ST. PAUL, Minn. — Motorists traveling on Minnesota
highways this spring need to be aware of large farm equipment moving from farm
to farm, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
“Planting season is in full swing and farmers in every
corner of the state are out on the highways,” said Ray Starr, acting 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 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.
Over the past five years, 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. Other factors were
speed-related and alcohol-related.
Motorists should:
· When
approaching farm equipment, slow down and use caution.
· Watch
for debris dropped by trucks. 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.
