Issued on: 07/03/2026
Press Release 73/2026
Start of the harvest season – Ministry calls for mutual consideration regarding harvesting machines in road traffic
Combine harvesters, forage harvesters, and tractors are a regular part of our road traffic. This becomes particularly evident during the harvest season, which is just beginning. To avoid conflicts, the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture, and Consumer Protection calls on all parties involved to exercise appropriate caution and mutual consideration. Many municipalities indicate the situation with special signs on affected paths and roads.
The increased participation of these vehicles and trailers in traffic can lead to traffic disruptions, road surface contamination, or in the worst case, even accidents. Currently, tractors also reach the agricultural land via field and farm roads or the Saarlein path, thus traveling on routes that cyclists and pedestrians like to use.
“The most common causes of accidents occur when crossing and turning onto higher or lower priority roads. In these situations, right of way and priority rules are easily overlooked, or accidents can happen due to incorrect speed, even when overtaking such vehicles at blind spots,” says Minister Petra Berg. “The low initial speeds of agricultural and forestry vehicles are the problem in a large number of accidents. They often need more time, which can pose a danger to faster road users.”
There is also an increased risk from harvested goods that can fall off agricultural machinery. Most accidents occur between tractors and cars, but the risk for cyclists is also high.
“During the upcoming harvest season, an increased presence of such vehicles is to be expected, even on Sundays and public holidays. Whether you are on foot, by bike, by car, or by tractor – act with foresight and be considerate of other road users,” says Berg.
