The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is joining its partners across the agricultural industry in spreading the important message of National Farm Safety Week (16-23 July).
The annual initiative is dedicated to raising awareness of farm safety issues in rural communities across Australia.
The 2023 theme, 'Stay on the safe side', reminds road users to give agricultural vehicles extra space on the road.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said statistics showed around 70 per cent of serious incidents involving both heavy and light vehicles are at the fault of the light vehicle driver.
"National Farm Safety Week is a timely opportunity to remind all drivers of the importance of taking caution around farming and other heavy vehicles," he said.
"The NHVR is committed to working with our partners to make agriculture a safer industry for everyone.
"This valuable industry - with farmers and workers across the country - deserves our respect and part of that is giving agricultural vehicles the space they need on the roads."
Mr Petroccitto said it was important for all motorists to be aware of the challenges faced by drivers operating heavy and large machinery.
"Tractors, grain harvesters and air seeders can all have limited turning ability, visibility of other vehicles and speed ranges.
"When you're travelling behind or past one of these vehicles, remember to be patient, give the driver space and only overtake if it's safe to do so.
"By giving heavy vehicles the extra space they need, we can all contribute to reducing road trauma and creating a safer agricultural industry."
