MnDOT Asks Motorists, Farm Equipment Operators to Safely Share the Road

It's the time of the year where the fall colors are beautiful, but it's also harvest season when farm equipment and other vehicles may find themselves sharing the road. 

MnDOT reminds motorists traveling on Minnesota highways this fall to be aware of large farm equipment transporting crops to markets, grain elevators and processing plants.

Farm equipment is large and heavy, making it hard for operators to accelerate, slow down and stop. The machines also make wide turns and sometimes cross over the center line. In addition, farm vehicles can create large blind spots, making it difficult for operators to see approaching vehicles. All of these factors can cause serious crashes.

During 2012-14, 414 traffic crashes took place on Minnesota roads involving at least one farm vehicle, resulting in 13 fatalities and 202 injuries. Of the 13 fatalities, eight were farm vehicle riders; of the 202 injuries, 48 were farm vehicle riders.

Motorists should watch for debris dropped by trucks hauling sugar beets and other crops. It is safer to brake or drive through debris than to veer into oncoming cars or off the road.  The should also:

• Wait for a safe place to pass
• Wear seatbelts
• Drive with headlights on at all times

Farm equipment operators should:

• Use lights and flashers to make equipment more visible
• Use slow-moving vehicle emblems on equipment traveling less than 30mph
• Consider using a follow vehicle when moving equipment, especially at night

Enjoy the season, but be careful out there.