Safety reminder as trucks on roads increase for harvest

With an anticipated large grain harvest in most parts of South Australia, motorists are reminded to be aware of the thousands of additional heavy vehicles on the road over the coming months.

Grain Producers SA Chief Executive Officer Brad Perry said many of the extra heavy vehicles will be on country roads during harvest.

“The prospect of high grain production volumes throughout South Australia means more heavy vehicle traffic on our country roads, so road safety must be at the forefront,” said Mr Perry.

“Motorists are urged to be patient and exercise caution when interacting with the thousands of extra heavy vehicles on the road over harvest.”

Mr Perry said the wet conditions also provide additional challenges for all motorists to be aware of during harvest.

“In many areas on-farm the ground is sodden, so for the grain producers and carriers it’s important to have a level access point at paddock entry or loading for heavy vehicle accessibility and safety in all weather conditions,” said Mr Perry.

“With such a wet start, harvest in South Australia will continue throughout the festive holiday season, so for those travelling during this period it’s important to plan your trips ahead, drive to the conditions and ensure it is completely safe before overtaking trucks and large agricultural vehicles.

“For heavy vehicle operators, this is also a timely reminder to make sure heavy vehicles are correctly registered or permitted and are properly checked before use.

“Whether it’s a farm-owned heavy vehicle or grain producers using contractors to cart grain, the message from us is clear: take your time to ensure you’ve considered any risks and put appropriate steps in place to make your harvest operations safe.”

Yorke Peninsula Council Mayor Darren Braund said it is important to share the road appropriately this harvest season.

“The busy holiday period also coincides with harvest so it’s important for everyone to be aware of their surroundings and drive to the conditions,” Mr Braund said.

“We all want to get to our destination safely these holidays so please respectful to all road users.”

Some tips from the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) for sharing the road with heavy vehicles include:

Plan ahead, be patient and alert, and drive carefully Don’t exceed the speed limit Drive to the conditions, especially when visibility is low Ensure it’s safe to do so before overtaking trucks and large agricultural vehicles, and leave plenty of room Slow down when approaching slower vehicles, or vehicles entering or leaving the road Be aware of blind spots for heavy vehicles, as they have bigger blind spots than cars Grain Producers SA is the peak industry body representing the 4,500 grain farming