Tractor drivers and other road users are often not the best of friends on the road. Farmers demand more respect.
Follow at a snail’s pace behind a tractor; everyone must have been in this situation at some point. It can be quite nerve-wracking, especially if you’re in a hurry. The “Krone” looked at how the tractor driver fared in exactly this situation and took farmer Martin Deutschmann from Grafenstein for a “joy ride” in the Fendt 516 Vario.
We are on the road with an average speed of 35 km/h. It doesn’t take long before a column forms behind us and the impatience of the road users is clear on their faces. The first vehicles overtake, even though cars are coming in the other direction and the route in the municipality of Grafenstein is not clear. “Unfortunately, that’s normal, the drivers behind me often overtake in the most inappropriate and dangerous situations,” the farm equipment technician criticized.
A new tractor can accelerate up to about 50 km/h. “But there are also tractors that can only go 25 km/h or 10 km/h – it depends on the design,” explains Martin, adding: “Farmers often drive faster than allowed to avoid traffic congestion. hold. .”
Mobile phone behind the wheel becomes a danger
What the 36-year-old criticizes is the mobile phone behind the wheel: “The people who come to us look at the phone and suddenly the big machines are in front of them. You are shocked, pull the car over. It’s just risky!”
Horns are nothing new to Martin
“And we often get the middle finger,” the father shakes his head and demands more respect. “We are not stubborn if we do not let drivers lead the way, but we often have no alternative.”
The part-time farmer gives a tip: “Keep your distance! It can be dangerous when braking, reversing, turning or cornering with a tractor, especially if there is another device attached to the vehicle, such as a trailer, etc.”
Tractor models are getting bigger and bigger. “Because agriculture is changing. Manual labor is being replaced by machines. They also cost correspondingly more, which not everyone can afford!”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
