Points to Emphasize
Points to Emphasize
Check hitch connections, including safety chain. Secure towed equipment with locking hitch pin.
Use Slow Moving Vehicle signs and proper lighting to make farm equipment highly visible.
Check the condition of all tires before heading out.
Lock brake pedals together for road travel.
Slow down on curves, turns and when pulling heavy loads.
Know the dangers of highway travel
Moving farm equipment on public roads can be a dangerous business. Operators need to drive defensively
and remain alert every second they are on the road.
A major reason for farm machinery accidents on public roads is the difference in speed between cars
and tractors. Motorists approach the slow moving farm equipment so quickly that they only have a few
seconds to identify the hazard and react appropriately.
That's why it is so important for farm equipment to be highly visible and properly identified as moving
much slower than regular traffic. This identification is provided by the Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign.
SMV signs must be kept clean. Faded and damaged signs should be replaced. SMV signs must be:
Centred on the rear of the tractor or trailing equipment, between 60 cm (2 feet) and 2.0 metres
(6 feet) above the road surface.
Clearly visible from a distance of 150 metres (500 feet).
Tractors must be equipped with lights if operated on public roads at night, or under conditions of
reduced visibility. Highway travel requires headlights, red tail lights, and reflectors. Flashing amber
lights provide day and night warning to traffic approaching from either direction. Turn signals provide
added highway safety. The equipment on the road should be as highly visible as possible.
tailgate talks
farM MacHinery safety on PUblic roads
wsps.ca
