Safety: Sharing the road

Keep in mind the following safety tips for motorists as you share the road with farm equipment

• Farm machinery has a legal right to use public roads just as other motor vehicles.
• Farm machinery can unexpectedly turn onto a public road from a field or driveway.
• Farm machinery operators may not be able to see you because the large equipment or a load can block part of their rear view.
• Slow-moving farm machinery traveling less than 25 miles per hour should display a slow moving vehicle emblem on the back of the equipment.
• Extra-wide farm machinery may take up more than one lane to avoid hitting obstacles such as mailboxes and road signs.

Before passing farm machinery

• Look for left turn lights or hand signals. If the machinery slows and pulls toward the right side of the road, the operator is likely preparing to make a wide left turn.
• Be sure there is adequate distance for you to safely pass.
• Rural road rage can be negated if everyone takes the responsibility to have extra patience, careful driving habits, and use high-visibility markings and lighting.