The Haut-Saint-Laurent syndicate of the UPA has long been concerned over slippery road conditions caused by mud and debris left behind by producers during the harvest season.
In a recent Facebook post, the local union reminded farmers that under the provisions of Section 498 of the Highway Safety Code, it is up to producers to ensure they are not leaving debris on the sections of the road network used during agricultural transportation operations. Road users in general should be aware, however, that wet fall weather and muddy conditions in the fields can sometimes lead to dangerous road conditions.
The post goes on to note that “Several efforts have been made in recent years to convince the Ministry of Transport (MTQ) to allow the installation of temporary ‘Caution slippery road’ signs by farmers during field work.” In fact, the Haut-Saint-Laurent syndicate received the UPA’s Jean Paul Raymond Award in 2014 for its project entitled Voitures et tracteurs, roulez en toute sécurité dans le Haut-Saint-Laurent, which saw the creation of temporary signs that could be used to encourage drivers to be vigilant near field exits on rural roads.
Despite the useful nature of these temporary signs, the MTQ has yet to consent to their use. In the meantime, it remains imperative that all road users drive carefully during the harvest season. (SR)
