Kneehill County Public Safety, in collaboration with Alberta Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, hosted a session on Farm Equipment & the Traffic Safety Act at the Acme Community Hall on Thursday, March 9. A crowd of about twenty residents enjoyed coffee and donuts and a chance to chat before the presentation began.

First to speak was Nicole Hornett, a Farm Safety Specialist with Alberta Farm Safety. Dedicated to providing Albertans with resources, awareness education and training, their slogan of “Make it safe, Make it visible,” marries Farm Safety with Traffic Safety, stressing the absolute necessity of both.

Traffic Officers Cody Patton and Claire Wiseman from Alberta Commercial Vehicle Enforcement were next, taking residents through a presentation that clarified the traffic exemptions affecting both farm equipment and commercial vehicles on Alberta roads. A lengthy discussion period followed, allowing attendees the chance to have all their questions answered.

Reiterated throughout the morning, by each presenter, was the emphasis on safety—not enforcement. Kneehill County Peace Officers enjoyed the opportunity to engage with Kneehill County residents, providing them with resources and flags to promote equipment visibility.

With worthwhile, relevant information addressing issues not commonly known, the Farm Exemption and Traffic Safety Act presentation was so well received, both in Acme and at the prior event held in Three Hills, which boasted over fifty attendants, that more information sessions are being planned. In the meantime, residents can download the Farm Exemption handout from Kneehill County’s website, www.kneehillcounty.com.