Safe roads

Driving down the load and seeing big flashing lights immediately I think “oh no is that an accident?” I get closer and still not sure what is ahead of me it’s dark out I’m going 55 miles per hour. I start to panic when I see a combine driving down the road. Next thought that passes through my mind is “what do I do.” It only takes a few seconds going 55 miles per hour to rear-end a tractor that’s only 300 feet away.

Many people hesitate while driving around farm equipment but there are ways you can stay safe and not end up hurt or in an accident. Grinnell Mutual gave safety tips and resources for how to drive safely around farm equipment. They state that it is first really important to watch for slow moving vehicles, and try to remember what time of year it is. You are going to see more farm equipment on the roads during harvest. Secondly don’t drive too close to the equipment. It scares the driver and puts him under a great deal of stress. It is recommended to stay about 50 feet away from the equipment. Country roads unlike the highway are not straight and have deep curves and sharp turns. Never try to pass farm equipment during a turn. They swing wide and make wide turns sometimes farmers will use their hands to signal meaning there is more evidence that they are turning which is a good indicator to slow down and let them take their time so you both can turn safely. A common mistake is to think that a farmer is moving aside to let you pass. Instead they most likely see something ahead like a turn and they are preparing to swing out. If you try to pass during this time, it is more common to cause an accident. 

Sciencedaily.com reports that over 1,100 farm vehicle accidents causing sever or fatal injuries take place every year. Main two reasons for accidents are trying to pass or rear- ending the tractor. So let’s start paying more attention to road safety so both farmers and drivers can get where they are going quickly and safely.