battery