Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada - The Canadian Coalition for Agricultural Safety and Rural Health (CCASRH) and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), together with its partners, are responding to the need for improved safety in Canada's farming communities by introducing the Be Seen, Be Safe! campaign.

According to Transport Canada's national traffic accident information database, 2857 pieces of farm and construction equipment were involved in highway accidents causing personal injury and 179 were involved in fatal highway accidents in the period from 1991 to 1995.

"Our goal is to show farmers how to prevent accidents from happening by making use of lights and markings so people can see them on the road," points out CFA President Jack Wilkinson. The new Be Seen, Be Safe! brochure promotes the use of retroreflective tape along with various lamps, Slow Moving Vehicle emblem and fluorescent flags. These are all based on guidelines developed by The Canadian Standards Association and the American Society of Agricultural Engineers. The CFA President points out that similar shifts in thinking have resulted in safety features such as daytime running lights and seat belts being made standard in all automobiles. "These measures are simple, practical, and they will save lives," says Wilkinson, "it's just a matter of convincing farmers of their value."

The campaign has received the endorsement of Lyle Vanclief, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. "My own experience as a farmer has taught me to value the use of safety devices and safe procedures in the day-to-day operation of managing a farm. The reflector kit . . . is an excellent way to improve safety", said the Minister in a letter to Jack Wilkinson.

The brochure will be made available through corporate partners, Farm Credit Corporation, Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited and 3M Canada Company. For every 3M™ Scotchlite™ Diamond Grade™ reflective strips kit sold, 3M Canada will make a financial contribution to the CCASRH in support of Canadian agriculture safety programs.

"Remember," says CCASRH President Bob Allen "for the sake of all users of our roadways, farm equipment operators and motorists, driving is an enormous responsibility and we owe it to each other to be as visible as possible."

For more information, please contact Jennifer Higginson at (613) 236-3633 or jhiggin@fox.nstn.ca