How To Safety Share The Road With Farm Equipment
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I'm going back to Kansas for my cousin's wedding this weekend and I couldn't be more excited. I get to see my entire family and spend one last time in my childhood home before my parents sell it and move to a bigger city. I'm also very pumped for the open road. As I'll be driving a lot on rural roads, here are some tips from the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau on how to share the road with farm equipment.

Safety Tips

  • Don't Rush - You'll probably encounter agricultural equipment on rural roads. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
  • Pass With Care - If a farmer has pulled off the road for you to pass, or if the farmer does not pull over, and you feel you must pass, do so with caution. Never pass on a hill, curves, or in any situation that would block your view of oncoming vehicles.
  • Be Patient - Farmers are working hard to provide you with a safe food supply, not intentionally slowing you down. Farmers will pull off the road at the first safe opportunity so you can pass.
  • SMV = Brake Immediately - Remember, the orange triangular Slow Moving Vehicle emblem warns drivers of a slow vehicle. When you see this emblem, slow down immediately.
  • Remain Visible - Never assume a farmer knows you are near their vehicle. They are often concentrating on keeping equipment on the road and avoiding oncoming traffic. Use your horn to let the driver know where you are before you pass. Proceed with caution as the farmer may not be able to hear you over their equipment.
  • Yield To Wide Vehicles - Some farm vehicles may be wider than the road. If you approach wide equipment driving in the opposite direction, stop. Then pull off the road, turn around or back away safely so they can pass you. Watch for pilot of escort cars, which may help indicate an oversize vehicle.

Farmers also play an important role in rural road safety. Here are some tips to help:

  • Local laws may require a SMV emblem on vehicles traveling on the road slower than 25 mph. Point the triangle up, and replace the emblem when it fades.
  • Mark the edges of agricultural equipment with reflective tape and reflectors.
  • Turn on your lights, but turn off rear spotlights when going on the road.
  • Avoid the highway during bad weather and rush hour. Make sure you had appropriate lighting after sunset or before sunrise.
  • Use pilot cars if you are going a considerable distance
  • Consider cameras to increase visibility

Rear View Safety offers a variety of backup camera systems for agricultural vehicles for use on the road and on the farm.