Today, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski), in partnership with the Oswego County Farm Bureau and Oswego County Sheriff Don Hilton announced the start of a new, slow-moving vehicle traffic awareness yard sign campaign. The signs feature a tractor, a horse-drawn vehicle and a bicycle that reads: “Be Aware. Share the Road.” The signs are designed to help encourage motorists to be mindful of all vehicles that are on the roads, especially as farming season approaches.

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay said his office has heard from multiple constituents who have raised concerns, particularly about horse-drawn vehicles. He is optimistic the signs will help build awareness for neighbors and tourists visiting the area and prepare drivers to slow down and take the time to share the road.

“This is a great, common-sense campaign. Too often, drivers are not expecting to encounter a horse-drawn vehicle, bike or tractor on a highway. I’m glad to be a part of raising awareness on this important traffic issue to remind people this is commonplace, and we do need to share the road,” said Leader Barclay.

Farm Bureau members and partners were on site to distribute signs Saturday, April 20 at the Mexico Community Park on Route 104. Bruce Gibson, the Oswego County Farm Bureau president, hopes the campaign will encourage people to be more cautious on the road.

“Agriculture is a leading industry across New York state. In Oswego County, farmers are out on the roads starting in the spring and continuing through to the fall. With that comes a greater risk for our farmers and other slow-moving vehicles. The message is simple: ‘Be Aware. Share the Road.’ I hope people embrace these bright and bold signs and that it serves as a reminder to truly share the road,” said Gibson.

“We all know that we share our community and roadways with slow-moving vehicles like farm tractors or Amish buggies. Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more crashes involving vehicles traveling at low or slow speeds, said Sheriff Don Hilton. According to the Institute for Traffic Safety, between 2020 and 2023, there have been 1,748 crashes due to slow or unsafe speed in our community. Vehicles designed to travel at speeds less than 40 miles per hour in New York State must display an orange slow-moving vehicle triangle, but we know that these can be difficult to see in the early morning or in the evening near dusk. The best and safest practice is to give these vehicles plenty of room, slow down and stay alert, especially in agricultural areas. Passing should only be done where it's safe and legal to do so. Never pass a buggy or tractor on a hill or curve where oncoming traffic can put everyone at risk. Let's all make sure to respect each other and safely share the road in Oswego County.”

For more information, please call the Oswego County Farm Bureau at 585-203-4126.