This article is from page 28 of the 2008-05-13 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 28 JPG
A DOZEN teenagers from west Clare with a keen interest in agri- culture took part in a tractor skills course last week.
As the sun heated the grounds of Kilrush mart the tractor enthusiasts – all males – learned how to use the VU OO MONT-Le UDI MYACT NK Ns
Their reasons for taking part in the course were various.
For Kevin Fennell from Fadragh, Kilkee the prospect of a life farming is one that appeals to him. Already familiar with farming life he could drive a tractor, but the course en- sured he had the necessary skills to look after the huge vehicle and drive it safely.
For fellow Kilkee teen Finbarr O’Gorman learning to drive a tractor properly will help him with his sum- mer job, as he takes up employment with a farming contractor, putting out slurry and cutting silage.
As most of the teens taking part were under 16, the daylong course concentrated on the use of tractors and machinery within the farm and did not include road usage.
A teenager is permitted drive a tractor on a farm from the age of 14, but must be 16 before they can be insured to take the vehicle on to the road.
The course agenda included safety checks before starting, setting up a good driving position, safe driving, hitching the tractor to other imple-
ments, operating trailed machinery from the tractor, checking the terrain and practical driving skills.
Each participant drove the trac- tor with trailer, provided by local agriculture and fencing contractor Damien Haugh, around a specified fe aston
They also took part in basic first aid training where each participant learned skills with particular atten- tion to common farm accidents such as cuts and bleeding, electrocution ANNO MEAN OK
Each participant received a certifi- cate of achievement.
The dangers associated with farm- ing have been well documented, in particular, the dangers of the farm- yard to young children and teenag-
ers. An average of 20 deaths and over 3,000 accidents are reported on farms each year. According to the Health and Safety Authority one in five deaths, which occur on Irish farms, involves children. Almost half of these deaths involve tractors and other types of machinery.
It was in response to these statistics that the Safe Tractor Driving Skills course was Set up by the Farm Fam- ily Support Service and Farm Relief Services, just before young farmers get their summer holidays and begin their summer work.