TRACTOR DEATHS

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30562, 3 October 1964, Page 25

TRACTOR DEATHS

Grave Concern Expressed The number of tractors involved in road accidents is a serious problem, says the National Safety Association in a statement. From 1960 to 1963 there were 23 farm tractors involved in fatal road accidents, and already this year eight such accidents have occurred. Last year, the worst on record for tractor accidents, 36 persons were killed. By the middle of September last year 25 had been killed, and by the same time this year 25 have also been killed. Each year more than 200 persons are seriously injured in tractor accidents. The association says tractor drivers on roads face additional hazards. Most tractors will overturn sideways if a short turn is made at speed, even on a flat road. The utmost care must be observed in traffic, for a tractor often appears stationary to the driver of a modern car.

A tractor has only to go off a level area on to a steep bank only four' to six feet deep for it to roll. Tractor drivers must be given some protection against themselves, the association says. The Government has decided to set up a testing station for tractor devices, but months have passed and no tests have yet been carried out.

Tractor deaths are still occurring at an alarming rate, and although many farmers want to install safety devices they are unable to do so because they are not yet available. Many farmers are fitting roll frames which have passed overseas tests, but because of demand they are not available without a long wait. “It is apparent that a large number of farmers are eager to fit approved safety devices voluntarily. We hope that everything possible will be done to make them available quickly. Delay in getting the testing station into operation is certainly no help.”