Motorists are being urged not to take unnecessary risks passing out farm machinery as the slurry season gets underway across the country from tomorrow, Saturday, February 1.

The third and final spreading zone, Zone C, opens for counties across the north and west of the country as the slurry ban expires tonight.

Spring marks one of the busiest of the year for farmers as they head to the fields with tractors and machinery, according to Mayo County Council’s road safety office.

It is especially important at this time of year, when farmers are moving machinery from field to field, often on public roadways.

It may be frustrating to have to slow down for these slow moving vehicles but the road safety office of Mayo County Council warns if you don’t take the time to be patient, the results can be fatal.

An increase in agricultural machinery on rural roads “has been known to aggravate some impatient drivers”, the office notes.

“Making good driving decisions will help get you both safely to your destination.”

He warned: “Country roads are unpredictable and, therefore, present far more challenges to drivers.

“Country crashes often result in greater numbers of fatalities and injuries because vehicles are usually travelling at higher speeds.”

Gibbons also asked farmers to be mindful of busy morning and afternoon commuters.

He said: “While it often is impossible to avoid operating on the roads during these times, it may be possible to limit road transportation and, if there is a build-up of traffic behind farm vehicles, pull in and let traffic pass where it is safe to do so.”