Staying safe during harvest

Harvest is fast approaching, and with that in mind it is vital that everyone keeps up to speed on the rules, regulations and safety checks needed when using agricultural vehicles to travel and transport on the road, writes NFU Scotland’s Transport Advisor Jamie Smart in a blog now up on the NFUS website.

Jamie writes: ‘When operating machinery, make sure to carry out a daily check to ensure that all equipment is safe and functioning correctly.

‘This includes completing daily checks on all lights (including warning beacons) and mirrors to ensure all are working and clean. You could even consider the use of cameras to increase visibility of blind spots or hard to see areas round a machine. Check that your windows are clean, your wipers are in good condition and your washer bottle is topped up. Make sure that all brakes are working properly – including the handbrake on trailers – hoses and couplings must also be in a good condition and not worn.

‘Ensure that passengers are only carried in properly constructed seats when driving – children under the age of 13 should not be carried in any agricultural vehicle. Drive with due care and consideration for all road users. Be aware that your slow-moving vehicles can cause queues of traffic behind you, which can lead to frustration and other drivers taking risks. You should pull over, where safe and appropriate to do so, and allow faster vehicles to pass.

‘If you can avoid it, do not travel in convoys, these make it difficult for other drivers to overtake.’