(MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH PERTH, ON) On Monday October 28, 2013 around 9:30 p.m. Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were dispatched to Line 87 between Hwy 23 and Road 165 (North West of Listowel) for a collision involving farm machinery.
Investigation revealed that a combine pulling two gravity wagons had left the roadway and entered the ditch, causing the wagons to tip. The combine operator advised that he pulled to the right to allow a motorist to pass when he drove onto the soft shoulder causing his equipment to tip over. No injuries were sustained.
Area motorists are reminded that farm machinery traffic tends to be heavier during harvest time. Be aware that the difference in speed between you and farm vehicles is often extreme, distances particularly when following, close very quickly. Rural roads often have gravel surfaces and can be narrow with hills and curves that can impede visibility. The risk of collision with farm equipment increases during hours of dusk or darkness. Motorist should expect to come upon farm machinery at any time of day. Good judgement is required when approaching and overtaking farm equipment.
The operators of farm equipment are responsible to ensure they use a properly mounted slow moving vehicle sign and that they have lighting as required by the Highway Traffic Act.