Province Urges Drivers to be Safe This Long Weekend

Victoria Day long weekend means road trips, camping and opening the cottage for many Nova Scotians. Travellers should plan for safe travel and expect increased traffic from all types of vehicles including motorcycles, recreational vehicles and trailers.

“Planning your road trips in advance, driving safely and obeying the speed limits will help you reach your destination safely,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Lloyd Hines. “Please ignore your electronic devices, wear your seatbelt and never, ever drive while impaired.”

The safety of people travelling the province’s roads and highways is a priority for police.

“The May long weekend is the unofficial kick off to the summer and with it comes an increase in traffic on our roads. This is why we will be conducting checkpoints throughout the weekend to help keep Nova Scotians safe,” says Insp. Dan Murchison, officer in charge of Nova Scotia RCMP Traffic Services. “We ask drivers to stay sober and alert, to travel at safe speeds and to always buckle up.”

Drivers are also urged to be patient and reduce their speed while travelling through road construction zones.

“Hundreds of Nova Scotians will be hard at work this construction season and we all play a role in keeping them safe,” said Mr. Hines.

For more information on road safety, visit http://novascotia.ca/tran/roadsafety/roadsafety.asp .