Agriculture for Life is encouraging drivers and farmers to be safe on the roads this season to ensure there aren’t any injuries or upset drivers.
“Now that spring is here and farmers are back out in the fields, we’re really wanting to remind farmers and motorists that there’s going to be an increase in slow-moving equipment out on the roads,” said Alana Julius, Ag for Life communications and marketing specialist.
A release by the Alberta Farm Safety Program noted 13 per cent of farm-fatalities are traffic related. Of those, the biggest culprit is tractor rollovers caused by riding too close to the shoulder. Next is collisions caused by farm equipment turning onto a road.
Ag for Life advises motorists to stay alert to slow farm equipment – which is typically travelling at 30-40 km per hour – by looking for slow-moving vehicle signs, watching for hand signals, taking caution at intersections and staying out of their blind spots. Drivers are encouraged to stay back at least 50 feet.
A large number of rear-end collisions happen because motorists underestimate the speed of farm equipment, especially near intersections, according to the press release.
Drivers are also reminded to be patient with farm equipment, as the release said it’s also their responsibility to stay on the road – not the shoulder.
Farmers and ranchers are, in turn, encouraged to avoid high traffic times, busy roads and non-ideal conditions – like bad weather or nighttime driving – while ensuring all their equipment and warning signs are clean and visible.
“Once you’re on the road, be sure to be alert for hazards. Things like potholes, soft shoulders and loose gravel,” said Julius. “Always plan ahead.”
Particularly, Ag for Life warns farmers to avoid overhead powerlines, slow down for sharp curves and, when it’s safe to do so, pull over to a road or shoulder and allow other motorists to pass.
For more information on safety and other tips, visit agricultureforlife.ca
