October 1, 2024 – Peterborough County, ON

It’s Harvest Season in Peterborough County which means slow-moving vehicles and farm equipment will be on our roadways!

Peterborough County, in partnership with Peterborough Federation of Agriculture, and the Ontario Provincial Police – Peterborough County Detachment, has launched the second annual Share the Road campaign. This campaign will promote awareness of slow-moving vehicles and farm equipment during harvest season, which begins in October and can last into December. There will be heightened awareness by the Peterborough County OPP in farming areas across Peterborough County during the campaign which will run until the end of October.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture and the OPP want motorists to be aware of the following:
1) Harvest season begins in October and lasts into December – Farm and slow-moving vehicles will be on the roadways.
2) Don’t expect the vehicle to pull over on the shoulder – as this could be dangerous for a large piece of equipment.
3) Make sure the path is clear and the driver of the slow-moving vehicle sees you before you pass.
4) Impatient drivers who attempt to pass in an unsafe manner risk causing serious accidents and/or hefty penalties – the fine for Careless Driving is $490 and 6 demerit points.
5) Do not drive in the blind spots of the slow-moving vehicle and keep far enough back for the driver to see you.

Quotes

As the leaves change colour and the weather gets colder, you will start to see more farm vehicles on our roads across Peterborough County. As farmers prepare for their harvest, please be mindful of oversized and slow-moving vehicles on our roads. Agriculture continues to be the lifeblood of Peterborough County and we want to ensure a safe and productive harvest for our farming community this year. To all road users, please be patient, plan ahead, and practice respect for all traffic on roads in Peterborough County this Fall. Thank you to the PCFA, and the OPP for partnering with us on this campaign.

Bonnie Clark, Warden
Peterborough County

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind motorists that harvest season is in full swing once again. During this time of year, you may encounter slow-moving farm vehicles on the road more frequently. Both motorists and farm equipment operators share the responsibility for road safety, and we urge everyone to exercise patience and caution during these encounters. Please be alert, give farm vehicles plenty of space, and pass only when it is truly safe to do so. By working together, we can ensure a safe and productive harvest season for all. Stay safe and share the road!

Acting Staff Sergeant, Angie Kerr,
Ontario Provincial Police
Peterborough County Detachment

The farm families of Peterborough County are busy with the fall harvest season. As they spend long hours bringing in their harvest to feed our community, our nation, and beyond, please be extra cautious and slow down when approaching farm vehicles and equipment on our local roadways. Showing patience and respect for our farmers will ensure everyone arrives home safely.

Lori Burtt, Deputy Mayor
Township of Asphodel-Norwood

If you have any questions, please contact Tracie Bertrand, General Manager, Tourism and Communications at tbertrand@ptbocounty.ca