Driving large tractors at 16 is ‘irresponsible’
Under legislation it is possible for a 16-year-old to drive a tractor and trailer combination with no weight or power limit specified. This may include a trailer, again with no weight limit specified.
But the Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) wants new Transport Minister Martin Cullen to introduce tractor-trailer legislation to reduce accidents on the public roads involving farm machinery.
President Simon Cross said as tractors have become more powerful and the size of their trailed attachments have become bigger, the FTMTA is concerned about the increasing dangers associated with using these big machines on public roads.
It was proposing a three-pronged approach to improving safety on public roads where farm machines are involved, including the introduction of regulations to ensure those driving tractor and trailer combinations with a total laden weight of more than 12 tonnes should be over 18 and have a full driving licence.
Mr Cross said the risk attached to the use of such tractor and trailer combinations was too high to put on young and inexperienced shoulders.
The FTMTA is also proposing all trailed equipment over 5 tonnes laden weight, when pulled behind a tractor at speeds up to 40km/hr, should be fitted with a 40km/hr sticker, in addition to a service brake, parking brake and breakaway brake.
Mr Cross said manufacturers and suppliers of these trailed machines could not legislate for the speed at which they would be used.
But they are concerned about users having accidents when exceeding the manufactured rated speed of 40km/hr.
The display of a speed-limiting sticker as a legal requirement would ensure this responsibility rested with the user/driver.
The FTMTA is also seeking legislation to allow for the fitment and use of flashing beacons on agricultural tractors to be immediately brought into law.
This should include a code of practice for their use he said.
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