Debate in central Labrador over the use of road salt

Most roads in central Labradorare treated with sand during the winter months, however the transportation department may be about to change that.

Currently, the department does use salt on some provincial roads, but many residents in the area prefer onlysand to be usedas it prevents their vehicles from rusting and other headaches.

One stretch of highway in central Labrador, the North West River Road, is notorious for being slippery. The department of transportation is is now looking at expanding the salt program to include thatroad as well.

Tow truck driver Blair Wagner had to respond to several calls of cars being in ditches on the road just in the past week. Despite that, he is still against the use of salt on the roads.

"You know, a vehicle isa big investment, and we're so used to not having rusted vehicles here in town," he said.

"I think, use more sand."

Drivers to blame?

Wagner doesn't think the issue is with what is being put on the roads, he thinks the problem is simply bad driving.

"What we use to control ice, that's part of it, but it comes down to driver negligence," he said.

Wagner thinks if everyone would just slow down, then residents of Labrador could continue to enjoy the benefits of not using salt as well as being safe behind the wheel.