As Illinois residents we are used to this time of year. Over the next few months, farmers will be working from sunrise until sunset moving tractors, planters and tillage equipment that are often oversized and slow-moving.
Farm equipment collisions pose significant risks on roadways. The estimation of approximately 10,000 annual collisions involving farm equipment underscores the importance of promoting road safety awareness, especially in rural areas where agricultural machinery is commonly used.
NCOE FFA is offering tips to make sure drivers are as safe and aware as they can be.
Some important recommendations for drivers include:
Follow state driving laws
Remember to decrease speed and approach agricultural equipment with care
Never pass farm equipment in a no passing zone
Remember farm equipment may be wider than what is visible from behind, and it may be difficult to see if traffic is approaching in the opposite direction
Maintain a safe following distance
Consider taking an alternative route during peak commuting times such as sunrise and sunset
A typical crash with farm equipment could be anything from a sideswipe to an angle crash. They occur most often when a driver attempts to pass a slow-moving vehicle or does not realize a farmer is turning or stopping.
The NCOE FFA wants you to remember the above tips when getting behind the wheel. We all share in the responsibility of making our roads safe. We can do our part by driving defensively and avoiding dangerous situations as much as possible. Driving is a privilege that comes with a great deal of responsibility, and it is up to us to exercise it with caution and care.