When I sit down to write an article or column, typically I have an idea of what I would like to say or accomplish, given a current topic or problem. This week was not one of those times as it tough to get excited about 30-degree weather in April or tariffs that may or may not happen on agricultural goods.
With the cold wet weather, it looks like May is going to be a busy month for farmers in the fields. That being said this is an opportune time to consider road and highway safety for the coming growing season. Fred Whitford, Ag Safety Specialist from Purdue University suggests farmer follow these guidelines.
A slow-moving vehicle sign is a must have. It doesn’t matter how many fancy flashing lights you have on the tractor or the trailing implement. Red flags are not substitutes for SMV signs. Make sure the sign is visible and in good condition. For equipment that travels over 25 mph an SIS “speed identification symbol” emblem is also required.
Plan your route in the morning. If you have multiple pieces of equipment wait 5 minutes before the next implement leaves the driveway. This reduces the chance of a car or cars trying to pass multiple tractors and implements at a time. If moving a convoy of equipment, the best time to do so is at night when traffic is at a minimum.
Show your intentions. In a county with many straight roads if you can do so safely take the left hand lane before turning left. A car will be able to see that you are intending to turn as opposed to trying to pass when you slow down. Remember only do this when there is no oncoming traffic.
If crossing a bridge only cross if the gross weight of the implement is less than bridge limit. I can show you plenty of pictures of what happens when a piece of equipment is too heavy. When crossing a narrow bridge, the driver of the farm machinery once again should show their intentions. Take both lanes of the bridge to show oncoming traffic that the bridge isn’t wide enough for the two of you.
Make sure any implement you are towing is visible. State law says that where flashers are required on tractors, flashing lights on the tractor or on a pickup are sufficient, and you don’t need flashing lights at the rear of the implement you are towing. However, it’s your responsibility to make sure the flashing lights are visible. If the implement blocks the flashing lights, then flashing lights could be required on the implement.
Know the rules about reflectors and flashing lights. Equipment built after July 1, 2006, must have reflectors and lights. Reflective tape is not required, but it recommended. What’s required by law and what’s the best practice for safety may not always be the same thing; err on the side of safety.
I’ll end this week with a quote from firearm specialist Jeff Cooper, “Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands.” Have a great week.