It’s the time of year when farm equipment hits the roadways again, and when slow moving vehicles share the road with motorists, OFA reminds everyone to remember the rules of the road and take the time to put safety first. When you see a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) sign – remember to slow down and share the road.
Every year, too many accidents happen on our rural roads, and we want to make sure you and your team stay safe. OFA encourages members to review important tips for road safety to ensure everyone returns home safely this planting season and beyond.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when your tires hit the road this spring/fall:
- Drive on the road – Travelling on your side of the roadway prevents unsafe passing, and is safer than relying on the soft shoulder.
- Avoid distractions – Keep your focus on the road and avoid using your phone or eating while operating farm equipment on the road.
- Be prepared – Plan ahead for breaks and nutrition for maximum energy. Attentive drivers are safe drivers.
- Keep the lights on – Ensure visibility by leaving equipment lights on all day, not just the required range of 30 minutes of sunrise and sunset.
- Make it visible – Be sure that every qualifying piece of farm equipment travelling the roadways has a visible slow-moving vehicle (SMV) sign.
- Take a deep breath – When you are waiting for an opening to turn onto a main roadway, be patient and wait until there is enough time to safely pull onto the road.
Remember, safety on the farm roads is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s make sure we all get through this planting season without any accidents or injuries.
The road safety webinar (above) covers road rules and requirements for farm tractors, towed farm implements, self-propelled implements of husbandry and farm use of ATVs and off-road vehicles. The webinar also provided a thorough review of key terms, rules of the road, towing, licensing requirements, restrictions and other important areas where the Highway Traffic Act impacts farm equipment traveling roadways.
Click here to watch OFA’s webinar on rules of the road and safety tips.
OFA wishes all Ontario farmers safe and successful planting and harvest seasons. Remember to take the time to put safety first on the roadways, on your farm and for your family.
For additional information on road safety, visit ofa.on.ca/issues/transportation and select Fact Sheets at the bottom of the page.
Related fact sheets include:
For more information, visit the MTO FARM GUIDE.
Click here for the French version of the MTO Farm Guide.