The climate in the Saint John Region, as in most of Canada, includes colder winters with regular snowfalls. When it’s cold and there’s snow, driving becomes more dangerous and challenging. Roads can be frozen and covered with frost, snow, or have compacted ice. It may take you a while to be comfortable driving in the winter. Above all, it is always important to be cautious: drive slowly, and accelerate and decelerate slowly.
Below are some other tips to make winter driving as safe as possible.
Before you drive
It is a good idea to plan ahead on cold mornings and allow yourself extra time to de-ice and warm up your car. NEVER IDLE YOUR CAR IN A GARAGE TO AVOID CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. You will need to keep a snow brush and ice scraper in your car during the winter. Many brushes have ice scrapers on the end. Brush and scrape the ice and snow completely from your entire car. This includes every window and the exterior rear view mirrors, not just a small patch on the windshield. Don't forget to remove snow from headlights, brake lights, and the roof of your vehicle. Be sure to check the windshield wiper blades.
It is a good practice to check the air pressure of all tires and change tires according to the season.
Keep your gas tank at least half-full. The extra volume can help reduce moisture problems within your fuel system and it also adds helpful weight to your vehicle.
Carry warm clothes and an emergency kit in case you are stalled or have an accident. Helpful items include a blanket, candle with matches, snacks, beverages (never alcohol), flares, cellular phone, a small shovel, flashlight, windshield scraping device, tow rope, bag of sand, and long jumper cables.
Driving
In winter months, especially on snow or ice-covered roads, reduce your speed and increase following distance. In slippery conditions use your brakes lightly. Remember, condensation can freeze on the road causing a layer of nearly invisible black ice. To learn about the road conditions you may check online cameras or dial 511, toll-free.
Snow ban parking
The City may declare a snow ban for all or any of the streets of Saint John when it is necessary for the safe and efficient removal or movement of snow or ice. A parking ban is declared between the hours of 11:00 p.m. (South Central Peninsula) or midnight (North, East and West) and 7:00 a.m. the following day. Once declared, any vehicles remaining on a street will be ticketed and/or towed at the owner’s risk and expense. If you live or work in a Snow Ban area, the City provides parking lots for your car during the bans.
Visit your community’s website for snow ban information:
City of Saint John
Town of Rothesay
Town of Quispamsis
Town of Hampton
Town of Grand Bay-Westfield
Fundy-St Martins