Rural Road Safety Advice for Tractors

Tractors and other agricultural machinery are a common sight on rural roads, as farmers move between farms and other land that they own, and haul produce, livestock and other materials around. Over recent years, tractors have increased in power, size and speed and so it’s more important than ever that drivers take all reasonable steps to ensure that they are operating machinery in a safe manner, with due consideration for other rural road users.

Along with some safer driving advice, we’ve shared our thoughts below on the steps that you can take to ensure that your tractor, trailers and other machinery are being operated correctly on the road:

1. Perform a Vehicle Health Check

Prior to venturing onto the road, check that all lights, indicators and rotating beacons are working (including those on any trailers or lighting boards attached to the rear of trailed or mounted implements). Are the number plates clearly visible and mirrors clean and adjusted to provide the best view possible?
The NFU Farm Vehicle Health Check document provides comprehensive guidance around vehicle maintenance, including a useful checklist.

2. Be aware of other road users

Remember that those that can cause the greatest harm, have the greatest responsibility to reduce the risk they may pose to others on the road. Large tractors, trailers and implements have potential to cause great harm to other road users, so make sure that you follow the advice in this article.   
When you become aware of traffic building up behind you, pull over when safe and legal to do so, to allow faster vehicles to safely pass you.   

3. Keep a charged mobile phone with you

Phones must be used in compliance with the law and when safe to do so. Make sure that you have a fully charged mobile phone available to be used when your vehicle is parked, to call for the emergency services if you are involved in any accidents or incidents, or come across these when on rural roads. Consider downloading the what3words app on your phone, so that in the event of an incident, emergency services can easily find your location. Location sharing, or checking in with others in the area can also be good ways to ensure that you stay safe when lone working.

4. Use the appropriate seat and seatbelt

Only allow passengers to travel in your tractor or agricultural machinery where the manufacturer has provided a seat specifically designed for this purpose and always use seat belts (where fitted). 

5. Maintain braking systems

Braking systems on both tractors and trailers / trailed machinery need to be maintained in line with the manufacturer's recommendation. Consider using an agricultural vehicle, trailer and appliance testing service. The test should include brake efficiency tests suitable for agricultural vehicles, appliances and trailers as well as visual condition checks. The NFU Vehicle and Appliance Health Check includes a list of daily checks that help to ensure the vehicles and appliances are suitable and safe for the tasks ahead.

6. Demonstrate caution when turning with implements

Be aware that mounted and trailed implements will swing out when turning and could cause injury or damage to other road users or their property. Trailers with different axle configurations will swing out in different ways when making tight turns and allowances need to be made for this. 

7. Take great care when pulling out of fields or gateways onto roads

Hedges and trees can compromise visibility and front mounted machinery only makes things more difficult. Where you cannot clearly see both directions down a road from the cab of the tractor, use somebody outside the vehicle to check for traffic and guide you safely onto the road. 

8. Indicate well in advance and double check mirrors

When pulling into fields or farm entrances, use your indicators in good time, so that other road users are aware of your intentions. Look in your mirrors before manoeuvring, so that you can check for any vehicles that may be attempting to overtake whilst you are turning in. Take particular care when turning right, in case other vehicles are attempting to overtake you at that point.

9. Install front and rear facing dashcams

You might want to consider installing dashcams in your tractors as these can help to promote the right behaviours in your drivers. They are also useful if an incident does occur in terms of establishing liability. Use of cameras can also be helpful in increasing visibility of blind spots, however, awareness of the surroundings is very important.

10. Plan routes and timings of journeys

Plan your route to avoid busier periods, such as the start and end of the school day if you need to travel past rural schools or through village centres. When travelling in unfamiliar locations, plan your route in advance and make sure that you’re aware of any weight, height or width restrictions that could apply. Ensure you comply with local requirements for abnormal vehicles and machinery, e.g. combine harvesters. 

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