The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) are appealing to motorists to take extra care as the number of tractors, trailers and other farm machinery using the roads increases during the summer season.
The RSA and the IFA are this week running a radio and social media campaign aimed at raising awareness of the increased numbers of farm machinery on the roads.
Both organisations want farming contractors and other drivers to be mindful of other road users and to always be on the lookout for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.
Drivers of agricultural vehicles are also being reminded that they are subject to all road traffic legislation. They are required to carry the appropriate licence and farm vehicles are required to be taxed, insured and must be roadworthy, including fully operational lights front and rear.
Sam Waide, Chief Executive, RSA said: ��This is a very busy time of year for farmers. The number of tractors and trailers out using the roads will increase dramatically. I am asking drivers and motorcyclists to be on the lookout for tractors, trailers and other farm machinery on the road, turning into and out of fields.��
IFA President Francie Gorman said: �This initiative with the Road Safety Authority is part of Farm Safety Week, which is aimed at highlighting the risks associated with farming activity and reminding all road users of the dangers at this time of year.
Heavier volumes of farm machinery on the roads during the harvest means a greater awareness is needed from all drivers. We would appeal to motorists to be patient and not to overtake slow-moving machinery when it isn�t safe to do so. For those driving tractors, they should identify somewhere they can safely pull in and allow traffic to pass. With co-operation on all sides, we can keep our roads safe for everybody.�
