The Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) has reminded road users to take extra care when travelling in South Australia’s regions over the coming months as grain harvest get underway.
The Department said the harvest period, which usually ran through to January, is to see increases in heavy vehicle movements and farming machinery onto country roads across the State.
It said the South Australian’s government initiative ‘Think! Road Safety’ was aimed at helping drivers and pedestrians think about their behaviours and actions on the road.
With the harvest period coinciding with the school and summer holidays, holidaymakers, tourists, and locals alike are reminded to ‘Think! Road Safety’ and plan ahead, be patient and drive carefully when travelling through these regions.
According to the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) drivers must wait until it’s safe to overtake trucks and large agricultural vehicles, ensuring they leave plenty of room.
“Heavy vehicles can be much longer and wider than you expect, requiring greater distances to stop and safely manoeuvre on the road,” the Department said.
“Road users are reminded to be patient, approach with caution and always wait until it is safe before overtaking,” it said.
DIT said visibility on roads may be reduced at times due to dust being stirred up in paddocks so it was essential to always drive to the conditions and keep headlights switched on during both the day and night.
It said widespread heavy rainfall in November, particularly in the Riverland, Mid-North and Outback regions, has caused damage to some roads.
The Department is reminding drivers to watch out for road workers who may be active along the road network undertaking repairs.
For more safe driving tips the ‘Mylicence’ website can be accessed at this PS News link.
