Help Support Cork Safety Alerts – Donate the price of a coffee here via Stripe: https://csalert.ie/donate

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) are urging motorists to exercise heightened caution as the number of tractors, trailers, and other farm machinery on the roads rises during the summer season.

This week, the RSA and the IFA are launching a radio and social media campaign to raise awareness about the increased presence of farm machinery on the roads. Both organisations emphasise the need for farming contractors and other drivers to be vigilant and considerate towards other road users, especially vulnerable ones such as cyclists and pedestrians.

Agricultural vehicle drivers are reminded that they must comply with all road traffic legislation, which includes holding the appropriate licence and ensuring that their vehicles are taxed, insured, and roadworthy. This includes having fully operational front and rear lights.

Sam Waide, Chief Executive, RSA said:

‘’This is a very busy time of year for farmers. The number of tractors and trailers out using the roads will increase dramatically. 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

noted:

“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.

Heavier volumes of farm machinery on the roads during the harvest means a greater awareness is needed from all drivers. 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. With co-operation on all sides, we can keep our roads safe for everybody.”

Safety Reminders for Agricultural Vehicle Drivers

Drivers of agricultural vehicles are reminded to:

• Wash down wheels regularly to avoid carrying mud and stones onto the public road.
• Be particularly careful when transporting materials such as silage, slurry, sand, and gravel to prevent spillage on the road.
• Avoid overloading trailers to prevent instability on the road.
• Look out for low bridges, overhanging trees, overhead cables, and uneven road surfaces which could cause the load to shift and possibly overturn.
• Ensure the driving mirror provides an adequate view of the road to the rear and that all agricultural vehicles have proper working brakes on both tractor and trailer units. They should also be fitted with lights, reflectors, and indicators.
• Consider using an escort vehicle to warn other road users when operating large farming vehicles.
• Drive at an appropriate speed for the road conditions.

Safety Tips for Farmers

Farmers are also reminded of the following safety tips:

• Plan and prepare for all work with machinery, allowing 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.
• Conduct regular checks and maintenance of all farm vehicles, particularly brakes.
• Never remove or modify guards to save time.
• Only use machines if you know how to operate them safely and have received suitable training.
• Always drive at a safe speed and know your limits.
• Ensure plough lamps/work lights are not used when travelling on public roads, as amber flashing lights provide adequate notice of slower vehicles to other road users.

For more information on road safety and the campaign, visit the RSA and IFA websites.