Share the Road with Farm Vehicles!
During the planting and harvest seasons, there is a notable increase in the presence of large tractors and agricultural equipment as farmers move between fields and farms to manage their land and cultivate crops.
The Planting Season typically occurs in the Spring, from April to May, while the Harvest Season generally spans from October to December.
Farmers play a crucial role in transporting the food that sustains our communities. As part of this transportation, they often rely on County Roads to travel between fields, both during the day and at night. For the safety of all road users, it is essential that motorists exercise patience and caution when approaching farm vehicles.
Important Safety Precautions
- Stay alert for farm machinery and recognize slow-moving vehicles on the road. Look for an orange triangular emblem displayed on the rear of unfamiliar vehicles. This indicates that the vehicle is slow-moving, and caution is advised when approaching.
- Most farm equipment travels at speeds below 40 km/h. Reduce your speed immediately upon spotting farm machinery on the road and remain prepared to stop at any moment.
- Farm vehicles may not be equipped with brake lights or turn signals. Additionally, operators may not always be visible or able to use standard hand signals to communicate their intentions.
Passing with Caution
When overtaking a farm vehicle, patience and careful judgment are essential. Keep the following considerations in mind:
- Wide Turns: Farm vehicles with large or extended equipment may need to swing wide when making turns. For example, if a tractor turns to the right, avoid attempting to pass, as it may still be turning left.
- Limited Pull-off Space: Farmers may be unable to pull off the road due to the size and weight of their equipment or the condition of the road shoulder.
- Lane Occupancy: Some farm machinery occupies more than one travel lane. Be aware that equipment partially on the road and partially on the shoulder may suddenly move entirely onto the road to avoid obstructions such as mailboxes.
- Safe Passing Distance: Never pass and immediately slow down or stop directly in front of a farm vehicle. Keep in mind that large farm equipment cannot brake as quickly as a passenger vehicle. Ensure ample space when overtaking.
- Avoid Passing at Intersections: Refrain from attempting to pass farm equipment at intersections, as it may turn unexpectedly without signaling or visibility of traffic behind it.
Check out the Ontario Federation of Agriculture for more information.
Road Safety Initiatives:
Peterborough County collaborates annually with the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture (PCFA) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to remind drivers of the importance of sharing the road with slow-moving farm equipment, particularly during peak farming seasons.
To increase awareness, road signage has been installed at key entry and exit points of farming communities, alerting drivers to the higher presence of farm equipment in these areas.
Additionally, during peak seasons, farming hotspots are regularly updated on Municipal 511, and temporary roadside signage is strategically placed to further enhance driver awareness.
