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 getting in full swing across the state and farmers and their
equipment are out on the highways,” said Jay Hietpas, 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 equipment also makes wide turns and sometimes crosses 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.
From
2011 to 2015, there were 688 crashes involving farm vehicles that resulted in
23 fatalities and 348 injuries. Nearly half of the fatalities were an
occupant of the farm vehicle.
“Twenty-two
percent of all farm equipment crashes and 29 percent of the fatalities were
distraction-related,” Hietpas said. “Other factors were speed-related and
alcohol-related.”
Motorists
should:
· Watch for debris dropped by
trucks hauling sugar beets and other crops. It is safer to brake or slowly
drive through debris than to veer into oncoming cars or off the road.
· When approaching farm
equipment, slow down and use caution. Put additional space between your vehicle
and the farm equipment ahead. Don’t assume the equipment operator can see you.
· Be patient and 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.
· Drive slow-moving vehicles in
the right-hand lane as close to the edge of the roadway as possible.
· Consider using an escort
vehicle when moving equipment, especially at night and if the equipment is
large enough that it may extend across the center line.
· Avoid encouraging or
signaling motorists to pass. Pull over when safe, and let traffic pass.
· Pick up any debris left on
the highway by the equipment.
· Plan their routes so wide
equipment will not hit or damage signs, guardrails, light poles and other
roadway structures.
