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Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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‘A poor show’: Gardaí slam tractor driver who caused line of ‘at least’ 50 vehicles

Gardaí have slammed a tractor driver, who caused “a line of at least 50 vehicles without availing of any opportunities to pull in” on a road in the south-east of the country.

Gardaí highlighted the incident on social media yesterday (Saturday, August 28th, 2021).

Tractor driver causes line of at least 50 vehicles 

In a post on social media, a spokesperson for Garda Síochána Kilkenny/Carlow said:

“This short clip captured by a passenger in a vehicle travelling from Bennettsbridge to Kilkenny shows a tractor towing a trailer with a queue behind it.”

“There was also a line of at least 50 vehicles behind the one that shot the video.”

“The tractor had travelled the full distance from Bennettsbridge to Kilkenny without availing of any opportunities to pull in.”

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“A poor show. Let’s all show consideration to each other on our roads,” the spokesperson concluded.

Mixed reaction on social media 

The incident has sparked a mixed reaction on social media, with many defending the driver of the agricultural vehicle.

One user wrote: “There are all in a hurry, going nowhere. Only for the farmers, the country would be broken. Some day, people will appreciate the farmers.”

Another social media user asked: “what about cyclists?”

Another said: “Lots of places to pull in. No excuse for not doing it.”

Another user said: “2 sides to every story. Yes, he should have pulled if he had the opportunity, but sometimes, if you don’t know the road well enough, you can come on a space to pull in too quick, and you miss that opportunity.”

“While tractors may be relatively slow-moving, they are a large vehicle with a lot of weight in a trailer, so it’s not always as simple as it may seem.”

“Yes – some drivers can be inconsiderate, but not all farmers should be tarred with the one brush.”

Another said: “Well done for highlighting this. Slow-moving vehicles can be really dangerous as frustration builds and drivers attempt risky overtaking. A good operator will give consideration to those stuck behind.”

Expect the unexpected

In recent weeks, Gardaí urged all road users to be mindful of the increased presence of agricultural vehicles, walkers and cyclists on roads.

It appealed to all road users to “expect the unexpected”. Gardaí also reminded drivers of agricultural machinery to comply with relevant road traffic legislation.

IFA’s and RSA’s safety appeal

Earlier this year, the IFA and RSA appealed to drivers of farming machinery and other road users to share the road safely.

Both organisations want farming contractors and other drivers to remember this and to always be on the lookout for such vulnerable road users.

Both bodies renewed its annual appeal for motorists to be on the lookout for tractors, trailers and other agricultural machinery exiting from fields and farmyards.

Mr Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority, said, “This is a very busy time of year for farmers.”

“The number of tractors and trailers out using the roads will increase dramatically. I am asking all drivers to be on the lookout for tractors, trailers and other farm machinery on the road.”

“If you are travelling behind farm machinery, please be patient and only overtake when it’s safe to do so”.

He said farmers should be aware of traffic building up behind them and keep left where possible and safe to do so to allow other vehicles to pass safely.

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