New data based on claims made last year to rural insurer NFU Mutual shows that accidents involving farm vehicles and other road users, perhaps unsurprisingly, are 40% more likely to occur between May and September.
On average, there were 456 of these accidents per month during the main harvest period (including silage cutting, hay making, and cereal harvesting), compared to just 263 per month between October and April.
Gregor Belcher, farming specialist at NFU Mutual, said “Unfortunately, our data shows that accidents involving agricultural vehicles and third parties are over 40% more likely during this period.
“Farmers and contractors cannot – and should not – drive too quickly when pulling a heavily-laden trailer so we urge motorists and cyclists to be patient to avoid driving too close and attempting risky overtakes on narrow or unsighted roads. In turn, farmers should pull over to allow built-up traffic to pass when it is safe to do so.
“Farmers will often be travelling only a short distance before turning into a field or side road, but a tractor pulling a long trailer can take some time and need more space to turn a corner.
“Rural road users, and particularly cyclists and motorcyclists, should be aware that the tractor may turn, and never attempt to overtake on the inside of a turning or field entrance. Ultimately, we urge anybody using rural roads to respect the vital function they serve to our farming industry.
“By respecting fellow road users, we can all ensure that work and leisure can continue accident-free harvest season.”