Sooner or later, some semblance of spring will finally arrive.
Agricultural producers throughout the region are no doubt more eager than the average person to see conditions improve so they can begin seeding for the season.
Once that chance presents itself, massive farm machinery will once again occasionally be seen slowly but surely lumbering along.
That means motorists who share local roads and highways with farmers and ranchers will have to be accommodating to ensure everyone arrives safely at their destinations without any unnecessary and completely preventable collisions.
According to the Canadian Agricultural Injury Surveillance program, 13 per cent of farm related fatalities across Canada are traffic related, and most of these involve tractors.
While commuters are encouraged to exercise every courtesy possible, agricultural producers also have their own share of responsibility in preventing collisions.
"To avoid traffic collisions between your farm equipment and motorists, you need to ensure your equipment is clearly visible and follow all regulated requirements for lighting and signage," the province says.
The most frequent type of single-vehicle collision is a farm tractor being driven too close to the shoulder of the road and rolling into the ditch. The most common type of multiple-vehicle collision is a farm machine getting hit as it is turning onto a public road from a farm road or another public road, officials say.
However, there is also a large number of collisions that occur while the farm equipment is making a left-hand turn where operators fail to signal or the signal is not visible to other traffic.
That's a reminder first of all to always be sure to signal well in advance. The turning indicator should always be applied several seconds before hitting the brakes. And secondly, it's also a reminder to ensure the signals not only work but that they can clearly be seen as well.
Agricultural producers certainly have plenty to keep on their minds during the spring seeding. But motorists must also do their part by remaining vigilant and keeping their eyes peeled for farm equipment on the roads.
According to the province, there is a high number of rear-end collisions that usually occur at intersections caused by motorists who underestimate the size and speed of the farm equipment.
So don't be caught off guard ó always be prepared to brake and accommodate. Better to arrive a few minutes later than not at all.
- Simon Ducatel is the Sundre Round Up editor
