6 tips for road safety: Stay safe this planting season

INDIANAPOLIS — Planting season is here for Indiana’s 94,000 farmers, which means farm equipment will be back on the roads and it may take longer to get where you’re going.

“With the onset of warmer weather, we will begin to see more and more farm machinery on our rural roads and highways,” said Doug Carter, Indiana State Police superintendent.

“Patience, courtesy, undivided attention and understanding will help everyone get to where they need to be safely. Let’s all do our part to ensure our farmers enjoy a safe planting season.”

Safety Tips For Motorists Approaching Large Farm Equipment

1. Farmers will pull over when they are able to let motorists pass, but it may take time for them to get to a safe place to do so.

2. Be patient. Farm equipment is wide, sometimes taking up most of the road.

3. Be careful when passing. Do not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone” or within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure or tunnel.

4. Do not try to pass slow-moving farm equipment on the left without ensuring that the farmer driving is not planning a left turn. It may appear that the driver is pulling over to allow a pass when the farmer is actually preparing to turn. You will drive right into its path, endangering yourself and the farmer.

5. Avoid tailgating, as some farm equipment might have to make sudden stops along the road.

6. Allow plenty of time to get to a destination, be aware of alternate routes and avoid distractions.

Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, reminded drivers that farmers work hard to ensure they are being as safe as possible.

“As a farmer myself, I have heard of way too many accidents involving farm equipment and motorists on rural Indiana roads,” he said.

“Unfortunately, crashes and deaths occur each year during this busy time. We want to encourage motorists to slow down, be alert and be patient when sharing the roads with farmers this busy spring season.”

For a list of safety tips, click https://tinyurl.com/4p9656k2.