THE ROAD SAFETY Authority (RSA) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) have appealed to drivers to take extra care as the number of tractors, trailers and other farm machinery on the roads increases during the summer season.

Both organisations said they want farming contractors and other drivers to be mindful of other road users and to always be on the lookout for cyclists and pedestrians in particular.

The two bodies have reminded farmers that they are subject to all road traffic legislation.

They are required to carry the appropriate licence and farm vehicles are required to be taxed, insured and must be roadworthy, including fully operational lights front and rear, the two organisations said in a joint statement. 

“This is a very busy time of year for farmers. The number of tractors and trailers out using the roads will increase dramatically,” said RSA chief executive Sam Waide said. 

“I am asking drivers and motorcyclists to be on the lookout for tractors, trailers and other farm machinery on the road, turning into and out of fields.’’

IFA president Francie Gorman said: “This initiative with the Road Safety Authority is part of Farm Safety Week, which is aimed at highlighting the risks associated with farming activity and reminding all road users of the dangers at this time of year.

He said the heavier volumes of farm machinery on the roads during the harvest means drivers need to be exercise extra awareness.

“We would appeal to motorists to be patient and not to overtake slow-moving machinery when it isn’t safe to do so. For those driving tractors, they should identify somewhere they can safely pull in and allow traffic to pass,” he said.

“With co-operation on all sides, we can keep our roads safe for everybody.”

Drivers of agricultural vehicles are reminded: 

• To wash down wheels regularly to avoid carrying mud and stones onto the public road.
• To be particularly careful when transporting material such as silage, slurry, sand and gravel so that it does not spill on the road and pose a road safety risk.
• Not to overload trailers so as to cause them to be unstable on the road.
• To look out for low bridges, overhanging trees, overhead cables and uneven road surfaces which could cause the load to shift and possibly overturn.
• The driving mirror must provide an adequate view of the road to the rear and all agricultural vehicles must have proper working brakes on both tractor and trailer units. They also must be fitted with lights, reflectors and indicators.
• That large farming vehicles should consider using an escort vehicle to warn other road users.       
• To ensure that tractors are driven at an appropriate speed for the road conditions.

Farmers are also being reminded of the following safety tips:

• Plan and prepare for all work with machinery. Always allow adequate time for the job.
• Always practice the SAFE STOP procedure. Reverse-park safely, handbrake on, controls in neutral, lower all attachments, engine off and remove keys!
• Carry out regular checks and maintenance of all farm vehicles, particularly brakes.
• Never remove or modify guards in order to save time.
• Only use machines if you know how to use them safely and have received suitable training.
• Always drive at a safe speed and know your limits.
• Make sure that plough lamps/work lights are never used when travelling on public roads. Amber flashing lights give adequate notice of slower vehicles to other road users.