Last year, there were 201 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment and farm implements. In those crashes, four people were killed and 46 were injured. Scott Kubala with News 1st says the Missouri State Highway Patrol has provided some tips for motorists who may travel this harvest season when farm equipment will be moving more frequently on some of Missouri’s roadways.
Missouri has entered the fall harvest season and drivers and farmers must pay attention and share the road. Farmers and motorists are likely to encounter each other on any roadway, at any time of the day or night. Whether you are driving a vehicle or operating farm machinery, these crashes can be prevented by paying attention to the full-time job of driving and obeying all traffic laws.
The Highway Patrol also has some safety tips for farmers:
* Make sure your equipment is properly marked with lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem when you travel on the roadway. Be sure the lights and reflective materials are clean and free of debris to be visible.
* Utilize escort vehicles to warn motorists when moving equipment that is wider than the lane of travel. This is especially important on roadways that are narrow or have hills and/or curves that limit sight distance.
*If traffic accumulates behind you on the road where it is difficult to make a safe pass, pull off onto the side of the road in a level area and let those vehicles go around you.
*Always drive as far to the right as possible.
Be listening to News First on Show-Me Live tomorrow (Tuesday) as Scott Kubala will provide more farm machinery harvest-related tips.
