Planting season is beginning in Peterborough County

Peterborough County, ON - Planting season is beginning in Peterborough County, which means residents and motorists can expect to see an increase in slow-moving vehicles and farm equipment travelling on County roads.

Peterborough County, in partnership with the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture (PCFA) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) – Peterborough County Detachment, is reminding motorists to stay alert and use extra caution during this busy time for local farmers.

Planting season typically runs from late April to June, and agricultural equipment will be moving between fields throughout the County during this time. To help keep everyone safe, the Peterborough County OPP will have a heightened presence in rural and farming areas during the planting season.
Peterborough County, the PCFA, the OPP encourage all road users to keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Don’t expect slow-moving vehicles to pull over onto the shoulder. The size of the farm equipment and the condition of the road shoulder may make it unsafe or impossible for vehicles to pull over.
• Before passing a slow-moving vehicle, ensure the roadway ahead is clear, and the operator of the slow-moving vehicle can see you.
• Avoid driving in blind spots and leave ample space when following so the operator can clearly see your vehicle.
• Unsafe passing by impatient drivers endangers all road users. These actions increase the likelihood of serious collisions and may result in a $490 fine and six demerit points under the Careless Driving offence.

“As planting season gets underway, our farmers are spending long hours moving equipment between fields to put food on our tables. Peterborough County is proud to work alongside the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture and the Ontario Provincial Police to promote road safety during this busy time. We ask all motorists to slow down, stay alert, and be patient when sharing the road with farm machinery. These vehicles are essential to our local food system and rural economy, and a few extra moments of caution can help ensure everyone gets home safely.”   
Warden Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County

“During the planting and harvest seasons, our roadways are shared with large, slow-moving farm equipment, and the Peterborough County OPP want to remind everyone to be patient and attentive. This is a time to Share the Road by leaving plenty of space, slowing down, and ensuring you can clearly see ahead before attempting to pass. Making sure the equipment operator sees you and understands your intentions could save your life, and it helps keep both motorists and farm operators safe.” 
Staff Sergeant Angie Kerr,
Ontario Provincial Police
Peterborough County Detachment

“Spring is upon us, and that signals planting season for farmers in Peterborough County. Our roads will be shared with larger, and slower machines to plant the crops. We ask that you slow down in advance of seeing farm equipment travelling ahead or oncoming, closing speeds are faster than they appear. Be aware of the slow-moving vehicle sign, indicating a vehicle travelling 40 KM or less, and be cautious of farm equipment needing extra space to turn. Remember to be respectful, as farmers use public roads to travel between fields. Taking a few extra seconds, slowing down, waiting to pass, or improving visibility saves lives, and ensures everyone’s safety.”
Tracy Dafoe, President,
Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture

For more information, please contact:
Tracie Bertrand
General Manager, Tourism and Communications
tbertrand@ptbocounty.ca
705-743-0380 ext. 2502