Sarnia

Time For Farmers, Motorists To Remember To Share The Roadways

Spring field work means farm vehicles on area roads as equipment is moved from field to field.

Grey OPP Community Safety Officer Alina Grelik says motorists need to be aware of that and drive accordingly.

She points out farm machinery travels slower and takes up more room than regular traffic.

"They may only travel up to 40 kilometers an hour so it's important you give them that room and be alert - be aware of your surroundings."

She adds that machinery has every right to use the travelled portion of the roadway.

"Most farmers are very considerate and they will move over to the right when possible, but you have to be patient and only pass when it's safe to do so."

Motorists thinking about passing farm machinery are encouraged to give them a wide berth and only do it when it's safe.

Grelik says farm equipment operators also have a number of requirements for the equipment they take on the roadways.

"Lights are required on farm vehicles one half hour before sunset until one half hour after sunrise. All trailers require two separate means of attachment. And loads that overhang approximately 5 feet need a red flag or marker at the extreme rear of the load."

Operators need to signal intended turns by electronic or manual arm signals and the slow moving vehicle signs should not be faded or covered.

Grelik suggests motorists coming upon farm vehicles on the roads be courteous and remember that aggressive driving is not only unsafe, it's against the law.

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Grelik warns the slow speed of farm equipment creates some potential dangers for other motorists.

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Grelik points out farm vehicles have the right to use the travelled portion of the roadway.

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Grelik adds farmers have some specific requirements of their own when moving equipment on the roads.

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