Tis the season, to see farmers and farm machinery on the roadways.
Chatham Kent Police have been using Twitter and other social media platforms to remind drivers to stay alert and watch for farm machinery on the rural roads in the municipality.
Many of the vehicle used by farmers are classified as “over sized” vehicles. Combines, and larger tractors operate in much the same way as tractor trailers do, in that they need more room to make turns. Driver should also be aware that farm machinery sometimes utilizes a convoy mentality, and when you are considering passing, remember there may be 1 or even 2 other machines in front of the one you are going to pass.
Chatham Kent Police do not want to put all the onus on regular drives in this push for road safety when it comes to farm machines on area roadways. They are also reminding farmers that they too have responsibilities. Slow moving vehicle signs, must be visible. Large loads that hang over the sides or backs of the trailers must be secured properly and have a visible red flag attached.
According to Chatham Kent Traffic Officer Doug Cowell, many times over sized farm machines or those with large trailers will use a spotter vehicle that follows the machine with it’s 4 way flashers going. He also says that farm machines must obey the rules of day light, that being, that lights are required to be turned on one half hour before sunset to one half hour after sunrise.
Officer Cowell says that if everyone is aware, and takes a little extra caution, we will have a safe and enjoyable farming season.
