A word of warning's going out to farmers to ensure a safe silage harvest.
Junior Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon says it signals the start of summer, but can also be extremely dangerous.Over half of all deaths on farms involve vehicles or machinery, while longer working days over summer can increase the risk of incidents.
The IFA is also appealing to drivers of farming machinery and other road users to share the road safely.IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Chair Alice Doyle said it’s going to be a busy time on farms as farm contractors bring in silage.“We are renewing our annual appeal for motorists to be on the lookout for tractors, trailers and other agricultural machinery exiting from fields and farmyards,” she said.
Alice Doyle said IFA is also asking anyone driving farm machinery, especially on rural roads, to cut back on their speed, not to get distracted and understand that around every corner could be a neighbouring family or friend out for a walk or a cycle.“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 all drivers to be on the lookout for tractors, trailers and other farm machinery on the road. If you are travelling behind farm machinery, please be patient and only overtake when it’s safe to do so.”
She says farmers should be aware of traffic building up behind them. It’s important to keep left where possible and safe to do so, to allow other vehicles pass safely. It’s also important that drivers recognise this, pay extra attention to the road and always be on the lookout for other road users.
