With traffic up, it's key to remember the rules on rural roads
The Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA) is reporting an uptick in drivers on rural highways, which causes concern as farmers ramp up for harvest season.
A lot of people -- as a result of the pandemic and certain restrictions that have been in place -- have left more urban settings and are heading out into the country side to explore and play,” said Scott Butler, executive director for OGRA.
Local farmers say they take extra precautions when travelling on highways in farming equipment.
“A lot of it is a lot bigger than what it used to be. That’s why we’ve got to be a lot more safety conscious on the roads,” said Jamie Herb of Gordleh Farms.
Drivers are encouraged to slow down when approaching a slow moving vehicle, give it extra space, and pass only when it is safe to do so.
Other than safety concerns around passing slow moving vehicles, Butler says there are major financial implications that come with incidents involving cars and farm equipment.
“There’s the obvious ones contained in the Highway Traffic Act. Recently the Government of Ontario amended some of those penalties to make them even more significant,” said Butler.
He added that incidents can end up burdening local community members as well.
“Roadways are a significant source of liabilities for municipalities and when these types of accidents happen it can be very costly to the public purse,” said Butler.
Both Butler and Hern are encouraging drivers to exercise patience when passing through rural areas and approaching slow moving vehicles, for the benefit of everyone.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.