Drivers are being urged to take extra care on the roads as agricultural traffic is set to increase for the summer harvest.

The months May to September are the busiest time for many farmers, and in 2021 these months saw a 42% increase in the number of accidents between agricultural vehicles and third parties - according to agricultural insurer NFU Mutual.

NFU Mutual is urging all rural road users to take extra care over the coming months

Gregor Belcher, a farming specialist at NFU Mutual said: “Silaging getting underway marks the start of the harvest season, during which time we expect to see more tractors, trailers and large agricultural machinery such as combine harvesters on the roads.

"These vehicles are large, wide and slow, often tempting other roads users to overtake on narrow roads – sometimes with disastrous results.

“Unfortunately, our data shows that accidents involving agricultural vehicles and third parties are over 40% more likely during this period.

“Farmers and contractors cannot – and should not – drive too quickly when pulling a heavily-laden trailer so we urge motorists and cyclists to be patient to avoid driving too close and attempting risky overtakes on narrow or unsighted roads.

"In turn, farmers should pull over to allow built-up traffic to pass when it is safe to do so.

“Farmers will often be travelling only a short distance before turning into a field or side road, but a tractor pulling a long trailer can take some time and need more space to turn a corner.

"Rural road users, and particularly cyclists and motorcyclists, should be aware that the tractor may turn, and never attempt to overtake on the inside of a turning or field entrance.

“Ultimately, we urge anybody using rural roads to respect the vital function they serve to our farming industry.

“By respecting fellow road users, we can all ensure that work and leisure can continue accident free harvest season.”