Driving down a quiet country road, you may suddenly find yourself face-to-face with a large piece of farm machinery, chugging along at a slow pace. Sharing the road with heavy tractors and equipment during fall harvest season presents unique challenges for all motorists.
Farmers work in acres, not hours.
This common phrase is often used, because farmers around our area and the world, work from dawn to dusk. It's different from the usual "9 to 5" office hours where work is measured by tasks completed. For farmers, it's all about how many acres they can get through.
Safety becomes paramount as we navigate the road, ensuring the well-being of both farmers working diligently and other commuters. Here’s a short guide to help you safely share the road with farm machinery, making fall harvest season safer for everyone.
Safety Tips for All Road Users
1. Be Extra Cautious
When you spot farm machinery ahead, slow down and maintain a safe distance.
Remember farmers driving heavy equipment may not have the ability to pull over immediately. Be patient and courteous.
2. Exercise Caution on Turns
Take extra care when navigating turns, as farm equipment often has a wider turning radius.
3. Passing Safely
Only pass farm equipment when it is safe to do so, ensuring clear visibility in both directions.
It’s best practice to avoid passing near intersections, hills, curves, or on narrow roads.
4. Use Signals
Make sure to signal your intentions when passing farm equipment so the driver knows where you intend to go.
5. Respect their Space
Farmers may suddenly need to turn into fields or driveways, so give them ample space to maneuver safely.
Keep in mind that some farm equipment, whether small or large, may not be equipped with turn signals, so it's important to remain vigilant in case you see the vehicle decelerating.
Ensuring a Safe Commute for All
Be patient and cautious around tractors, combines, trailers, and other farm equipment you might run into. Watch for slow-moving vehicles, maintain a safe distance, and be alert for signals from farmers. Drive safely and respect farmers and their equipment to ensure a smooth harvest season for all. Happy driving!