**** HRP Media Release
Winter safety tips for motorists
Before the snow falls and winter sets in, Halifax Regional Police is sharing some winter safety tips to help road users be winter ready.
Vehicle Maintenance
- Keep a snowbrush or ice scraper in your vehicle and always clear your vehicle of ice and snow before driving.
- Be sure your tires are properly inflated with plenty of tread. You may also want to consider installing snow tires to improve traction in snow and ice.
- Consider topping up your vehicle with winterized fluids and make sure you have extra windshield washer fluid.
- Check your wiper blades to ensure they are in good condition.
- Keep a shovel and/or a bag of salt or sand in your vehicle in case you get stuck.
- If snow has fallen, make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of ice and snow before starting your vehicle.
Driving safely for the road conditions
- Stay up-to-date with the weather conditions.
- Visibility is key. Before you hit the road, clear all snow from the roof, hood, license plate, windows, mirrors, lights, turn signals and cameras of your vehicle. Scrape/defrost your windshield if necessary.
- Be mindful that winter conditions can create challenges for pedestrians who may need to walk in the roadway to avoid snow-covered or icy sidewalks.
- Never drive distracted. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Watch for other road users, pedestrians and cyclists.
- Adjust your speed to the conditions. Leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you so that you can safely slow down and/or stop. Remember not to accelerate or brake too quickly when the roads are slippery.
Parking
- Think before you park on the street. When and where you park in the winter can have a big impact on clearing streets and sidewalks, which, in turn, can affect road safety.
- In Nova Scotia, vehicles can be towed at anytime during the day or night on any day of the year if they are interfering with snow clearing operations, as per Section 139 of the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act.
- In addition, the municipal overnight winter parking ban is in effect every year from December 15 to March 31. It will be enforced only during declared weather events and ongoing clearing operations. When enforced, the parking ban is in effect from 1 a.m. until 6 a.m. throughout the Regional Centre of the municipality. Visit https://www.halifax.ca/transportation/cycling-walking/service-updates/parking-ban more information.
Let’s all do our part to be winter ready and help yourself and others stay safer on the road
