Road Safety Week: Farmers urged to take extra care on rural roads
18th November 2025
As Brake’s annual Road Safety Week begins, the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) is urging farmers across the UK to make rural road safety a top priority this winter.
With tractors, ATVs and farm machinery frequently sharing country roads with other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, the charity is reminding farmers of the role they can play in preventing serious accidents.
Recent analysis by rural insurer NFU Mutual, based on Department for Transport figures, revealed that there were 70% more deaths on Britain’s rural roads in 2023 compared with urban roads and that collisions in the countryside are four times more likely to result in a fatality.
Stephanie Berkeley, manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, said: “This year’s Road Safety Week theme, ‘Safe vehicles save lives’, could not be more applicable to the farming community.
“As the nights grow longer and the weather turns, it is important that we all take a moment to check that agricultural vehicles, trailers and towing equipment are in good working order.
“Roadworthiness is not just a legal requirement – it is a matter of protecting lives.”
Safety advice
NFU Mutual’s expert explained that rural roads present unique challenges, from narrow lanes and blind bends to mud on the road and limited visibility. So, to help farmers stay safe this winter, the Farm Safety Foundation suggests five simple steps to help you drive safely on rural roads:
- Prepare your vehicle
Check that lights, indicators, beacons and mirrors are clean and working properly. Make sure trailers are securely coupled, braked and safe to tow – resources like the Tilly Pass ‘Head to Tow’ app can help farmers and operators carry out daily safety checks on trailers, ensuring they are roadworthy and compliant.
- Secure your load and respect weight limits
Always ensure loads are properly secured and that you are following speed and weight restrictions. Remember that wider loads (over 2.55 metres) have reduced speed limits, and any journeys with vehicles wider than 3.0 metres should be reported to the police before travel.
- Check your tyres
Trailers and secondary equipment often do not receive the same level of care and attention as tractors and big-ticket machines. Remember to check tyres on all vehicles and equipment before hitting the road. As a partner of TyreSafe, we would recommend the ACT rule: check your air pressure, condition and tread at least once a month.
- Slow down and stay alert
Country roads can be unpredictable. Drive at a speed that allows you to stop safely within your line of sight, especially when operating large or heavily loaded vehicles.
- Plan your route
Try to avoid busy times such as school drop-off or pick-up hours, particularly if your journey takes you through small villages or along narrow lanes. With the darker months ahead, a few simple checks and extra care can make a life-saving difference, NFU Mutual concluded.
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