HARRISBURG – Rural roads will be bustling with activity in coming weeks and months as farmers head to their fields, making it especially important for farmers and motorists to use caution when driving on rural roadways, said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff.
“Farmers necessarily travel on rural roadways in large tractors and farm equipment to access their fields,” said Wolff. “Everyone shares the responsibility of keeping our rural roads safe. Whether operating a farm implement, or sharing the road with one, I urge farmers and motorists to exercise an abundance of caution on rural roadways, so that production agriculture may continue to thrive in Pennsylvania.”
To help celebrate “Rural Roads Safety Week” in Pennsylvania, proclaimed as April 19-25 by Governor Edward G. Rendell, Wolff offered safety tips for drivers and farmers.
Drivers should remember:
• Anticipate that, between April and November, farm equipment will be on the roads.
• Avoid rushing and leave in plenty of time to reach your destination.
• Slow down when you see the slow-moving vehicle emblem. The emblem is an orange triangle that is attached to vehicles moving at speeds of under 25 miles per hour.
• Use caution when passing farm vehicles, and do not pass if your view, or the view of oncoming vehicles, is blocked.
• Farm equipment is wide, heavy and noisy. Don’t assume the farmer knows you are there. Before you attempt to pass, blow your vehicle’s horn to alert the farmer.
• Never assume a farm vehicle that pulls to the right side of the road is going to turn right, or that it is okay to pass. Due to the size of some farm equipment, the farmer must move to the right before making a wide left turn. Look for hand and light signals that may alert you the farmer is turning.
• Sometimes, farmers use large equipment such as combines. If equipment is larger than the travel lanes, and you cannot pass safely, stop and let the equipment pass, then continue on your way.
Farmers should remember:
• Before the growing season begins, check all equipment to ensure it is operating properly and review all safety procedures.
• Always keep slow-moving vehicle signs free of any dirt or debris, and replace reflective material as needed, normally every two to three years.
• Mark the edges of all equipment withreflective material to increase visibility. Since reflective material on tractors may be blocked by the towed implement, it is important to edge all equipment rather than just the tractor.
• Install mirrors on older equipment for greater visibility of motorists.
• Ride with tractor lights on, but turn off rear spot lights when traveling on roadways, as they can be mistaken for headlights.
• If you have a large load, such as a combine, or are traveling a long distance, use pilot cars in front of and behind you. The cars’ drivers should use their four-ways and look for possible dangers.
• When travel on roadways is necessary, avoid rush hours and bad weather. Do not drive before sunrise and after sunset.
• Be courteous and pull off the road when it is safe to allow traffic to pass.
