Batesville, in. — Officials from multiple state agencies are cautioning the public about slow-moving farm equipment this fall.
“There are 57,700 farming operations in Indiana and more than 14 million acres of farmland,” said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch. “It’s important for all motorists, especially those that live in rural areas, to take their time and drive carefully around slow-moving farm equipment. This harvest season, our goal is to make sure that every Hoosier reaches their destination safely and with plenty of time to spare.”
Data from the National Traffic Safety Administration shows farm vehicles were involved in 87 fatal crashes in the Unites States last year. The U.S. Census Bureau says 20 percent of the population lives in or near rural, agricultural areas.
The following list includes several safety tips for motorists approaching large farm equipment:
- Be alert. The red triangle on the back of an implement, farm machinery or other vehicle indicates a slow-moving vehicle (under 25 mph).
- Be patient. It only takes five seconds for a motorist driving 55 mph to close a gap the length of a football field when approaching a tractor moving at 15 mph. Avoid tailgating, as some farm equipment might have to make sudden stops along the road.
- Share the Road. Farm equipment is wide, sometimes taking up most of the roadway, so be careful and slow down when passing.
- Do not try to pass a slow-moving vehicle on the left without ensuring that the vehicle is not planning a left turn. It may appear that the driver is pulling over for you to pass when it is actually preparing to turn. You will drive right into its path, endangering yourself and the farmer.
- Do not pass if you are in a designated “No Passing Zone” or within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure, or tunnel.
State law requires farm equipment to display the nationally designated slow-moving vehicle sign- a red triangle shaped reflector. The vehicles often travel at speeds of less than 25-miles-per-hour.
Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter said, “It’s easy to take for granted the food we want is always at the grocery store.” Carter continued, “So when you see farmers out working and moving from field to field, be patient as they work to harvest the food and grain needed to help feed our communities and the world.”
