A survey was held in some regions in the state of São Paulo aiming at evaluating safety conditions in used and brand new tractors. 487 tractors in use in 270 farms in the state of São Paulo were analyzed together with 31 brand new ones displayed in shops and fairs. The following were checked: the driver's seat, its accessibility, position of controls, protection against the active parts of the engine, warning signs disposal and consonance to the national and international safety regulations for highways driving. The final result showed that while the used tractors offer no comfort or security to the driver, the brand new ones seem to fulfill the requirements, mainly those related to the driver's seat and the protection of the engine active parts.
the driver's safety; tractor accidents; engine protection
