Another summer is here! Field season is in full swing, and farm equipment is on the move. Amidst the pressure to get the job done, it is critical to remember that safety, especially on public roads—should not take a back seat.
Each year, as the field season gets busier, the chances of road incidents get higher. We are reminded that even short trips between fields can carry serious risks. It is also the time of the year where Farm Safety Nova Scotia’s One Road Campaign reminds all farmers to make road safety a priority and a part of our everyday practices. This means doing our part to protect our families, neighbours, and the public we share the road with.
Your Role – Be visible, be aware and be courteous
Signal early and clearly.
Use flat, solid, wide spaces to let vehicles pass when it’s safe. Avoid pulling over on soft shoulders that could tip your load or equipment.
Slow Moving Vehicle Sign
Is your Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign still in good condition, reflective and properly placed? They make your equipment stand out or be more conspicuous so that others on the road can see you and slow down.
Equipment operating at speeds below 40 km/h must display a Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign installed at the rear end of both tractors and trailers or implements. If you have a slow-moving vehicle sign on your equipment, you must travel at 40 km/hr even though the tractor is able to travel at higher speeds. This is not just a recommendation but also a requirement under Nova Scotia’s Motor Vehicle Act.
Pre-Trip Inspections
A vehicle or equipment’s pre-trip inspection will only take a few minutes and can save lives, time and money. This is one important task that can detect damage, leaks, or faults with the vehicle or equipment that could interfere with the safe operation. Walk around and inspect your vehicle and implement.
- Are your hazard, brake lights and turn signals working properly?
- Are your mirrors clear and properly adjusted?
- Check your brakes – do they fade, grab or travel?
- Are your tires fully inflated and wheel bolts tight? Are they strong enough to carry the maximum weight on your axles? -The tire will have these ratings on the sidewall of the tire.
- Are any towed implements safely secured with the correct hitch pin, safety clips, and safety chains or the appropriate safety requirement?
- Remember all implements should be locked in the travel position when travelling on public roads. The implement jack should be raised and out of the way!
On the Road
- Avoid texting or making calls while driving. This can cause distractions and reduce focus. on the road
- Pay close attention to other vehicles and motorists close to your equipment. Do not feel pressured to pull over when it is unsafe.
- Many accidents happen when farm equipment turns left. Be especially aware of vehicles that may be watching for an opportunity to pass and fail to see your left turn indicator.
Escort vehicles
If you are transporting wide, oversize equipment that impairs visibility or blocks your turn indicators, you can use fluorescent flags or amber warning lights or having a lead or chase vehicle with hazard lights can prevent incidents. Give extra notice of a left hand turn when traveling with your four-way flashers on. This will inform the road user behind you of your intended turn.
Rules of the Road
Many of us have years of experience in hauling and towing of implements. While this is great, it can also mean that we can easily become complacent and out of touch with current road regulations. The Farm Safety Nova Scotia website has Transportation guidelines for Nova Scotia Farmers as a guide and source of information for safety, weight restrictions, towing implements and other requirements.
Defensive driving
You may be following all the rules, but that will not stop a distracted or impatient driver from making a dangerous move.
When we all take the time to plan our trips, inspect our equipment, and follow road rules, we protect everyone who uses the roads including ourselves. It only takes one moment of distraction, unintended action or a malfunctioning part to cause a life-altering incident.
This season let’s remind ourselves and our workers of the importance of sharing the roads safely. Safety is a two-way street. All road users need to do their part to make our roadways safer.
For more on road safety, visit our One Road safety campaign website: farmsafetyns.ca/oneroad/ . You will also find the Transportation Guidelines for Nova Scotia Farmers Guidebook and free online courses on Agricultural Road Safety, Tractor and Farm Machinery Awareness on: farmsafetyns.ca
For information on endorsement testing, contact us at info@farmsafetyns.ca or by calling 902-893-2293
References
Farm Safety Nova Scotia. (2024). Road Safety Tips from Farm Safety Nova Scotia. Retrieved from: farmsafetyns.ca/road-safety-tips-from-farm-safety-nova-scotia
Farm Safety Nova Scotia. One Road Campaign. Retrieved from: farmsafetyns.ca/oneroad/
Fetzer, L. M., Murphy, D. J., Becot, F. (March 2025.). Farm equipment safety on public roads. – Agricultural Safety and Health. Retrieved from: extension.psu.edu/farm-equipment-safety-on-public-roads
Motor Vehicle Act (1989). Retrieved from: nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/motor%20vehicle.pdf
Ontario Federation of Agriculture. (2023). Farmers support harvest season road safety –. ofa.on.ca/newsroom/farmers-support-harvest-season-road-safety/#:~:text=Farmers%20have%20a%20vital%20role,distracted%20driving%20is%20distracted%20driving.
Redhead Equipment (2024). Road Safety During Farming Seasons. Retrieved from: redheadequipment.ca/road-safety-during-farming-seasons/
