Share the road with farm vehicles

York Region’s agricultural community is busy from spring through fall, and that means you’ll see more farm machinery on local roads. With over 600 farms operating across the Region, farmers play a vital role in keeping our food system strong and our communities healthy.

From May to October, tractors, combines and other equipment travel between fields at all hours. These vehicles move slowly and may cause brief delays, but a little patience goes a long way in helping farmers do their essential work safely. 

When you see a farm vehicle:

• Slow down 
• Maintain a safe distance between you and farm vehicles and do not pass until it is safe to do so
• Farm vehicles don’t always have brake lights or turn signals and operators may not always be visible to give hand signals
• Large vehicles need extra space to stop and turn and have many blind spots, be aware that farmers may not be able to see you
• Watch out for left turns. Be aware that farmers sometimes need to make wide turns. If a tractor swings to the right, be careful, it may be starting a left turn
• Be patient and understanding so farmers can do their important work

Tips for safely passing farm vehicles:

• Only pass if it's safe to do so
• Watch for oncoming traffic and wait for a clear passing zone
• Never take a chance by passing on a curve or hill
• When finished passing, don't stop or slow down in front of the farm vehicle. Large equipment can't brake as quickly as a car
• Do not pass farm machinery at intersections. Vehicles may turn without the ability to signal or see traffic behind them 

For more road safety tips and information, visit york.ca/TrafficSafety