2019 Farm Safety Week Tip #1

Roadway Safety:

A Slow Moving Vehicle symbol is to warn approaching vehicles to slow down. It is critical that all SMV’s on farm equipment be clean and visible.

If a car is traveling at 55 mph 400 hundred feet behind a tractor traveling at 15 mph, it only takes 7 seconds to reach the tractor. Always stay a safe distance of at least 50 feet back from slow moving farm equipment.

78% tractor/motor vehicle collisions occur during daylight hours from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Most of these crashes involve a motor vehicle traveling straight ahead at a high speed. During those daylight hours, 52% of the crashes occurred when the tractor and trailing farm equipment make a left turn, resulting in a collision.

Lighting on Farm Equipment is required from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise.

When you meet farm equipment on the road, find a safe spot to pull over or if you are unable to find a spot to pull over, stop and get as close to the edge of your side of the road as possible. This will allow the farm equipment to pass easily and safely on a narrow roadway.

Drive with caution, especially during spring planting and fall harvest season. Their family wants them to return home safely at the end of the day.