Safety first plea as silage starts

With so many people home-based due to the coronavirus emergency, the number of pedestrians, runners and cyclists, has increased dramatically since the COVID-19 restrictions started to kick-in from late last March.

IFA President, Tim Cullinan, has asked all tractor drivers to bear in mind that ‘around every corner could be a neighbouring family or friend out for a walk, jog or a cycle’ within 5km of their homes.

“We should all expect the unexpected – we have learned already this year, whether it be on the farm or on the road, that there is no place for complacency,” he said.

The safety appeal has been issued jointly this week by the IFA and the RSA (Road Safety Authority) with an emphasis on the fact that the numbers of people walking, jogging and cycling on country roads has increased dramatically since the start of the coronavirus emergency.

Largely fine weather since March 18 last has also meant that many more people are using the network of country roads for exercising – the RSA has warned that this increases the need for greater care and awareness by drivers over the coming weeks and months.

Michael Rowland, Director Road Safety Research and Driver Education, RSA, said that this year they were asking drivers of farm machinery to ‘be more aware than ever’ of what was going on around them.

“With increased numbers of people of all ages out walking, running and cycling it is imperative that we all take greater care and follow the rules of the road.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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