Plea for drivers to be considerate as livestock moves outdoors

The Orkney Road Safety Forum is urging folk to drive with consideration as the agricultural community shifts livestock back outdoors in the coming weeks.   

Forum member and a farmer, Councillor Mellissa Thomson, said: “Rural roads are an essential working route for farmers any day of the year and as the weather improves, we will be getting livestock including very young animals out into the fields. This inevitably involves taking them onto rural roads.   

“Whilst most folk will be aware and pay heed by stopping and waiting while this is done, others may not have encountered this before. Moving animal and in particular, very young animals can be unpredictable as it may be the first time that they have been moved.   

“As farmers, we should make sure the animals are kept together and take the shortest route possible. While we are doing this, we ask that folk stop a reasonable distance away – for their own safety – and we will get the animals moved as quickly as possible.” 

Do not stop in front of gateways or field entrances as the farm animals may be turning into them. 

Forum Chair, Councillor Kristopher Leask said with more people now outdoors and enjoying the milder weather and longer days, it's a chance to remind all road users to respect one another. 

He said: “Everyone has a right to use our roads for work and leisure, whether on wheels or legs – we are simply asking for people to be courteous and considerate to agricultural vehicles and livestock, to those riding horses, bicycles, motorbikes and those on foot.  

“It only takes a few moments out of your journey to slow down or stop when necessary – it only takes a second of misjudgement for a collision and potential tragedy.” 

It's always good to remember the Highway Code's Hierarchy of Road Users and ensure that everyone is mindful of changes were made to The Highway Code in January 2022 that reflect this. Read here for more information: The Highway Code: 8 changes you need to know from 29 January 2022 - GOV.UK 

NFU Mutual, alongside road safety campaign partners, have created a Code for Countryside Roads with advice for those using rural roads. 

Check it out here: https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/globalassets/campaigns/rural-road-safety/code-for-countryside-roads-booklet.pdf