As Iowa’s fall harvest continues, motorists are being reminded to use extra caution when traveling near farm equipment on rural roads and highways.
Combines, grain wagons and grain carts are moving between fields and grain facilities throughout the state. Because agricultural machinery travels at lower speeds than passenger vehicles, drivers should be prepared to slow down and allow extra time to reach their destinations.
Rebecca Vittetoe, a field agronomist with the Iowa State University Extension Office in Washington County, emphasizes the importance of patience and awareness when sharing the road with farm equipment.
Large agricultural machines have blind spots that can prevent operators from seeing nearby vehicles. Drivers are encouraged to maintain a safe following distance, reduce speed and avoid attempting to pass unless it is legal and safe to do so.
One particular hazard is the wide left turn. Farm equipment may move toward the right side of the road before turning left into a field or driveway. Motorists who assume the operator is pulling over to allow them to pass could enter the path of the turning machinery.
Safety Rules for Sharing the Road with Farm Equipment
- Slow down early: Farm machinery travels much slower than standard highway traffic. Reduce speed as soon as equipment comes into view and allow plenty of following distance.
- Watch for signals: Look for amber flashing lights, slow-moving vehicle triangles, turn signals and signs that equipment may be preparing to turn.
- Pass with caution: Only pass when it is completely safe and legal to do so. Farm machinery may need extra room to maneuver or swing wide, so make sure the operator is not preparing to turn before attempting to pass.
Farm equipment operators also have a role in preventing crashes. They are encouraged to keep slow-moving vehicle emblems, lights, reflectors and other safety signals clean and visible. When possible, operators should also consider avoiding periods of heavy traffic.
With harvest activity increasing on Iowa roadways, motorists and farm equipment operators are encouraged to remain alert, exercise patience and make safety a priority throughout the season.
The goal is simple: help everyone reach their destination safely.
Source: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
