Farm Equipment Is Back On The Road, Exercise Care For Slow Moving Large Vehicles

It's fall, and that means some of the farmers are going to be working on their fields and using their equipment. It's not the fastest equipment but it is needed to get the job done. Law enforcement is reminding everyone to keep an eye out for equipment on the road and keep an eye out for individuals who may be in the way, but doing their job.

An accident can occur when farmers are driving trailers with hay or other heavy equipment, they don't have lights or anything really marking them, so we are reminded to exercise the utmost care and awareness. Also, we are reminded that construction is going on with last minute repairs to the roads.

Drivers should slow down immediately whenever they see a florescent orange slow-moving vehicle emblem on the rear of a tractor or other piece of equipment. They also must be alert, focused and patient while trying to pass slow-moving vehicles.

To do their part in preventing crashes, farmers and other operators of slow-moving vehicles must follow safety regulations. According to state law, farm tractors, agricultural implements, animal-drawn vehicles or other vehicles that are normally operated at speeds below 25 miles-per-hour must display a “Slow Moving Vehicle” (SMV) sign on the left rear of the vehicle. In all cases—even when the vehicle is not a SMV—if it is operated during hours of darkness, the front and rear of the vehicle must have lights illuminated (white to the front, red to the rear). A citation for failure to display a SMV sign or a violation of the lighting requirement each costs $162.70.

Vehicles traveling slower than normal traffic must stay as far to the right-side of the roadway as practical. This does not mean slow vehicles must drive on the shoulder of the road although this is allowed if there is room to do so safely.

Also, do your part with the people who may be on the road working with the equipment and loading the equipment. Practice slow speeds.