Free 'blind spot' mirrors for tractor drivers

Cheshire Police are offering free mirrors in a rural road safety campaign aimed at tractor drivers.

Police want to raise awareness to tractor drivers about their blind spot and also highlights the dangers of drivers trying to overtake agricultural vehicles on country lanes.

'Am I in Your Blind Spot?' was initially launched at the Cheshire Show this year, where officers distributed free 'blind spot' mirrors to farmers to support the campaign launch.

The mirrors are based on a new design to help tractor drivers who are towing heavy loaded trailers and who may find it difficult to see traffic approaching from the rear.

Following a series of fatal motorcycle collisions on rural roads with agricultural vehicles over the recent months Cheshire Police has released 'blind spot' video footage on YouTube which highlights the dangers of tractor drivers making left or right turns on rural roads.

Sergeant Rick Weaver, who is leading the campaign, said: "We recognised the need for a campaign that would focus on rural road safety. Following some research, I was able to source a 'blind spot' mirror that could be fitted to any existing tractor mirror."

"This affords the tractor driver extended views to the rear and more importantly a clear view behind when negotiating a right turn into farm entrances or fields."

"We are in the process of handing out free tractor mirrors for local farmers. If you want to mail me at richard.weaver@cheshire.pnn.police.uk with your details, we can get one out for you to trial."

Cheshire Police will be taking 'Am I in Your Blind Spot' workshops out locally to agricultural students from September. Farmers interested in attending a workshop email sharon.boddy@cheshire.pnn.police.uk for more information.

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