Road safety is a two-way street and requires the attention of both motorists and equipment operators. During this busy planting season, OFA encourages members to take a moment to review safety tips and procedures with everyone on your farm team before driving equipment on the road.
Action list:
- Be alert – always be aware of your surroundings and pay close attention to motorists within a close vicinity.
- Meet your basic needs – it’s difficult to be alert without taking care of yourself first. Make sure you are getting adequate sleep, eating enough food that will boost your energy, drinking water and taking movement breaks if you’ve been in the tractor for a long time.
- Be visible – don’t forget a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) sign on tractors and attachments that will warn motorists of your maximum speed of 40 km/h. Checking to make sure all lights work is also essential, especially when travelling in the dark.
- Use proper communication – use signals and make sure to always double check, especially when turning left. This is the most common accident scene although it can easily be avoided.
- Avoid distractions – make calls and send texts in between operating equipment. Phones are the top distraction when driving a tractor but there is nothing that can’t wait until you are safely off the road.
Share the message, remember the shared responsibility, and take this issue seriously when it matters most.
OFA also encourages all farm workers to perform a circle check before starting equipment and remaining highly alert of small children. With children home for online learning, it is important to keep them safe and avoid any preventable accidents.
Let’s ensure this year’s planting and growing season is a safe and productive one. For more road safety tips, go to ofa.on.ca/roadsafety.