LAKELAND - As the season shifts and activity on and around area farms increases, motorists across the Lakeland are being cautioned to use care and practice patience on local roadways. Many areas of the province’s northeast are rooted in the agricultural sector, and that means a wide-range of scenarios that can face motorists and farming families on the move.
Grain trucks, slow-moving seeding equipment, harvesting machinery, cattle moves and day-to-day travel for chores from field to field can impact motorists who need to be aware, says Chris Clark, the manager of Enforcement Services in Lac La Biche County.
He says there are a number of complaints from motorists to his department when it comes to farm equipment on local roads. There can also be complaints lodged from farmers about dangerous driving habits of motorists.
With more than 1,000 kilometres of local roads — not including highways — in the municipality, Clark says local motorists and farmers need to be aware of their surroundings.
“We want to make sure everyone is safe,” he said. “Motorists who are travelling in rural areas should always be prepared to encounter slow-moving farming equipment during the spring, throughout the summer and fall.”
Clark and the Community Peace Officers patrolling the region say simple actions for motorists like reducing speed in advance of approaching farm equipment, keeping a safe distance from machinery on the move, being aware of road signs about cattle or farming activity, and passing only when it is safe, are the foundation of safe driving in rural areas.
Sharing the responsibility of the road and safety means that farmers and producers also play a large part.
“Farmers and producers need to ensure that they are operating equipment with advanced warning devices such as “slow-moving” placards and flashing yellow lights on the top if they have it,” he said.
Using four-way flashers, signalling turns well in advance and moving to the shoulder of the road are also good practices.
"Patience is a huge part for the driver of any vehicle on the roadway"
— Chris Clark, manager of Enforcement Services, Lac La Biche County
When it comes to the equipment that is being moved or the activity that could affect other drivers, there are rules in place to safeguard all motorists.
“Farmers and producers should make sure that they are compliant with the Traffic Safety Act and municipal bylaws. Such as while moving cattle across highways ensure that you are not impeding traffic and that you are moving livestock safely with advanced notice and signage for other drivers,” he explained. “Farming equipment must also be operationally safe and in good working order to be on the highway. Ensure that equipment and other material such as hay is properly secured and not loose where it could fall off a trailer and cause a collision or obstruct traffic.”
Overall said Clark, all road users need to travel with equal degrees of awareness and patience when it comes to safety in agricultural areas.
“Patience is a huge part for the driver of any vehicle on the roadway. Being patient and planning your move is imperative to keep you, your occupants and other motorists safe.”
