Police Issue A Tall Corn Warning

(PERTH COUNTY, ON) – Tall corn may be great for farmers however it can compromise safety for motorists. This time of year corn fields near intersections as well as tall vegetation in ditches can obscure sight lines and block the view of traffic on cross roads. The Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind all road users to be extra cautious at rural intersections.

The Ontario Drivers Handbook advises vehicle operators that they must come to a complete stop for all stop signs. The stop should be made at the stop line if it is marked on the pavement. If there is no stop line, stop at the crosswalk, marked or not. If there is no crosswalk, stop at the edge of the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, stop at the edge of the intersection. Then wait until the way is clear before entering the intersection.

When your views are obstructed by tall corn or vegetation, use extra caution when approaching side roads. Carefully and slowly creep up to the edge of the intersection where you stop and then proceed into or across the intersection, when it is safe to do so.

When you approach stop signs at intersecting through roadways, slow down well before the intersection. Hard, last minute braking, and sudden stops give the impression to the through roadway motorist that you will not make the stop. At other times of the year, the through roadway motorist will have seen you coming, but now with views obscured they are unable to anticipate your actions. To relieve their angst, slow down well before the stop sign, make that complete stop, and wait until traffic has cleared before entering the intersection.

Now that the crops are tall, slow down, and pay extra attention at rural intersections. By doing so you will ensure safer roads for yourself and your fellow road users.

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