All motorists play vital roles in ensuring safety on PEI’s roads, especially during the busy harvest season.
Here are some basic tips for maintaining safe driving practices:
For motorists:
- Be aware: Fall is a busy time on PEI roads during harvest season. Expect farm equipment on Island roadways from early morning to late at night.
- Be patient: Farm equipment often moves slower than regular traffic. Take your time when driving near these vehicles.
- Slow down: Reducing speed can give you more time to react and improve safety for everyone.
- Maintain distance: Keep a safe distance when following or passing farm equipment.
- Watch for mud: Be cautious of slippery road conditions caused by mud from farming vehicles.
- Watch this video: Share the road with farm vehicles (youtube.com)
For the farming community:
- Increase visibility of vehicles and equipment:
- Check lights to ensure they’re working properly.
- Use reflective tape.
- Mark the edges of the vehicle so motorists can gauge safe passing distances.
- Use pilot vehicles with proper lighting.
- Use slow-moving vehicle signs: Display these signs prominently to alert drivers that you’re moving at a slower pace.
- Secure loads: Cover loose products like grain and strap down hay bales and tote boxes to prevent them from falling off.
- Review Prince Edward Island Federation of Agriculture’s best practices guide: Best Practices for operating farm equipment
If you see something that could cause immediate harm, contacting 9-1-1 is crucial. For less urgent situations, please contact to the local police non-emergency number. Always prioritize safety and report incidents asap.
Islanders can expect to hear more about road safety as the harvest season continues.
Media contact:
Stacey Miller
Transportation and Infrastructure
samiller@gov.pe.ca