The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding motorists that hay harvest season is here, bringing agricultural equipment onto the roads.
Drivers are urged to share the road and exercise extra care around slow-moving farm vehicles to ensure everyone's safety.
Motorists should reduce speeds and use caution when near farm equipment. Each year, police respond to incidents involving collisions with farm vehicles, often due to impatience or inattention. These preventable accidents frequently result in personal injury or death.
Farm machinery like tractors, combines, and towed trailers are large and need significant space to maneuver. The work of local farmers is vital, and public safety remains a top priority for the OPP.
Drivers should expect to see large agricultural equipment in areas where crops are being harvested and drive accordingly. Slow down, be patient, and pass only when it's safe if you encounter large farm equipment on the road.
Avoid tailgating farm equipment as the operator may not see you. Do not honk at farm equipment operators as they likely won't hear you over the noise of their machinery. Be mindful of farmers during hay harvest and give them the necessary room on the road.
