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
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.