Motorists and farmers reminded to take extra care on highways as seeding occurs
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry is reminding travellers to keep an eye out for slow-moving farm vehicles and equipment, as spring seeding season kicks off in most of southern Alberta.
“We have larger, oversized, slowmoving vehicles compared to other vehicles on the road. As motorists, when we are coming up at greater highway speeds is we are going to be closing on these vehicles much more quickly, and we need to be aware of that,” says ministry farm safety specialist Nicole Hornett.
Hornett adds that safety is always two-way street under these circumstances, and farmers should be extremely cautious in manoeuvring such large vehicles down public roads.
“It’s a team effort,” she confirms. “Farmers needs to make sure equipment is highly visible for motorists on the road, and that they are planning their travel and routes so they are not out in low light or very dusty conditions. Think about moving equipment in daylight hours when the road is not so heavily congested.”
Hornett reminds motorists that getting impatient and speeding past farm vehicles under unsafe circumstances is a bad decision for everyone involved.
“Remember, it’s all about safety first and practicing a little bit of patience. It might take you a little longer to get home but we want to make sure everyone gets to where they need to be safely. Farm vehicles have the right to be on public roads just like everyone else.”
Farmers wanting more information on how to ensure a safe roadway for all when moving between fields can visit the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s website “Make it safe, Make it visible” for a free guide book.