ST.
PAUL, Minn. — Motorists traveling on Minnesota highways this fall need
to be aware of large farm equipment transporting crops to markets, grain
elevators and processing plants, according to the Minnesota Department
of Transportation.
“Harvest
season is in full swing and farmers in every corner of the state are
out using the highways,” said Sue Groth, state traffic engineer.
“Motorists need to be prepared to encounter slow-moving farm vehicles,
especially on rural, two-lane roads.”
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.
During
2012-14, 414 traffic crashes took place on Minnesota roads involving at
least one farm vehicle, resulting in 13 fatalities and 202 injuries. Of
the 13 fatalities, eight were farm vehicle riders; of the 202
injuries, 48 were farm vehicle riders.
“The
biggest factors contributing to farm equipment/vehicle crashes are
inattention, unsafe passing and speed,” Groth said. “Motorists should
always slow down and use caution when approaching farm equipment.”
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
