BY KIRK STARRATT

Kings County Register

A single moment of inattention can lead to tragedy.

The Kings County Federation of Agriculture wants young operators to know the safety dos and don'ts before getting behind the wheel of heavy equipment, such as tractors.

The group held a tractor safety course for nine youth ages 12 to 16 at Planter's Equipment in Steam Mill April 28. Federation past president Ron Clarke, who helped organize the event, said it's important to impart safety knowledge to young tractor operators.

“An accident can happen so fast if you're not thinking,” he said. “Young kids don't have the experience.”

Some people have been seriously injured, including Carl Palmer of Aylesford, Canadian Farmers with Disabilities Registry chairman. He lost both legs in a tractor accident and was on hand to share his experience with the young operators.

“One accident prevented warrants the time and effort,” Palmer said.

Federation past president Hank Bosveld said this is the fourth or fifth time he’s helped with the course. Bosveld pointed out it's now law to have roll bars on tractors in case of a tip over. Seat belts are also important safety features.

“If you turn over and fly out, the roll bars are not much good at all.”

Bosveld said the young people participating seemed to enjoy the course. For older operators, he said the safety course is valuable as well: it's important to be reminded of things sometimes forgotten.

Fourteen-year-old Maria Carree of Berwick said she had fun taking the course and learned quite a bit. She lives on a dairy farm, so she has practical reasons for wanting to learn tractor safety. You have to be 14 years old to get your tractor license and, although she isn't licensed yet, she said she probably would go for it.

She said one advantage is, if you already have your tractor license, you don't have to write a test when you go for your beginner's license to drive a car at age 16. Carree said that's nice.

Federation representative Andy Vermeulen said he first started facilitating the tractor safety course for other groups in 1983, and has been doing so for the federation for about 20 years now. By the time children on farms reach age 12, they're often operating farm equipment.

“Maybe not as much now, but there is still a need for fundamental training,” he said, pointing out a tragedy could strike anybody.