Slovenians are tractor lovers. Unofficial data suggest that we are the world leader in the number of tractors relative to the size of the population. But their popularity is also linked to accidents. In Slovenia, about 200 accidents involving tractors, which are both vehicles and working machines, occur every year. As knowledge and caution can reduce this number, Zavarovalnica Triglav joined forces with the Slovenian Rural Youth Association for the fourth time and organised a workshop on safe driving and working with tractors and tractor attachments at the AMZS Safe Driving Centre in Vransko.
Slovenia stands out in terms of the number of tractors per capita, with an average of one in 17 Slovenians owning one. Operating a tractor and its attachments may seem simple to the untrained eye, but unfortunately tractor drivers often forget about safety. This issue was addressed at the workshop on driving and working with tractors and tractor attachments in Vransko, where, in the safe environment of the training ground, participants could test, among other things, braking and backing off on slippery ground, parking with attachments, reversing with a trailer attached, try their hand at more difficult manoeuvres, test new technologies on tractors and get to know different tyres in more detail. Visitors were also treated to interesting and useful side activities, such as a first aid workshop and some useful tips on insuring tractors and other agricultural machines and implements.
Training is key
“Accidents happen because of inexperience, but also because of routine. That's why it's very important that farmers are trained, use all the available safety features and stay alert when working. Of course, the psycho-physical condition of the farmer must also be addressed. These are all key parts of our event, which is aimed at all generations, and participants can learn various skills for how to deal with unpredictable situations, they are made aware of the importance of the correct use of tractors and machinery, and there is also a strong focus on first response and first aid. Even slight carelessness is enough to cause an accident, but sometimes such an incident can be foreseen and the consequences minimised. Our aim is thus to raise awareness, warn and educate participants about the (un)safe use of tractors and tractor attachments," said Doris Letina, head of young farmers and agricultural policy at the Slovenian Rural Youth Association, about the purpose of the “(Un)Safe Use of Tractors” educational event.
Broken glass as the most common damage
When it comes to damage to tractors, Zavarovalnica Triglav notes that the most common form of damage is caused when windscreens and other glass parts break or get damaged, which is covered by general comprehensive car insurance or partial motor insurance, under combination E – glass. The frequency of damage to tractors or tractor drivers has remained at approximately the same level in recent years.
But something new this year is the revised legislation in this area. Trailers that do not need to be registered under the rules governing motor vehicles can now be insured at the same time as the towing vehicle on the insurance policy. Therefore, if a trailer is used on more than one towing vehicle, the trailer insurance claim shall be made under the towing vehicle insurance policy under which the trailer is insured.
"Motor insurance also covers damage caused by any trailer owned by the insured when it is disconnected. In this case, coverage applies only to those trailers which are not required by law to be registered. However, for trailers covered under their own policy, the insurance coverage can also be extended to cases where the vehicle does not perform a transport function, but performs its working function or serves as a source of energy for a working device when it is stationary," explains Jaka Klement, Director of Motor Vehicle Insurance at Zavarovalnica Triglav.