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 or contact MnDOT to remove
it.
·
Plan
their routes so wide equipment will not hit or damage signs, guardrails, light
poles and other roadway structures.
