Gypsy Day: Commonsense needed in moving stock

Horizons Regional Council hope drivers will be safe on rural roads this Gypsy Day.

As thousands of cows are moved about the country on or around 1 June, Horizons Regional Council road safety coordinator Debbie Webster is reminding drivers to use commonsense if they come across stock on the road.

While many farmers use road transport companies to move stock, there are some who only have a short distance to go and herd them down local roads.

Ms Webster says drivers need to be patient when they come across stock on rural roads. Stock can be extremely unpredictable and cause serious accidents or chaos for drivers — especially if they are spooked.

"While most rural roads have a 100km/h speed limit, going that speed could be fatal if we suddenly come across stock on the road. We need to drive to the conditions and always be on the lookout for unseen hazards.

"You never know what you are going to come across and you should always be prepared to slow down and stop if need be," she says.

Ms Webster says many of rural roads are narrow, have more corners, fewer road markings, and often have other activities happening that don't occur on state highways.

"The flip side of the coin is when we come upon other road users such as farm tractors, heavy trucks, school buses and slower drivers who may be unfamiliar with the road.

"Sometimes the driver in the front is courteous and will pull over at the first opportunity so we can pass. If not, I'd suggest drivers adopt the mantra "chill, enjoy the scenery, and wait until it is safe to overtake". You want to be 100 per cent sure that your overtaking manoeuvre is going to be safe."

Ms Webster says drivers also need to be aware that drivers of trucks and buses often have large blind spots behind and at the side of their vehicles, so it is a good idea to follow far enough back to be seen in their side mirrors.

TIPS FOR RURAL DRIVING

• Drive at speeds that reflect the surroundings — sealed road or unsealed road, potholes, narrow roads.
• Be courteous if you come across stock on the road. Don't sound your horn, rev your engine or pass at a speed that could spook stock or endanger people's lives.
• Give stock and people plenty of room if you have to pass.
• If you come across a school bus, remember the law says you must not exceed 20km/h when passing a stationery school bus that has stopped to pick up children or drop them off.