AGRICULTURAL NEWS

To help combat the growing concern of safety and increase public awareness, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture has launched a province-wide billboard campaign, accompanied by audio ads to be played during radio traffic updates, explained Stoneham.

“Everybody is in a hurry these days I farm as well and am required to road farm equipment from field to field. I am in the opinion from my experience last year that people are becoming more impatient and not willing to share the road,” admits Stoneham. He also acknowledged with an influx of newer residents, some moving from larger urban centres, not everyone may be aware of why there’s a tractor or combine on the road.

Stoneham shares why farmers need to access roadways daily, aside from the obvious – to do their jobs and deliver food to your table

“As farms become bigger and more consolidated it requires more travel on the road between farm properties The original family farm might be home base, but farmers need to travel to other farm’s properties with their planting and harvesting equipment to complete their tasks.”

Safety also falls on the shoulders of the farm equipment operator, not just the motorists, he added. It’s important to conduct a daily 360-degree safety check before you leave the laneway to ensure your hitches, brakes and tires, etc. are maintained and road-ready.

Additionally, all lights should be double checked and the SMV (slow moving vehicle) sign should be visible and secure. “It is important to remember that behind the wheel of that tractor or combine is someone’s loved one. Taking a few minutes off your arrival time is not worth altering yourself or a family’s life forever.”

The OFA is launching a billboard campaign this summer to educate drivers on sharing the roads with slow moving vehicles.