Gardaí urge road users to avoid 'risk taking' during silage season
An Garda Siochána Kilkenny have appealed to road users to "be aware and be patient" when it comes to meeting tractors on the road.
This Garda message comes during silage season, a notoriously busy period for those working in the agriculture sector.
Farmers and agricultural contractors can find themselves under substantial time pressure to cut, ted, rake, bale and wrap during short periods of good weather.
An Garda Siochána Kilkenny noted this pressure, saying: "It's that time of year when if you're involved in the agri sector, you're likely flat out cutting.
"This brings with it time pressures and that can cause risk taking.
"Speeding, driving too fast for conditions and distracted driving all lead to bad outcomes whether you're in a Micra or a John Deere."
Gardaí pointed out that every vehicle becomes dangerous when their drivers have their attention diverted.
Tractor drivers have also been asked to keep plough lights off when travelling public roads.
These lights are essential for field work done by night, however, can dazzle passing drivers when kept on.
Motorists duty
Gardai also asked other motorists to "make allowances" for those working in tractors.
Gardaí advised that motorists "don't do silly dangerous overtakes".
It is recommended to give tractors extra space due to the equipment they pull often being wide, heavy and having altered the machine's centre of gravity.
An Garda Siochána Kilkenny asked that all drivers "be aware and be patient", reminding road users that "we all share the road".
ICMSA
Separately, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association (ICMSA) this week also warned agricultural workers to keep safety in mind during silage season.
ICMSA farm business committee chair Pat O'Brien said that farmers and contractors should "ensure all work is carried out in a safe environment and at no time should safety standards be relaxed.
"We’d appeal to all other road users - and most particularly, visitors to farming areas - to be aware of the dangers of increased agricultural traffic on rural roads and the need to slow down and 'expect the unexpected' around the next corner.
"We have to force ourselves to take our time and consciously minimise any chances of an accident or mishap."
Tractor Safety Week
Earlier this week, as part of Tractor Safety Week, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon encouraged farmers to prioritise safety around tractors and machinery.
Minister Heydon said: "It is important that everyone involved in farming is reminded of the importance of keeping tractor safety to the fore as they go about their work."
According to the minister, there has been an average of nearly 18 fatalities on Irish farms per year over the last decade.
"We must accept that there is no justification for taking chances when it comes to farm safety, particularly with tractors and machinery as the consequences can be tragic".
