Watch out for slow moving implements on the road.

Neil Cates, Livestock Agent

Fall is just around the corner.  Haying, silage chopping, field work and spraying are currently in motion with wheat planting and fall harvest quickly approaching.   This means there is an increased presence of farm machinery on the roads. 
As a driver, one should be aware of the increased amount of farm implement traffic on the roads.  Be patient when following slow moving implements.  A farmer understands that your trip is being delayed, so he or she will pull off of the road at the first available safe location to allow you to pass.  Don’t assume that the farmer can immediately move aside to let you pass.  Road shoulders may be soft, wet or steep, and this can cause a farm vehicle to tip.
Some farm equipment may be wider than the lane of travel.  If you approach a piece of wide farm equipment traveling in the opposite direction and you cannot pass safely, stop.  Then pull off the road to a location that will allow the equipment to pass you.
Don’t assume the farmer knows you’re there.  Most operators of farm equipment will regularly check to see if there’s traffic behind them.  However, the driver must spend most of the time looking ahead to keep the equipment safely on the road and watch for oncoming traffic.  Do not assume that the driver knows where your vehicle is.  When approaching a slow moving implement, slow down to their speed before passing.  Do not assume that a farm vehicle that pulls to the right side of the road is going to turn right or is letting you pass.  Due to the size of some farm implements, the farmer must execute wide left-hand turns.  If you are unsure, check the operator’s hand signals and check the left side of the road for gates, driveways or any place a farm vehicle might turn.  Unfortunately, just because the implement is equipped with turn signals, does not mean they will be used.
Be cautious around the dusk hours.  With the sun going down earlier and earlier as we progress into fall, more implements will be traveling during this period of low visibility.  Be on the look-out of flashing amber lights and reflectors.
Be aware of and patient with farm equipment on the road to ensure a safe trip for you and farmers this fall.

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