Canada Road Safety Week
May 13 – 19 is Canada Road Safety Week! This is a great time to remind all of us on driving, sharing and using Ontario’s roadways safely. And, spring has spring across the province which means it’s tractor season!
Have you noticed Ontario’s farmers on the road this spring with their equipment? It’s the time of year when tractors and large farm implements like planters are on the road driving from field to field to plant Ontario’s grains.
What are the rules of the road when it comes to farm equipment?
- Be patient. Farm equipment like tractors and combines move slowly but be patient while driving behind them. Remember, most farmers are only on busy roadways for a short period of time between fields or farms.
- Be alert! Keep an eye out for farm vehicles in rural areas and watch their lights and turn signals. Sometimes, they will need to make wide left or right turns into driveways or narrow roads so keep well back until they make their turn.
- Pass with caution. Make sure you have plenty of time, a clear line of sight and there is enough room on the road for you to safely pass equipment on narrow roads. Don’t pass on curves, or where you cannot see oncoming traffic. Being patient will help you reach your destination safely!
- Don’t assume the farmer can see you! Most farm equipment have mirrors or even cameras installed on their machines, but your car is much smaller than a combine. You may be driving in their blind spot, so stay back, stay alert, and drive safely.
- Be respectful. As a farmer, there is nothing worse than having a busy day of field work planned out in front of you and having an angry motorist cut your off or blare the horn as they pass you.
At the end of the day, it is everyone’s responsibility to get home safe: motorists and farmers. Remember to watch for farm machinery and take your time. Let’s all do our part to make sure everyone gets home safe!
