Peterborough County OPP and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture are reminding motorists to exercise caution around slow-moving vehicles and farm equipment that will be travelling our roads from now until December. No matter how long a line-up of vehicles behind them, these large vehicles are not obliged to pull over to the shoulder to let drivers pass, as the size of their equipment makes this maneuver potentially quite dangerous.
Motorist and farm equipment operators share the responsibility for road safety. In addition to making sure the path is clear before attempting to pass a slow-moving farm vehicle, motorists are reminded to be sure the other driver sees you before any attempt to pass, as these vehicles have large blind spots. These vehicles should only be passed to the left when it is absolutely safe to do while ensuring adequate space, given the size of these vehicles.
Road safety depends on driver expectations of the behaviour others sharing the road, which means clear communication. Signs on vehicles such as the slow-moving sign are designed to establish the expectations of surrounding drivers, telling them that the vehicle will not travel faster than 40 km/hr. Motorists are discouraged from using casual hand signals like waving traffic around the tractor as these gestures can be misunderstood .Some of these vehicles are not equipped with turn signals and often enter properties that are not clearly marked so their turns can be unexpected. Patience and courtesy are key to ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely.
Drivers who attempt to pass in an unsafe manner risk causing serious collisions and face significant penalties, including adding six demerit points to their driving records.
In short, when you come upon a farm vehicle on the road, be patient and remember that these equipment operators are on the job, often loaded with precious cargo. They are as eager as anyone to arrive safely at their destination.