Tractors 'can be summer problem'

06/06/2011

By Steven Birch

Drivers in Ireland have been warned to take extra care around tractors emerging from fields this summer, in a road safety appeal with a far-reaching message for motorists across the UK.

The Road Safety Authority and Irish Farmers' Association have issued a joint appeal for motorists to be patient and only overtake slow-moving farm vehicles when it is safe to do so.

By following this advice drivers could avoid huge car insurance hikes, while farmers have also been urged to make sure they are fully insured and their vehicles are fit to be driven.

Noel Brett RSA chief said: "This is a very busy time of year for farmers. It's the start of the silage cutting season and the number of tractors and trailers out using the roads will increase dramatically.

"As a result the risk of a collision involving a road user and farm machinery has increased.

"I am asking all drivers to be on the look out for tractors, trailers and other farm machinery exiting from fields and farm yards."

Mr Brett also advised farmers not to carry a passenger on a tractor unless it is equipped to do so.

In an effort to raise awareness of this issue the RSA and the IFA will be broadcasting a 30-second radio advert on national and local stations during the summer.