Monday, 7 November 2016
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall today called on road users across the region to take extra care on roads and at railway level crossings as harvest ramps up across country NSW over the next few weeks.
“With more heavy vehicles and farming machinery travelling on our roads, I want to remind residents to be careful when travelling on roads and crossing railway lines,” Mr Marshall said.
“In the coming months farmers will be harvesting throughout the north western parts of the electorate in particular and there’ll be a surge in activity.
“More trains and freight trucks will be carrying products such as barley, oats, maize, sorghum, wheat and triticale from paddock to port, making it vital for motorists to stay alert.
“Fatigue is still one of the biggest killers on our roads and with farmers in areas such as Moree Plains Shire and Gwydir Shire working long hours during harvest season it’s important they look after themselves and take regular breaks.
“Research shows that being awake for about 17 hours has a similar effect on performance as a blood alcohol content of 0.05 and for this reason it is important that drivers are aware of any signs that they might be tired and do everything that they can to rest.
“We understand that the harvest period is a very active time in country NSW, however it’s all for nothing if you don’t make it home safely.”