Fall Harvest Under Way, Watch For Slow-Moving Farm Equipment

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INDIANA — Harvest season is officially underway, which means more slow-moving farm equipment will be on Indiana’s rural roads. To help keep Hoosiers safe this year, state agencies are asking motorists to be alert, patient and responsible, as they share the road with these large vehicles.

Indiana Lt Gov Suzanne Crouch says that there are more than 14 million acres of farmland in the state.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, farm equipment vehicles (not including trucks) were involved in 92 fatal crashes across the U.S last year – with six of those incidents occurring in Indiana.

While the term “farm equipment” encompasses a wide range of vehicles, the most common types motorists will encounter include combines, tractors pulling grain carts and large trucks hauling agricultural products.

“Chances are, you’ll see farmers on the road before they see you, so it’s important to know what to do when approaching these vehicles,” said Bruce Kettler, Indiana State Department of Agriculture director. “Patience and allowing extra time for your travels is crucial to keeping everyone safe.”

The following list includes several safety tips provided by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

 

Be Alert

 

Watch for wide vehicles, especially when approaching curves and hills in the road.

Look for a reflective red triangle on the back of any farm equipment on the road. This symbol indicates a slow-moving vehicle, one that travels under 25 mph.

Avoid texting and talking on the phone while driving.

Be Patient

 

Leaving home 10 minutes early during harvest season can help eliminate any potential delays during the commute.

Most farmers will pull over when they are able to let you pass, but it may take time for them to get to a safe place to do so.

Only pass large, slow-moving farm equipment when in an area that allows for passing. Double yellow lines on a roadway indicate an area in which passing is not permitted. Do not attempt to pass when within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad crossing, bridge or tunnel.

Be Responsible

 

Look for hand signals before attempting to pass the vehicle. The size of farm equipment often dictates the necessity for wide turns, both to the left and the right. Just because a tractor veers right does not mean the operator is pulling over to allow someone to pass.

Avoid tailgating, as some farm equipment might have to make sudden stops along the road.

Along with Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, the following state agencies will be sharing safety tips this harvest season: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Department of Agriculture and Indiana State Police.