Road safety campaigners are warning of a “perfect storm” this summer with accidents involving agricultural vehicles expected to rise sharply.
NFU Mutual data shows collisions between agricultural vehicles and third parties are 56 per cent more likely between May and September than during the rest of the year.
The figures reflect the busiest time of the farming year – including silaging and harvest – and the higher number of tractors, trailers and wide machinery on rural roads at a time when tourists are travelling to holiday destinations.
Claims surge
The rural insurer recorded an average of 391 collisions a month involving agricultural vehicles during the harvest period last year, compared with 251 a month during January to April and October to December.
NFU Mutual rural road safety specialist Andrew Chalk said rural roads continue to unsettle many drivers. Its survey found 35 per cent of motorists feel uncomfortable navigating agricultural vehicles on country lanes.
Mr Chalk said: “The fact that harvesting needs to be done in good weather creates a perfect storm when it comes to road safety, with the summer seeing farmers and holidaymakers and day trippers rush to make the most of the sun.
“NFU Mutual claims data has consistently shown that this causes a spike in the number of collisions between agricultural vehicles and other road users, and so it’s vital that everybody does what they can to keep our rural roads safe this summer.”
Driver concerns
Some 23 per cent of motorists have been involved in a collision on a rural road, reveals the survey. Meanwhile 26 per cent of new drivers feel unprepared to drive on countryside roads after passing their test.
Almost 10,000 people lost their lives on rural roads in the decade to 2024, according to official statistics. Contributory factors include unfamiliarity with country lanes, driving too fast and poor visibility.
Motorists are urged to stay behind slow-moving machinery unless the way is clear and there are no field entrances nearby. Farmers and contractors are encouraged to pull over where possible to let traffic pass.
Mr Chalk said: “Agricultural machinery is larger, wider and slower than other vehicles, which can tempt road users to overtake, but it’s vital to overtake only when safe.”
He added: “Motorists and cyclists should remember they are likely driving only a few miles or to the next field opening, so be patient, give agricultural vehicles room to turn and don’t drive too closely to them.”