082515_YKMV_A3.pdf
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August 25, 2015 • Page 3
Farm Equipment, Safety on the Road
BROOKINGS, S,D - Even
though fall harvest is a ways
off, we still encounter farm
equipment on the road.
Whether it is a tractor and
baler, someone hauling feed
between farms or silage
equipment - during the growing and harvest season, producers and motorists need
to be vigilant while sharing
the road.
Column by Tracey Erickson, SDSU Dairy Extension
Field Specialist
As motorists, there are
things we need to remember.
First patience is key. Most
farm equipment operating
on roadways is traveling
at speeds between 15-25
miles per hour (mph). The
Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV)
emblem on equipment it is
an immediate warning to
slow down.
Motorists also need to remember it may be necessary
to operate farm equipment
on the roadways to move
between fields or farms.
Farm equipment is entitled
to travel roadways legally.
An example that is often
cited is that if you are driving 55 mph and come upon
farm equipment that is driving 15 mph, it will only take
five seconds to close a gap
the length of a football field
between you and the farm
equipment.
Motorists need to be
aware of the fact that producers are not always able
to see vehicles sharing the
roadway with them. However, once they know you are
there, they will attempt to
pull over to let the motorist
pass, if they are able to do
so safely.
If the farm equipment is
unable to pull off to the side
of the road, and you choose
to pass, please do so with
caution using the following
guidelines:
* Be aware of other vehicles behind you that may
also be trying to pass.
* If you enter the oncoming lane of traffic, do not
pass unless you are able to
see clearly in front of you
and the farm equipment you
are passing.
* Do not pass if there
are incoming hills or curves
which may block your view.
* Do not pass if you are
in a designated “No Passing
Zone” or within 100 feet of
any intersection, railroad
crossing, or bridge.
* Do not assume if farm
equipment slows down and
pulls out to the right that
they will be turning right
or is letting you pass. Due
to the size of today’s farm
equipment many must
execute very wide left-hand
turns and in fact may be
turning left instead. Check
for hand signals, turn signals, or approaches.
* Remember that farm
equipment is very large and
cannot stop on a dime.
Agricultural producers
also need to do their part as
they share the roadways. All
vehicles that move less than
25 mph must be equipped
with a SMV reflective emblem. The emblem should be
kept clean, must be visible,
and replacement is recommended every 2-3 years.
Producers should also place
reflective tape on equipment
marking the edges of the
farm equipment, helping to
increase visibility. In regards
to lighting and traversing
roadways with farm equipment keep the following in
mind:
* Tractors or other farm
equipment that is operated on roadways must be
equipped with lights if operated on roads at night or
when there are conditions of
reduced visibility.
* Use your flashing amber
lights to increase motorist
awareness when entering the
roadway, but turn your rear
spotlights off, as they are often mistaken for headlights.
* Putting flashing amber
lights on older equipment
that may not have lights will
help signal motorist attention. Temporary magnetic
lighting is available for older
farm equipment. The key is
keeping the battery charged
and working.
* Try to avoid major
roadways during high
traffic periods, rush hour,
bad weather or at night if
possible.
* If it is necessary to
travel long distances on the
roadways, consider using
pilot cars in front and behind
of the farm equipment, especially at night. Make sure
pilot cars use their flashing
lights or hang a bright flag in
the window.
* Installation of mirrors
on equipment will help you
view motorists around you.
* Lock brake pedals
together for road travel,
as sudden braking on one
wheel can cause a tractor to
skid and lose control.
* Check all towed
equipment to make sure
it is properly secured and
balanced along with having
proper lighting and reflective
equipment. It should also be
towed by equipment that is
able to tow it adequately and
stop it under control.
* Whenever feasible take
steps to make equipment as
“traffic friendly” as possible.
Combines with wide heads
are very difficult to see
around and/or pass. Putting
the head on a trailer creates
fewer problems for other
vehicles to safely pass.
* Traveling at appropriate speeds will allow you to
maintain control at all times.
* Make sure all employees who may be operating
farm equipment on public roadways are trained
adequately and are aware of
the rules of the road.
* Stay alert of all hazards
on the road such as soft or
steep shoulders, bridges,
ruts, narrow roadways, potholes or objects on the path
of travel.
* When cars are lined
up behind you, and there is
a suitable shoulder or approach please pull over and
let the traffic pass.
Whether you are a motorist or agriculture producer
traveling on roadways,
remember we must all obey
the traffic rules, which
includes no texting and appropriate use of cell phones.
Courtesy and patience are
key to safety on the road.
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