By Sheila Phibbs
The Haldimand Press
With spring field work and planting just around the corner, cars and trucks will be sharing the roads with farm tractors and equipment. With this in mind, the Haldimand-Norfolk Junior Farmers (HNJF) are organizing a Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign exchange for April 15, 2023 to help keep everyone safe on our roads.
The triangular shaped, orange and red SMV sign is commonly seen on the back of farm tractors, wagons, and equipment. While these signs are familiar in rural communities, it is important to remind all drivers of the rules associated with them.
An Ontario Federation of Agriculture fact sheet (Farm Implements on the Road), indicates that SMV signs must be displayed on every farm tractor or self-propelled implement driven on the road. Any vehicle with an SMV sign cannot exceed 40km/h. This includes farm equipment that is capable of higher speeds.
The signs must be clearly visible from 150 metres and faded signs have to be replaced. According to HNJF President Oscar Peeters, the cost of an SMV sign is approximately $21.
After learning about a successful SMV sign exchange conducted by the Junior Farmers in Essex-Kent, HNJF decided to offer the program locally as well. Signs that are worn, faded, damaged, or broken can be exchanged for a brand new sign.
Peeters adds, “There is zero cost to farmers. We just ask that they bring in their old sign(s) when they come to get a new one.”
Agricultural education is an affiliation requirement for HNJF, which is part of the Junior Farmers Association of Ontario.
Peeters says, “As a club, we have noticed that there is a lack of farm safety programs in both Haldimand and Norfolk counties.”
The SMV sign exchange is set for April 15 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the Peavey Mart location in Simcoe, 295 Queensway West.
Maddie Gear, HNJF Communications Director, believes that SMV signs are important in protecting both farmers and other motorists. She says, “The signs warn approaching vehicles that the equipment ahead of them is travelling at slow speeds. Everyone on the roads – in a tractor or vehicle – is someone we love and we want to put efforts forward to ensure they return home safe.”
For more information and updates on the Haldimand-Norfolk Junior Farmers’ events and happenings, or for details on joining the group, visit them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
