As farmers begin seeding this season, Keystone Agricultural Producers ask the public to use caution when approaching farm equipment on the roadways around your communities.
Manitoba farmers are once again in the fields working to get the 2016 crop seeded – and that means using public roadways to get their farm equipment to different field locations. Keystone Agricultural Producers are asking the public to use caution when approaching this equipment and to use the following guidelines:
- Farm equipment travels much slower than a motor vehicle, so slow down when approaching.
- Watch for signals that indicate a turn or a lane change before you pass.
- Pass the equipment when it is safe to do so, ensuring the operator knows you are passing.
- Farm equipment is very wide, so ensure you give it a wide birth as you pass.
- Be patient and remember that everyone has a right to use the road.
KAP also urges producers to ensure their equipment is well marked. The Highway Traffic Act requires that all farm equipment have a slow-moving vehicle emblem to warn motorists approaching from behind, along with red reflectors on the back near left and right sides. At night, farm equipment must have headlights, red tail lamps and flashing amber warning lamps.
