RSA & IFA Urge Farmers and Motorists to Share the Road Safely

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) are urging motorists to take extra care when travelling this Summer season. The Summer season brings an excess of vehicles onto Irish roads with tractors, trailers and other farm machinery travelling more than any other time of the year.  

This week the RSA and the IFA are running a radio and social media campaign to raise awareness about the increased number of vehicles on Irish roads.  

Both organisations are asking farming contractors and other drivers to be vigilant and always on the lookout for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.  

Agricultural vehicle drivers are also being reminded they are subject to the road rules. They must carry an appropriate licence, have up to date tax on their vehicles, vehicles must be insured, have fully operational front and rear lights and the vehicle must be roadworthy.  

Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the 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 in conjunction with the IFA is part of Farm Safety Week and highlighted the dangers faced by road users and farmers 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.” 

As part of Farm Safety Week 2024 Farmers and Agricultural vehicle drivers are being reminded of the following:  

Drivers of agricultural vehicles are reminded:  

• To wash down wheels regularly to avoid carrying mud and stones onto the public road. 

• To be particularly careful when transporting material such as silage, slurry, sand and gravel so that it does not spill on the road and pose a road safety risk. 

• Not to load overload trailers so as to cause them to be unstable on the road. 

• To look out for low bridges, overhanging trees, overhead cables and uneven road surfaces which could cause the load to shift and possibly overturn. 

• The driving mirror must provide an adequate view of the road to the rear and all agricultural vehicles must have proper working brakes on both tractor and trailer units. They also must be fitted with lights, reflectors and indicators. 

• That large farming vehicles should consider using an escort vehicle to warn other road users. 

• To ensure that tractors are driven at an appropriate speed for the road conditions. 

Farmers are also being reminded of the following safety tips: 

• Plan and prepare for all work with machinery. Always allow adequate time for the job. 

• Always practice the SAFE STOP procedure. Reverse-park safely, handbrake on, controls in neutral, lower all attachments, engine off and remove keys! 

• Carry out regular checks and maintenance of all farm vehicles, particularly brakes. 

• Never remove or modify guards in order to save time. 

• Only use machines if you know how to use them safely and have received suitable training. 

• Always drive at a safe speed and know your limits. 

• Make sure that plough lamps/work lights are never used when travelling on public roads. Amber flashing lights give adequate notice of slower vehicles to other road users.