Sheriff Hosts Press Conference To Urge Motorists To Watch…

Sheriff Hosts Press Conference To Urge Motorists To Watch for Slow-Moving Vehicles as Farm Crop Season Gets Underway Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, joined by numerous agriculture officials, held an on-the-farm press conference to urge motorists to watch for slow-moving agriculture vehicles and to remind farmers of their responsibilities when operating farm equipment on the public roads. Oneida County’s “Share the Road” initiative was also discussed. The event was held at the Brady Farms located on Roberts Road in Clinton. In addition to the Sheriff’s Office members, those in attendance included Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr., New York Farm Bureau Region 5 Director of County Relations John Wagner, Oneida County Farm Bureau representatives , Mary Beth McEwen – Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County & her staff members, and Farmer Ben Simons – local agriculture advocate. “This time of year, we are now beginning to see farm vehicles and equipment on the roads and motorists need to be ready to respond appropriately. These vehicles are extremely important to Oneida County’s agriculture community, which is our county’s largest industry, according to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol. “We have also partnered with NY FarmNet to expand our Sharing the Road Initiative and farm safety to include farm & farmer wellness in an effort assist families with various issues they may deal with personally”. “Agriculture remains the backbone of Oneida County’s economy and a vital part of our way of life,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “This season brings more farm equipment onto our roadways, often moving at slower speeds and requiring extra space to operate safely. Drivers need to stay alert, be patient and recognize that these vehicles are simply doing the work that sustains our communities. By slowing down and giving farmers the room they need, we can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe. Let’s all do our part to ‘Share the Road.” “Spring planting and fieldwork bring added pressure, long hours, and heightened stress for many farm families. At NY FarmNet, we know that farmer health and safety must include mental health and wellness. Supporting the people behind our farms means recognizing the emotional strain that can come with the season, reducing stigma around asking for help, and making sure farmers and their families know they are not alone. A strong agricultural community depends not only on safe roads and safe equipment, but on making sure those who feed our communities have the support they need to stay well”, according to Adam Howell, Outreach Director for NY FarmNet. “Cornell Cooperative Extension is pleased to partner with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office annually to promote and support the Share the Road campaign. When Spring arrives, tractors and other agricultural vehicles become more prevalent on our local roads. These vehicles are often oversized, slower moving and make wider turns. It's important for everyone's safety to remain patient and exercise caution when encountering tractors and agricultural vehicles. Everyone wants to make it safely to and from their destination so please smile, wave, and Share the Road” according to MaryBeth McEwen, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County.________________________________________ When motorists encounter a slow-moving vehicle on the roadway they should: •Slow down immediately•Increase following distance to create a safety cushion•Be alert and watch for unexpected turns•Pass with care only when it is safe and legal to do so•Be aware that animal-powered vehicles may make unanticipated movements•Be aware that equipment in tow may sway on the road•Remember slow-moving vehicle operators may have poor visibility due to loads and equipment in tow Operators of the farm tractors & equipment should be aware that the slow-moving vehicle triangle should be placed in the center of the back end of the vehicle, located two to six feet above the road, and kept clean and replaced when faded. Each piece of agricultural equipment, whether self-propelled or used in combination, must separately display the required emblems. It is illegal to put slow-moving vehicle emblems on stationary objects – such as mailboxes or driveway posts. Under state law, self-propelled agricultural equipment can be used on public roads after dark and when visibility is less than 1,000 feet when it has two white headlamps, one red tail light on the rear as far left as possible and two amber lamps at least 42 inches high and visible from the front and rear. Vehicles drawn by animals (horse & buggy) must display on the rear either a slow-moving vehicle triangle or a lighted lantern with a red lens at least four inches in diameter, with the center of the lens to be 42 inches above the ground, the lantern to be near the left edge of the vehicle. The vehicle also should have 72 square inches of a high quality white or whitish-gray reflective tape.