INSURANCE COMPANY NFU Mutual is warning tractor drivers to take special care on the roads as the weather improves because more tourists will be out and about.

“Our claims statistics show that accidents involving tractors and other road vehicles remain worryingly high,” said Pamela Oldfield of NFU Mutual Risk Management Services.

“A high proportion of the most serious accidents involve farm vehicles and motorcycles travelling at speed.”

Ms Oldfield said that many accidents happened when tractors turned right into a farmyard or field.

“As tractors slow down before turning, impatient drivers tend to try and overtake without realizing that the tractor is about to move across the road. 

“For this reason it’s vital that tractors and trailer indicators are kept clean and that drivers take special care when turning right.”

For more advice on farm safety call NFU Mutual Risk Management Services on 0800 132029.