We are starting to see more farm machinery using Manitoba roads and highways to move from field to field this harvest season, and all motorists are being encouraged to share the road the responsibly.

"There's so many variables, and that's why I say people need to pay attention when they drive," stressed RCMP Sgt. Paul Manaigre, adding high-risk behaviours such as speeding and using handheld devices like cell phones are distractions for drivers.

As well, Sgt. Manaigre says visibility will play a large role in safely sharing the road.

He noted the risk level of a collision increases in the dark of night, noting a driver may not be able to see that the blinking lights in front of them are a large piece of slow moving equipment with an implement attached that extends beyond the body of the machine.

"Unfortunately we've had fatalities to that effect, where people were not aware of what was in front of them (and they collided with it)," he said.

Sgt. Manaigre noted all farm machinery needs to be decked out with proper lighting and flagging before travelling on Manitoba roads.

As for motorists approaching the large equipment from behind, Sgt. Manaigre says it is important to make sure the road ahead is clear before passing, and that includes waiting until dust being kicked up by the machinery settles.

"A lot of times we'll see collisions where people are passing when they are being blinded...they can't see anything but they assume no one is coming so they change lanes and try and go around not realizing there's a vehicle coming at them and so there's a head-on collision," he explained. "If you can wait, wait. If it's safe to go around then go around, but make your intentions clear by using turn signals to let people know what you're doing."

He added it is also important for motorists approaching the equipment from the front to remain vigilant as well, noting drivers should assume there is another vehicle behind the unit looking to pass and he says that driver might be impatient. While you may have the right-of-way in this scenario, Sgt. Manaigre says this is where your defensive driving should kick-in.

"In reality you should be thinking, 'I need to pay attention here. I need to react to what might happen in front of me'," he explained.

Additionally, Sgt. Manaigre urges all motorists to wear their seatbelts, noting loss of life in a collision can be prevented most of the time by the use of a seatbelt.