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Share the Road with Farm Equipment
FOUR TIPS FOR SHARING THE ROAD WITH FARMERS
It is getting to be that time of year again! Many farmers are out in their fields planting or getting ready to start planting. Which means tractors and other large farm equipment will be out on the roads.
Every year we hear of accidents occurring between motorist and farm equipment. These accidents can be prevented, here are four tips to help prevent an accident.
1. Slow Down!
The tractors are moving much slower than regular motorist. This means you will approach them much quicker than other traffic. As soon as you see them, you need to start slowing down.
2. Know your Surroundings.
This means, be mindful of your location. Know what kind of traffic is up ahead of you and the equipment, also be aware of the traffic that is behind you. You must also watch for drivers that are not being as patient. They may try to pass you and the equipment, or others may pull out in front of you and the equipment.
Be sure to also watch for turn signals or even hand signals from the driver in the tractor. He may be turning into a field entrance that you may not see or notice.
3. Leave plenty of space between you and the equipment.
This includes when you are behind them waiting to pass and while passing them. If you can’t see the driver and his mirrors, he can’t see you. Also keep in mind they will need more space to turn.
4. Be Patient!
They are working hard and appreciate your patience. They are out doing their job of feeding the world.
And remember to always give a wave!
As a motorist, you also have responsibilities in reducing the accident risk while sharing the road with farm equipment.
The summer means you are seeing more farm equipment on the roads moving between fields.
It is important that we safely share the road with farmers who work long days to provide our food and contribute so much to our rural communities.
As a farmer, here are ways that you can ease some hazards when taking equipment on the roadways:
- Display a Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign on the back of all tractors, towed implements, and self-propelled implements.
- Mark the edges of tractors and equipment with reflective tape.
- Equipment should be equipped with 2 headlamps and 2 taillights.
- Equip any vehicle or towed equipment that is 12 feet or wider with flashing amber lights located on its sides.
- Avoid moving between fields during high traffic times of the day.
- If you are traveling a long distance, consider using a pilot car in the front and back of your tractor and equipment.
As a motorist, you also have responsibilities in reducing the accident risk during spring planting season:
- Know that a Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign indicates that the farm equipment is traveling under 25 miles an hour and it is a warning to slow down.
- When passing farm machinery, proceed with caution by watching vehicles behind you that may also be trying to pass and never pass if there are curves or hills.
- Do not assume that if a farmer pulls to the right side of the road that they are turning right or letting you pass because the size of farm equipment sometimes requires the farmer to pull to the right side to safely make a left turn.
- If you are driving in the opposite direction of farm equipment that is wider than the lane, you should pull off the road and stop allowing the machine to pass.
NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED