With the Thanksgiving long weekend upon us, a new campaign in Peterborough County is encouraging motorists to be patient and share the road with slow-moving farm vehicles during the fall harvest season.
The “Share the Road” campaign was launched at Squirrel Creek Farm west of Bailieboro on Thursday (October 5) by Peterborough County, in partnership with the Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan, the Peterborough Federation of Agriculture, and the Peterborough County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
Harvest season begins in October and can last into December, which means drivers can expect to encounter slow-moving farm vehicles and farm equipment on rural highways and roads.
“As you drive throughout Otonabee South Monaghan, you are in a township with a rich history of agriculture,” says Otonabee-South Monaghan Township mayor Joe Taylor in a media release. “Please respect the farmers and share the road, especially during the fall harvest season as they engage in a way of life which benefits everyone.”
As part of the campaign, which runs until the end of October, new “Share the Road” signs have been installed on County Road 2. Motorists are also being asked to be aware of the following:
- Don’t expect a slow-moving farm vehicle to pull over on the shoulder to let traffic pass, as this could be dangerous for a large piece of equipment.
- Do not drive in the blind spots of the slow-moving farm vehicle and keep far enough back for the driver to see you.
- Before you pass a slow-moving farm vehicle, make sure the path is clear and the driver can see you.
“As we approach the fall harvest season, sharing the road with tractors becomes paramount for our safety,” says inspector Chris Galeazza, detachment commander of the Peterborough County OPP. “These vital farming vehicles are essential to our food supply, but they often move at slower speeds and require extra caution from all road users. Prioritizing safety and patience when encountering tractors on the road is not just a courtesy — it’s a responsibility that helps safeguard lives and keeps our communities thriving.”
The OPP is reminding the public that impatient drivers who attempt to pass a slow-moving vehicle in an unsafe manner risk causing serious accidents and can face hefty penalties. The fine for careless driving is $490 and six demerit points on your licence.
