It’s the time of year where you see more farm equipment out on the rural roadways. Here are a few tips to safely share the road with farmers.
Don’t Assume the Driver Can See or Hear You
Due to the equipment size and sound, a farm vehicle has limited visibility and may have trouble hearing road warnings.
Be Aware of Signs and Signals
A slow-moving vehicle (SMV) sign will indicate that the vehicle needs extra room to navigate. If a farmer is getting over for you to pass, he will usually wave for acknowledgement.
Give Them Room
Farm vehicles are often wider and larger than the average car and may require more space to turn or complete a stop. Look for reflectors on the equipment to show how wide the equipment is at all points.
Pass Cautiously
Never pass on a hill, near an intersection, at railroad crossings, on bridges, or near tunnels. Make sure the middle line is dotted on your side prior to passing. Once you re-enter your lane, leave plenty of room behind you.
Practice Proper Driving Etiquette
When passing or driving around farm equipment, be cautious and pass slowly. This means you should slow down, remain visible and drive carefully.
Driving safely requires following the proper driving etiquette. If every driver were to follow these tips, it would help ensure that our community members make it home safely each and every night.
Source: https://www.fbfs.com/learning-center/sharing-the-road-with-farm-equipment
