The fall harvest season is in full swing!  As farmers prepare to get their remaining crops out of the ground, hay in the barn, and equipment from the fields, there's a general reminder to motorists to be aware of farm equipment that usually isn't on the roadways.

According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, 414 traffic crashes occured in the state during 2012 that involved at least one farm vehicle;  these accidents resulted in 13 fatalities and 202 injuries.  Of the 13 fatalities, eight were farm vehicle riders;  of the 202 injuries, 48 were farm vehicle riders.

Sue Groth - the State Traffic Engineer says:

"The biggest factors contributing to farm equipment/vehicle crashes are inattention, unsafe passing and speed. Motorists should always slow down and use caution when approaching farm equipment. Harvest season is in full swing and farmers in every corner of the state are out using the highways. Motorists need to be prepared to encounter slow-moving farm vehicles, especially on rural, two-lane roads."

In general, drivers are asked to slow down and be alert.  Farm equipment is large and heavy, making it hard for operators to accelerate, slow down and stop. The machines also make wide turns and sometimes cross over the center line. In addition, farm vehicles can create large blind spots, making it difficult for operators to see approaching vehicles. All of these factors can cause serious crashes.

MNDOT offers the follow

Motorists should:

  • Watch for debris dropped by trucks hauling sugar beets and other crops. It is safer to brake or drive through debris than to veer into oncoming cars or off the road
  • Wait for a safe place to pass
  • Wear seatbelts
  • Drive with headlights on at all times

 Farm equipment operators should:

  • Use lights and flashers to make equipment more visible
  • Use slow-moving vehicle emblems on equipment traveling less than 30 mph
  • Consider using a follow vehicle when moving equipment, especially at night

 

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