Members of An Garda Siochana have warned farmers, contractors and any drivers transporting bales to ensure that their loads are fully secure before setting out on journeys.

This warning was prompted by Gardai coming across a bale of straw in the middle of the road, presumably lost by a careless driver.

The abandoned bale was made all the more dangerous by its location – quite close to a bend in the road.

This could cause a real hazard for any motorist attempting to overtake the obstruction.

Image source: An Garda Siochana Tipperary Facebook page

Posting pictures on social media, the An Garda Siochana Tipperary Facebook page issued a brief statement saying: “In this busy season of agricultural activity, Gardai would like to remind all those transporting round bales and other heavy loads of their obligation to ensure that they are secured properly for safe transport.

If this had hit a pedestrian, cyclist or vehicle, the only person who would be looking for ‘bale’ would be the driver in court.

Gardai subsequently pushed the lost bale from the road into the ditch to minimise danger.

Securing loads

It’s worth noting that the Road Safety Authority (RSA) insists that all loads must be secured, even if the vehicle is only travelling a short distance or at low speeds.

It added that a load shall not be carried on a vehicle on a public road in such a manner that part of the load is liable to fall on the road.

Meanwhile, a load must not drag on the surface of the road whereby it could cause damage to the road or cause danger, the RSA also warned.

Operators or drivers are advised to employ a load restraint method suitable to the load being carried.